What an adventure this project has been!
It started with the accidental buy of the fabric, via Stone Fabrics, as a replacement for a mistake: the denim fabric I ordered did not have stretch at all and they let me choose any replacement. So I choose this seersucker with no particular idea in mind, only because it is a lovely fabric.
I was pondering the different possibilities for months, looking at pinterest for seersucker blouses and dresses... and the first idea was something like this:
I used a previous bodice pattern and used a rectangle to gather the skirt. The result was a total disapointment. It did not flatter my figure at all and I could not see the solution.
Before cutting the skirt into a bottom ruffle and to hell with the idea of a dress I saw Karen's Myostosis dress, a beautiful design I had seen before. Karen's figure is similar to mine, so if it was becoming to her, I could maybe go with it!
I started to alter the bodice, giving it more ease in the lateral seams and in the four darts.
I cut the centre front and added a button placket in both sides and cut a V neckline. I stitched the centre back together.
I made a bottom frill, but that was a gonner. Since the skirt was too short, I finally left the flounce at the bottom with no gathering.
It looks kind of weird, I would have preferred it with horizontal lines, but my fabric was completelly finished.
The result is quite nice. Problem is, autumn has arrived during all this trial and error, so I have not worn it yet in the real world to know how it really feels. Time to sew for autumn now!
I love shirt dresses! Specially in summer, cotton shirtdresses are great. Retro and yet modern. Very femenine, specially with a Liberty print cotton like this. I bought it when I got my new Bernina, in the same shop. Expensive, but worth it. Light, sweet, cool and not much wrinkles. I took these photos after a long morning shopping around the city with my car in a VERY hot day, in Lleida.
The pattern I found it in the internet, and it is the last commercial pattern I will ever buy. EVER. I promise that. Two sizes big. I mean, two sizes!! After drawing the pattern pieces, taking the seam allowances off, checking they were roomy enough, but... that roomy????!!!
I took a whole size down after the first fitting, with all the dress basted, and I think it is probably still too big. But in a way I like it being big, loooots of ease.
And that is why I loved this pattern in the first place, because in spite of being a shirt dress, small at the waist and with a flared skirt, it is not trying to pretend I have some waist by putting a LOT of pressure in my reverse waist. I don't need that to drive and do errands in a hot summer morning. But I still like walking in style! Ha!
The pattern is still nice, though. I am not quite sure about those huge darts under the breast and over the skirt, shaping them both at the same time. Clever. But are they too high? Too deep? Would they be better if multiplied? I have the intention of revisiting this pattern again, the dress is comfy and becoming, so... not bad after all!
