Mila dungarees – pattern review

Who hasn’t been waiting for the perfect dungarees pattern to be released?! Well Mila is finally here to save the day!

I bought the pattern as soon as it was released from the gorgeous Harriet from Sew Me Sunshine and it queue jumped everything else on my list meaning I got started on it as soon as I had some free time this weekend.

I had a 1.4 metre bolt end of indigo stretch denim from Fabric Godmother that I thought would be perfect for these dungarees. I had to do some very precise pattern tetris to get it to work, but my determination paid off! I also used this amazing Cotton and Steel Magic Forest Foxes fabric from Sew Me Sunshine for the inside front facing, back bib, inner waistbands and the back button tabs. I don’t even mind that you can see a bit of it peaking out from the button tabs as it is just so adorable!

I finished the raw edge of the front facing with some lovely satin bias tape. I know, only I will see this detail, but it will make me smile every time I put them on!

I was initially worried that the dungarees would sit right on my hips and not be the most flattering shape, but actually they come up quite high waisted on me and the fit is really good. I usually make a size 2 in Tilly’s patterns, but actually sized down to the 1 for the Mila, based on the finished measurements.

I top stitched using a lovely dark grey gutterman extra strength thread and it goes really well with the denim.

I took an inch off of the hems before I turned them up and they hit the perfect spot on my ankle, with the ability to turn them up for the summer months.

I also added some cute embellishments to the pockets. I got these lovely patches from Liberty on my last visit, which had been waiting for the perfect project. I especially love this lightning bolt on the front, which is very David Bowie!

I completely agree with Emily from Self Assembly Required about feeling as if they are missing side pockets. When I put them on, my first instinct was to put my hands in my pockets. I might see what I can do to hack the pattern to add pockets for my next pair!

If the Cleo dungaree dress was your introduction to dressmaking, then this will really develop your sewing skills. Nothing in the pattern is particularly difficult, and once again, Tilly’s instructions are super clear and helpful.

I can also confirm that, thanks to the stretch in the denim, they are super comfy to wear!