I've been sewing for quite a few years now and while I've sewn quite a range of things (from a wedding dress to a baby quilt), but I've never really taken the time to sew clothes for myself. I've also shied away from sewing my own clothes because fabric and patterns are often more expensive than most of the clothes I've purchased in recent years. My perspective on all this started changing this past fall when I started learning more about Slow Fashion. Over the winter I then started learning about the Capsule Wardrobe movement and have also thought more about how to apply my zero-waste goals to my wardrobe. What I've learned from all of it is that when you need and wear less clothes, it can free you up to spend a bit more on the clothes you do wear.
Enter the Alder Shirtdress. This little beauty was designed by Grainline Studio and was a great little challenge for me. I'd never made a collared shirt before or used my machine to add buttonholes or buttons. There were definitely some frustrations and panicky moments along the way, but I'm extremely happy with the end product. I don't remember the name of the fabric, but it is a lovely lightweight cotton with a light sheen to it. It's a great weight for summer. I'm hoping to be able to wear it for most of the year, layered in the cooler months with a cardigan and tights. I have a feeling that this dress with be with me for quite a few years to come.
P.S...if you've known me for awhile, you may have noticed that my hair is wavy now. It's always been straight, but now it's wavy. We can thank postpartum hormones for that. Pregnancy does weird things to a girl, but this is a change I'm quite enjoying! Ha!
P.P.S...in case you're wondering, my shoes in these photos were another intentional wardrobe purchase. I saved up and spent what was a lot of money for me on this pair of Dansko's and once I got them, I was able to donate 8-10 pairs of cheap summer shoes that I'd been hanging on to just in case I needed them for that one specific outfit, but I didn't really like any of them. This one pair of shoes meets all of my casual/dressy needs and I love them!