Ellie Howard lives in London where she works at City Hall on inclusive design in the built environment. She trained in architecture before moving to the public sector and believes that how we design has huge power to change things for the better.

COBAEA came about because Ellie was interested in playing with two ways of structuring denim in one garment. The top part has a tunic-like workwear feel with a gentle A-line. Contrasting topstitching can be used to subtly reinforce and echo the more formal, organized lines of the bodice. The bubble hem is more sculptural and provides an unexpected softness in contrast to the bodice. These two shapes reflect Ellie’s evolving personal style: her background as an architectural designer and her growing pull towards fun, nostalgic dressing. Gardeners will notice that the design is named after the Cobaea scandens vine plant, which has bell-shaped flowers.

From each pattern purchase, we give 50% to the designer. Our goal is to support independent creatives and promote a democratic and open society.

All photos by Laura Oja. Illustrations by Ivona Fodora.

Fabric Recommendations:
Choose light to medium-weight woven fabrics that have a bit of structure or stiffness. Seersuckers and poplins will emphasize the shape of the balloon hem, but shirting fabrics and linens also work well for the design. The top sample is made in “Vintage Wash Chambray” (100% cotton, 5.5 oz/188 gsm) and the dress sample is made in “Jouy Blue Donguri Organic Seersucker” (100% organic cotton, 3oz/100 gsm). Both fabrics by Merchant & Mills.

Fabric Requirements:
For sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5) (6, 7, 8, 9)

Top fabric with bias binding finish:
width 55"/140 cm, length 53.2 (59.9, 61.9, 65, 78) (87.1, 88.6, 90.6, 93)" / 135 (152, 157, 165, 198) (221, 225, 230, 236) cm

Dress fabric with facings:
width 55"/140 cm, length 115.8 (130.4, 140.6, 146.5, 160.7) (173.3, 175.2, 177.2, 178)" / 294 (331, 357, 372, 408) (440, 445, 450, 452) cm

Files:
A4 (home printing) and A0 (copy shop printing) PDF files with layers, sizes nested. Sewing instructions are in a separate PDF file.

Delivery:
After purchasing, you will receive a link to download the PDF files. There are no delivery charges for the digital patterns, as they are delivered automatically via email immediately after purchase. PDF patterns are only eligible for return and refund if the provided download links have not been used. If the download links have been used, the product will not be refunded.