Pattern Review - Christine Haynes Lottie pattern

The Christine Haynes Lottie is one of those patterns that we were really keen to buy for the shop as soon as it was published. In a similar way to the Lotta Jansdotter Esme dress, the Lottie is the kind of easy sew, easy wear top/tunic/dress you could make a few of in different fabrics and call it your uniform. Even better, the pattern itself is a fulsome offering, with shirt and maxi-length options as well as a sleeves of varying lengths and style - 18 different combinations in total.

In light of this being such an appealing and versatile pattern, I honestly can't tell you why it has taken me so long to make this sample and blog about it. I suspect we were at the height of our Fen fever when it arrived and poor Lottie has been overlooked. But she is no less worthy.

I made View B - the one with the 3/4 length sleeves. Pockets were left off ('cause, let's face it - the wall in our shop where this will be displayed does not need pockets), but rest assured there are patch pockets included in this pattern, plus it would be easy to add side seam pockets to should the need arise.

Working with a 1.8m remnant of 150cm wide fabric meant that I needed to leave 5cm off the dress length, so this version falls squarely into tunic territory. The full length dress would be easily eked out of 2m rather than the 2.3m stipulated in the instructions, unless you've got pattern matching to do where you might want more. This version is a size 10 as per my measurements but note that this pattern makes a roomy frock. Christine kindly gives finished garment measurements, so I'd recommend you refer to those as there's a decent amount (more than 4 inches) of ease built in. I'd size down next time, especially after seeing these photos.

Of course you can leave the sleeves off this pattern as it has a decent cut-on dolman sleeve already, but I was keen to add them for cooler days - plus, the way the sleeves come together is a nice touch. There is a different piece for the front and back of each sleeve which are cut on an angle so they drape well. This also helps them to look nicely finished if your fabric is directional or patterned. The top-stitching is a nice touch here too.

The pattern itself is an easy sew (Christine rates it as 2/5 level of difficulty) - there are no closures or fitting, and the neckline is finished with bias tape. It's very beginner friendly. 

This fabric is an Art Gallery printed denim - a lovely crisp, soft cotton, available in our online shop here.


The top version of Lottie would be great with jeans, sewn up in a variety of lightweight fabrics - linen, double gauze or chambray. We're also thinking that a light wool Lottie would be a useful winter layer too… I suspect there will be more Lotties around here.

- Fiona & Jane xx