Thursday, May 30, 2013

Linen Gertie Shirtdress


Omg I love this dress. 


As part of my me-made-may pledge I wanted to make and wear 2 dresses from stash, this fabric comes from a project over 2 years old. The bodice was too big, and I didn't really know how to fix it, so it just sat in my to be fixed pile forever. It was a Kwik Sew pattern, which was really cute but it was just falling off my shoulders and gaping everywhere. 

So I decided I wanted to make the shirtdress from Gertie's book for a future project, and this would make the perfect test run! The fabric is a linen with a little bit of textured weave in it, I don't remember where I got it from, the buttons were super cute and from M&J, the perfect match. I had just enough extra fabric to make the bodice, and I left the skirt intact from the kwik sew pattern. I had to piece together the back, there wasn't enough to cut it on the fold.

 The only thing I had to change about Gertie's pattern was the back piece. She has the back and the skirt as one long piece but since I had the skirt I just cut it off at the bodice, and sewed it normally. What I love most about this pattern is the SHIRRING. It was so fun to watch the elastic shrink up when I steamed it. I can't wait to do it again. This dress is super comfortable, it really is perfect for work. I love how vintage inspired it came out, like it could really be a vintage dress! This is my third? project from Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing, and if you haven't gotten it yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!! It's simply marvelous. I am planning my the sundress pattern as you read this. 

I can't wait to make another one! (I've been eyeing up this embroidered chambray at Fabricland) 







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11 comments:

  1. I've been considering getting Gertie's book, so I should just take the plunge. Your shirt dress is super cute and looks cool and comfy for summer. I am jealous of all the great dresses you showcased in your MMM week last week! They will serve as inspiration for me to get my butt in gear!

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    1. Thanks Ashley! So sweet that I am an inspiration, but don't be jealous, get sewin'!

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  2. Oh, I love it! I bought the book on pre-order, but have yet to make a thing out of it! I really need to change that!

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  3. Gorgeous dress! I just got Gertie's book yesterday. Can't wait to use the patterns.

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  4. super cute! my goal is to sew through the book. im novice, not very good, and have multiple fitting issues, so so far my sewing career is quite painful BUT i am making the portrait blouse (just have one more sleeve to finish and hem and zipper)out of left over fabric as a kind of wearable muslin and so far i think it's going to fit just right. i have material for two more of those that i'm going to make right away if this one works. next up, probably the first skirt.
    i really love seeing all the beautiful dresses and clothes you make up !

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    1. woohoo can't wait to see the blouse! thanks so much

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  5. This looks great! I checked Gertie's book out from the library when it first came out, but never got around to buying it. I probably should though - the patterns are all so pretty!

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  6. OMG I want to come all over that dress

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