Flashback to the early 90's

I made a comfy comfy comfy dress...... it's the Grainline Alder Shirtdress

Its made from some stash fabric, some kind of cotton that is soft and incredibly drapey. It was also fairly shifty and stretchy when sewing (sad face)

It's comfy, cool on a hot day, however I do feel a bit like I've stepped back into the 90's (or late 80's; you know the pale blue chambray dresses with ruffles) when I wear it. 

This is a pattern I was initially a bit meh when I first saw it, however as I saw more and more versions it started to grow on me. What put me off for ages was that I found it really hard to find versions made by women who had a bigger bust or extra curves around the tummy and hips; in the end I figured why not start the trend and show what it looks like for a curvier figure!

 I made the size 14 and did a FBA (adding an inch). I also ended up taking it in about a inch at the side seams of the bodice as it was looking fairly frumpy before that. 

 The instructions, like all the Grainline patterns were great, I generally followed them. The only exception was I used bias binding for my hem; I figured with the curves of the hem it made sense.   I do love the hemline, the high-low makes it feel pretty swishy and girly

I'm not a big fan of sewing on buttons so added hot pink snaps instead, soooooooooo much easier, and I don't think it matters on a casual dress.

Those that know the pattern may be aware that it "should" have two pockets, after two attempts to get the pockets even with the shifty fabric, I gave up and went with one! The fabric stretched slightly below the remaining pocket which is a tad frustrating; i've steamed it a bit to try and encourage it to shrink back into shape with some success but its still visible. 

I do feel it should have side seam pockets, initially I thought the fabric was too light to cope with them , but now I think i'll go back and add some. A dress without pockets is annoying. 

 I was super stocked at how well the grey thread blended into the fabric.... until I had to unpick a number of seams.

While I like this dress and I like how it fits, it is however a whole new silhouette for me and I'm not yet 100% convinced that it's "me". I do see potential for getting a lot wear out of it when camping and for after school activities with the kids so time will tell if it becomes a wardrobe staple.