wardrobe essential 2021 - the creased linen edition

I am way behind with showcasing my makes.... I did a quick tally up the other day and realised that I have been quite prolific this year, one seam at the time. Sewing is a good way to relax for me and I try to sew for at least a couple of hours every weekend. Usually, I squeeze in more. During the week, I might sew a seam here and a hem there. It is surprising how much can be done in in short bursts of activity. 

I made two tunic dresses, both are very forgiving (aka shapeless) and perfec for sunny warm days. We do get some sunny warm days here, honestly we do. Tunic dresses are also nice with leggings or skinny jeans so good for colder days also. 

Both are Sew Me Something patterns (the Emelia Dress and the Helena Dress). In the past, I found it difficult to achieve a good fit with this pattern company. Maybe it was just my relative inexperience but I thought the sizing was way out there. Anyway, for a dress tunic generous sizing is just right. I went down a size from my measurements because I now have the confidence to do that just based on finished garment measurements (which are given for these pattern). I am glad I did. Both dresses are linen, the Emelia is dark blue, the Helena bright orange. I am afraid I don't feel much like modelling but you can image my swirling around the garden if you like. 

The Helena Dress features a pin-tuck detail. I wasn't too sure about that but I rather like them now, they add interest to the dress front (and distract from food stains). The Emilia Dress has sleeve ties, which I think is cute. Linen doesn't tie easily and the ties are quite wide so the best I could do was a knot of sorts. 

Construction was a bit faffy, it is similar for both and I can think of quicker ways of finishing facings and yokes but it is definitely worth the faff because the garments are super neat on the inside, too. There is mistake in the Emelia Dress pattern instructions, the drawing of one step does not match up the written instructions. This had me scratch my head for a few days. I think I have it figured out now should I make another version. 

What about fabrics? Unfortunately, the blue linen I purchased from Minerva is faulty, a large section is discoloured. I should have returned it but I decided I could live with it as it is essentially garden wear. I think with time, the dark blue will fade and the discoloured patches will blend in. But really, it is disappointing. Whoever cut the fabric from the bolt didn't pay attention. I got some rather poor quality fabric from Minerva before but I never learn. Anyway, the discoloured bit is on the lower half on the back so won't bother me any further. What does bother me is the grease stain right on the front. The mayonnaise coated slab of grilled halloumi fell out of my burger bun. I do like the dense weave of this linen. I ordered the orange linen for my Helena Dress from Guthrie & Ghani. This linen has a slightly less dense weave than the blue but really nice (and no faults at all). I have a length of teal linen in my box for another linen dress. Linen is just such a beautiful textile, I love how it feels and looks a bit knobbly. I also like how it creases, just like my face really.

My latest project is jeans. More accurately, I should say needlecord shorts. I didn't want to spend a huge amount of money on denim only to realise the jeans don't fit so decided to make shorts instead. I also really wanted antique pink needlecord because denim is a bit boring. Finally the needlecord is a smidgen stretchy, which I figured would be good for a first time jeans sewing adventure (the pattern calls for non-stretch denim). A bit of wiggle room with the first fitting... as it turns out, the fit is good although the waistband is not sewed on yet. I am actually stuck here because no matter how hard I try, the waistband is too short. Yes, I have checked all pattern pieces, even measured the pieces already sewn together. All accurate and correct. I must be missing something and I'll probably figure it out shortly. I am quite excited about hammering in rivets. I might do that while I wait for waistband inspiration. I am less excited about more top-stitching. Oh, the pattern is by Megan Nielsen, it the Dawn Curve Jeans (also available in a standard size range). It has four options - straight leg, tapered leg, wide leg and shorts. Lots of options for future jeans. I'll let you know when I solve the waistband mystery.

Finally, I sewed some black garments but I'll share these another time. Black is so difficult to photograph, I might actually have to model the garments. 

Thanks for all your kind comments about my boys being tortured at school. This week was ok, just a chat with the community police officer for some reassurance about stuff that happened at the football pitch a few weeks ago. Did you know that Glasgow secondary schools have a community police offer at the school but no school nurse? I know, mind boggling. 

Now I need to get my thermals on, I am going to meet friends for a cheeky wee glass of wine. I hope they have the fire pit ready, it is chilly tonight. Thanks for visiting.