Monday, May 23, 2016

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.

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


12 comments:

  1. You do this relaxed style so well. It looks great on you. I also love your shoes.

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    1. Thanks Masha! I might make a few more of these so I never have to think about what to wear this summer. They really are effortless. Also - shoes are Dansko. Surprisingly comfortable/walkable.

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  2. Lovely! Ha ha- I agree about the joy of dresses: not having to match pants to shirts in the morning.

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    1. Oh, thank goodness! I was afraid I was just lazy. ;)

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  3. Love it. Great idea on the pockets; a full skirted dress without pockets is maddening!!

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    1. I'm trying to add pockets where ever possible. I hate not having them, but sometimes I'm in too much of a hurry to wear whatever I'm sewing!

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  4. Lovely dress! I keep adding pockets myself. I get the placement right, but they're never big enough. (I use old pattern pieces.) Someday I'll get it right! Definitely on an Alder!

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    1. Thanks Melody! I used the True Bias Colfax Dress pockets. They are enormous! They are my pocket of choice from now on.

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  5. Perfection of course! I must raise the dart on my next one too.... And I'd consider raising the waist seam.... Nice alterations. And I wish wish wish there was more access to Art Gallery fabrics in Australia!

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  6. Gorgeous! You're so good!! It looks great with those shoes too.

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  7. Gorgeous! You're so good!! It looks great with those shoes too.

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  8. Hi Kristi

    This dress looks amazing, I always love you style! Just wondering if you have a method for finishing gathered seams without a serger? This is the problem I'm having at the moment with my alder :P

    thanks, Shannon

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