Art Gallery Denim Alder Shirtdress

I had so much planned for this little space this month, and now I'm just not sure where the weeks have gone. There was a whole lot of packing and unpacking of car and suitcase, so I guess I will blame my silence on travel. Such is May.

This is the Alder Shirtdress View B from Grainline Studio. I've made this pattern a few times before (View A, View B, modification), and I think we all know it intimately by now. If you're new to shirtmaking, this is a great place to start as it has a collar and button front but no cuffs, giving you practice with the important bits of the button up before you go the whole way. As a bonus you get a complete outfit when you're finished, as opposed to a shirt, where you may find you still need some pants.

The main fabric is Art Gallery Denim Infused Hydrangea (affiliate link). Based on the name I thought this fabric would be be more purple (don't ask me why). It's not. It's a perfectly washed blue. The hand and drape are fantastic for a fabric whose durability and price point justify their use for everyday. I may make something in every color (or at least all of the blues) before the summer is through. In the past I have been a devotee of the Joann Fabrics light weight denim, but this is better. Mainly because of the drape, and far better color choices, making it worth the advanced planning ordering online requires. Or in my case the panic at the last minute when you realize you needed it yesterday, and can't find anyone able to ship it quickly.

The accent fabric is Liberty London from a long out grown kid's project. With any luck I will not out grow this little piece of it. The roses were pilfered from my community garden (No one said I couldn't pick them. No one said I could.) before I even realized their parallels to the garment.

Size/Fit: I made my standard size 6 at the bust graded to an 8 at the waist based on my measurements. I could easily have made a straight 6, but I ascribe to the better safe than sorry school of sewing. I am only capable of isolating one variable at a time, two if I really put my mind to it, and my bust/waist/hip couldn't be further from a linear equasion.

Alterations: Raised the armhole 3/4". Raised waist 3/4", lengthened the skirt 3/4" to compensate for change and maintain length. Raised bust dart 1" as usual. The biggest modification is the addition of pockets! All that volume and no place to put your phone? Unpardonable! Phone is safely by my side in my very generous pockets.

Pattern: Alder Shirt Dress from Grainline Studio

Fabric: Art Gallery Light Weight Denim (affiliate link) in Infused Hydrangea from Fabric Worm