I have a finished object to share! I know y'all were getting worried that I had fallen down a hexagon/crochet rabbit hole, and I'll admit, I was a little worried too! You guys, I
love crochet! It's so fun! I'm officially obsessed. But don't worry, I can't keep away from my sewing machine for long.
Pattern: Alder Shirtdress by Grainline Patterns. This is a loose (almost "baby doll" style) shirtdress with optional gathered skirt.
Fabric: An inexpensive "washer" linen/cotton blend from Fabric.com in a pastel minty/sage green. To be honest, I was disappointed when I saw this fabric in person and it has sat in my stash for many months. The color was lighter than I had expected/hoped, and as far as quality, I got what I paid for - it's a bit rough and coarsely woven. That said, it sewed up well and has just the right weight/drape for this dress. I am glad that I found a use for this piece! Since the linen seemed a bit washed out and boring on its own, I used scraps of Liberty cotton for the facings, and I am so glad I did. The peek of Liberty at the collar really adds something to the dress.
First time? Yes! This was my first time sewing a Grainline pattern. I loved the clean, spartan illustrations and instructions and the pattern was well-drafted. I did have to consult the Alder sew-along for more guidance when it came time to sew on the collar, though. I think that's what you get with "spartan" instructions. It's so hard to find the perfect balance! I really love the Grainline aesthetic - all of the patterns are so wearable and simple. I am excited to try the Archer shirt and Moss skirt, which I also purchased in a fit of selfish buying.
Size: 10. My bust and waist measurements were pretty much spot on for this size, and when I first sewed up the bodice, the bust dart seemed to fall in exactly the right place with no adjustment. But in the end, it is a tad large, the pockets are a bit lower than they should be (weighed down by the skirt - even when you sew a muslin, things can turn out differently!), and my bra peeks out from the armholes. If I were to make this again, I think I would try a size 8. I am somewhat small-boned, so my rib cage and shoulders are smaller than my measurements would indicate, and this is a loose and roomy dress. However, it was very refreshing to not have to do a full bust adjustment or have to move darts around! As it is, this is a breezy, comfortable, wearable dress, but I'm not sure it's the most flattering thing on. But it is the perfect garment for a hot sticky Indian Summer.
Modifications: Contrast facings. Otherwise, no mods. I flat felled all of the seams except along the skirt, which I serged and topstitched down. So the inside is nice and clean.
The good: Modern, wearable shape, clean finishings, simple instructions that get the job done without killing too many trees. (I so much prefer line drawings to photographs in patterns, although I understand why so many indie pattern designers use photographs.) I love the menswear-style shirt details like the two piece collar, plackets, and breast pockets. I love the use of bias facing on the armholes (I hate big bulky facings on shirts). The inside of this dress looks great and I think it will hold up to washing really well.
And hey! It looks good with a cardigan! But doesn't everything? I only put this on for a minute - it's too hot for a sweater today!
The not-so-good: I would prefer real "notches" on the patterns, something easier to see when you're cutting. Tiling this PDF pattern took FOREVER. So tedious. I know some people find Liesl's tiling style to be confusing (it confused me at first), but I prefer not having to tape 500 pages together before I can even start cutting, so I like the way she tiles her patterns one piece at a time. Also, the different versions of the Alder Shirtdress have their own pieces, which is great, except that there is no option to print out only one version because of the way they are tiled. So that's just a whole lot of paper. On the bright side, I've already cut out the version without a gathered skirt, so I wouldn't have to tile it all again if I wanted to try the other style.
Make again? Probably ... it's a pretty specific style, so I am not sure how many of these I need. I do think it would make an adorable blouse to wear over skinny jeans, though, and I'd like the opportunity to work out the minor bugs/fitting issues. It may not be the most flattering shape on me, but this is a great dress for chasing after children on the weekend - it's even nursing-friendly! Although it's a bit baggy, this dress definitely radiates "effortless cool" and I feel reasonably put together in it.
Yay for selfish sewing! Next up, a few pieces for Maggie. I am considering participating in KCW again - once again in a low key way considering that I have Planning Commission on the night of the 20th and I am, of course, working all week. But Maggie does need a pink fall wardrobe since she refuses to wear any other color right now! I figure the best way to kill her love of pink is to inundate her with handmade pink clothing that I will be sad if she doesn't wear ... haha, we'll see!
Are you going to be KCW'ing this autumn (spring for you Aussies)?