Lengthened Alder Shirtdress

It would seem the 90’s are cool again. There may be some gray area in the cool factor if you’ve already participated in a trend during a previous fashion cycle, but I’m willing to overlook that possible age induced faux pas for the feel on rayon on my legs. This dress revisits the long flowing frocks of the 90’s. I loved them in floral rayons then, I love them in linen rayon now.

This is a lengthened Alder Shirtdress. A modification I’ve had on my mind since I cut out my first view A (made before View B, View B) last year. Why is it that good ideas hit you at the exact moment it’s too late to do anything about them. I really wanted that dress to be mid-length, it took until now to realize the vision. I made this dress over a month ago, and wear it every chance I get, but photographing mat black is well above my skill level. I finally gave up and went with my normal white door backdrop. The details are lost, you’ll have to trust me that there weren’t many to begin with.

This is pretty straightforward Alder except that I lengthened pattern 9” then raised the highest point of the curve 3” at the sides. Next time I might raise the sides a few inches more. I used the square pockets of the Archer. Otherwise it is made as written.

The fabric is the perfectly mat, delightfully flowy Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend. It’s a rayon/linen blend making for a really nice drape. I used the few black and white scraps I had to liven up the insides, and brown tone buttons for a little contrast.

As far as summer dresses go this one is pretty awesome, flowing and unstructured for the summer heat, but casual enough to wear for no special reason. If I promise never to wear it with Doc Martin’s, I think the fashion police will overlook my transgression.

PROJECT NOTES:

Pattern: Alder Shirtdress from Grainline Studio

Fabric: Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen from Fabric.com

FOLLOW ALONG!

    

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