Cool for the summer

It's getting hot, y'all.

We had really, really pleasant weather this winter (sorry, northerners).  But it looks like it's over.  All of a sudden we're back in the 80s, and I assume the humidity is not far behind.  So it's time for me to focus on summer clothes.  And like I mentioned on the post about my last Alder, it is the perfect pattern for hot summers.

I bought this fabric at my favorite fabric store last summer.  It's seersucker in a pretty navy with a lovely print of little apples.  Although fruit prints are totally in right now, this is actually a vintage fabric.  They only had about 1 3/4 yards of this left, and I snapped it up.

Because of fabric limitations, I knew I was looking at a sleeveless or short sleeved blouse.  But I wanted something with a little interest.  This fabric deserves it!  So I decided to shorten the Alder dress into a top.  I also made it a v-neck as I didn't have enough fabric for a collar and stand.  I didn't even have enough for pockets!  I ended up having to piece the inside yoke together from two pieces and used another fabric for the armhole binding too.  This was some serious pattern puzzling.

I wanted to exaggerate the high-low hem on the Alder a bit.  It turned out that I exaggerated it a little TOO much, as I ended up chopping about 4-5 inches off the back once I tried it on.  It's still a big difference, but the before was almost costumey.

I.  Love.  This.  Shirt.  This is my favorite thing I've made in a while.  Alder is such a fun pattern to sew.  I love doing the back yoke, I love turning the corner on the gathered section, I love the button bands.  It's just an all around great pattern.  I finished this one up on Friday afternoon, and I've worn it 3 times in the last 4 days.  So I'd say it's a success!

Project:  Apple Seersucker Alder Blouse
Pattern:  Grainline Alder
Fabric:  vintage seersucker print

Favorite Favorite

Hi, I'm Sarah, and I'm a double gauze addict. 

It is just the perfect fabric for our hot Louisiana summers. And what do you get when you combine a favorite fabric with a favorite pattern? A favorite dress. 

This is a modified Grainline Alder dress, with the vee neck and no pockets.  It's an easy modification thanks to the great tutorial on the website. 

Now, I know that this simple shape without a collar and very little detail can remind you of those pictures of people living in the Dust Bowl. It's utilitarian. But combined with his bright polka dot I think it works. The simple, easy shape is what makes it perfect for summer. 

This dress is simple, but I adore it. Now that I sew, I feel like the enjoyment I had in making someone affects how I feel about it. I really put effort into the finishes on this one, and the pride I have in the finished product just feels great when I wear it. 

 I have some newly purchased double gauze from the Nani Iro spring line, and I'm considering making another one of these. Why mess with perfection, right?

One last picture because it cracks me up. 
 

Project: polka dot dress

Fabric: Nani Iro double gauze

Pattern: Grainline Alder

Notions: I used bias tape to finish the neckline and encase some seams. Not a requirement. You'll need buttons and bread of course. 

Skills: some fun shirt making techniques, buttonholes