After seeing Anna’s maternity version of Grainline Studio’s Alder shirtdress pattern, I wanted to try it for myself. The length made it seem ideal for a top to wear over tights that I could pair with a sweater when it gets cold. The buttons and collar seemed like good skill-builders. I just needed to figure out what size to make it so that I could get some decent use out of it.
I made View A (the straighter cut, without the gathered skirt), and cut a size 12 at the bust, grading to 16 at the waist. It’s very roomy! Maybe this means I can wear it until the end of my pregnancy. If I find the motivation, I may take off some width and length after the little lady is born so it’s not so super huge on me.
The actual construction was not so difficult; like the Bianca, I didn’t get tripped up until it came time to make the collar, but I was much more successful this time. It probably helps that there’s a great (English!) sewalong for this pattern.
I had to buy a buttonhole foot for my Bernina. I’m pleased with the results, but I wonder if I really needed the special foot. It just has two grooves on the bottom that accommodate for the thick channels of thread that make the buttonhole. I could have a whole blog dedicated to trying to unravel the mysteries of sewing machine feet and whether I should buy all of them or none of them.
The fabric is a lightweight denim with lots of teeny tiny flowers. I was worried that maybe the small print would be overwhelming, but I’m okay with the results. After doing a few knit projects, it was so nice to work with though. It holds a press! It doesn’t shift or stretch!
Pairing it with a belt, cardigan and tights, I’m hoping to get a decent amount of wear out of this.
For my next one, I’m thinking about making a shirt version (or View B, with the gathered skirt). Although after my most recent fabric shopping spree, I don’t really have any appropriate wovens in my stash (yet!).
I have to admit though, I was glad to get back into simpler knit projects after this. There are so many pieces! So much pressing! So much interfacing!
(That lasted for like… a day. Did I mention I’m making a coat now?)