Learn to sew a blouse or dress - the TATB Nell
We invite you to get Spring wardrobe ready and sew your dream blouse or dress in the gorgeous g&g sewing studio.
Saturday 21st March 2026 9.30am-5pm
Join us for an exciting one-day workshop where you'll create a stunning, on trend blouse or dress using the Tilly and the Buttons Nell pattern – a timeless wardrobe staple!
In this 7-hour workshop, you will elevate your handmade wardrobe with this gorgeous blouse or dress that you can customise to your own unique style and skill level.
The Tilly And The Buttons Nell Blouse & Dress is a timeless, easy-to-wear blouse and dress that will be on regular rotation in your wardrobe. This mix ‘n’ match pattern includes four blouse and dress options and four sleeve styles to choose from, plus optional patch pockets and choice of button-front style or on-trend tie opening. The only question is which version will you choose?
Once you've stitched up your me-made Nell, this pattern will be on repeat for sure!
Please note - The style elements you choose will be dependent on your skill level - please see skill level info below. In this workshop, we suggest sewing the short sleeved blouse without patch pockets due to time constraints. If you do decide to make the dress version you may have more to finish off at home. You can always also add patch pockets later at home for that extra flair!
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to sew your own stylish blouse. Reserve your spot today and get ready to rock your handmade wardrobe! 🌟
We invite you to get Spring wardrobe ready and sew your dream blouse or dress in the gorgeous g&g sewing studio.
Saturday 21st March 2026 9.30am-5pm
Join us for an exciting one-day workshop where you'll create a stunning, on trend blouse or dress using the Tilly and the Buttons Nell pattern – a timeless wardrobe staple!
In this 7-hour workshop, you will elevate your handmade wardrobe with this gorgeous blouse or dress that you can customise to your own unique style and skill level.
The Tilly And The Buttons Nell Blouse & Dress is a timeless, easy-to-wear blouse and dress that will be on regular rotation in your wardrobe. This mix ‘n’ match pattern includes four blouse and dress options and four sleeve styles to choose from, plus optional patch pockets and choice of button-front style or on-trend tie opening. The only question is which version will you choose?
Once you've stitched up your me-made Nell, this pattern will be on repeat for sure!
Please note - The style elements you choose will be dependent on your skill level - please see skill level info below. In this workshop, we suggest sewing the short sleeved blouse without patch pockets due to time constraints. If you do decide to make the dress version you may have more to finish off at home. You can always also add patch pockets later at home for that extra flair!
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to sew your own stylish blouse. Reserve your spot today and get ready to rock your handmade wardrobe! 🌟
About this workshop
So what are you waiting for? If you are looking to sew your own stylish blouse or dress and want some guidance to help you to extend your me-made dressmaking skills..then look no further than this class.
Make your first version in the class and then have the confidence to have a go at the other versions at home!
Further Information
This will depend on the pattern option you choose to make but may include:
- How to sew a V neckline finished with a facing
- How to sew bust darts
- How to sew buttonholes
- How to sew faux bow ties
- How to sew a peplum
- How to sew flutter sleeves
- How to sew lined puffball sleeves
Please note: As this class is just one day, depending on your past level of experience you many have to finish some elements off at home.
Optional patch pockets could be added on after the workshop if necessary.
Level 2 - please click here to read the description of this level to ensure it is suited to you
The most straight forward option would be:
Straight blouse (no peplum)
Faux bow ties closure
With more experience you could choose:
Flutter or lined puffball sleeves
Buttonhole closure
A more drapey fabric such as viscose (rayon)
- 20% discount on supplies required for the workshop (full priced fabric & notions)
- 10% off any other full priced fabrics purchased on the day of your course
- A PDF copy of the Tilly and the Buttons Nell pattern to take home and re-use again (US sizes 2-30, UK 6-34, waist 24"-53", hips 33"-61") If you fall out of the size range of the pattern included, please let us know in advance and we can arrange an alternative for you
- A digital copy of the pattern instructions will be emailed to you and a printed copy as reference to use during the class.
- Use of all tools, machines and equipment
- Tea/coffee (please bring a packed lunch or visit one of the lovely local shops)
- Fabric: Light-to medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton lawn, poplin, chambray, flannel, linen blends, Tencel (lyocell), viscose (rayon). For the puffball sleeve, choose a fabric with body that will hold its shape. Please get in touch for exact fabric requirements.
- Matching thread
- 0.9m of fusible interfacing
- 10-15mm buttons or sew on snaps — x6 for straight blouse, x7 for peplum blouse, x10 for knee-length dress or x11 for midi dress
Alison Ivens
Alison has always been crafty and over the years has tried her hand at all sorts, including jewellery making, felting and paper crafts, but over the last few years she has found her passion in sewing and crochet.
After finishing a Fine Art Printmaking degree and Masters in Gallery Studies Alison spent 18 years working as Museum Manager and Curator in a small Lichfield museum, and while this was an important part of her past, she is now enjoying the opportunity to talk dressmaking with our lovely customers.
When she's not at the shop Alison is a mum to two children who, along with her husband, benefit from her dressmaking. Her wardrobe is very eclectic and her favourite pattern is animal print, which she considers a neutral!