Shirtdress

As the summer started I began thinking of casual dresses I could wear with my wellies at the approaching Glastonbury and spotted the #sewtogetherforsummer theme on instagram, a shirtdress, perfect…..unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to finish it in time for either! 

I decided to go for this raglan sleeve shirt dress by Salme as I liked the simple style without the normal button front closure of many shirt dresses. 

This was a pattern I picked up last year as a pattern swap at a meet up. I hadn’t heard of the company before. 

Having raglan sleeves and no fastenings it was a straightforward make when I actually got around to putting it together! I’m glad I took the time to read through all the instructions before I started, making  note that pattern includes only 1cm seam allowance. 

I like the shape of the neckline & the gathered detail at the top of the sleeve where it joins the collar. 

However I’m not sure this style is something I would make again. I don’t think the loose fit, pulled in with a belt, is the most flattering shape for me. It may also be that the cotton fabric I used is a little too crisp. 

Having worn a couple times now I find it a lovely cool, comfortable dress which think looks better with leggings than on its own. 

Maybe it would be better a bit shorter? Or a lot shorter…….as a shirt to tuck into jeans instead? 😃

Sunday Sevens catch up…

It’s all been busy busy with me so my Sunday Sevens seem to be coming more of a monthly catch up than a weekly glimpse.

While we were at Glastonbury we took a walk though a wooded area that had lovely sculptures and mirrors cut out into the silhouettes of people. It was very strange! Can you see the two figures in this pic, one with Mr B’s reflection? 

We had a great time there & saw rather a lot of the car park when we came to leave. It took nearly 4 hours to get out so hence I set the cooker back up & made tea and a snack while we relaxed in the sun & read. 

Back from Glastonbury we had Mr B’s birthday to celebrate. He was away on the day so was welcomed home with a birthday bun when he got home late the day after…

and taken out to dinner at the weekend. It was a lovely meal but only took a pic of the cheese board we shared at the end and my glass of very smooth Cider Brandy.

While we waited for out transport home we were treated to a firework display across the water……hadn’t seen anything advertised so they must have done them especially for us 😃

The weather has been lovely so we have made the most of it when we can. Luckily we live close to the coast so get to enjoy these lovely views as a reward for the effort of walking up & down the hills. 

It does work up an appetite but cake doesn’t count if you have already burnt the calories before you eat it, does it? 

Hope your enjoying sunny weather wherever you are😃

Ultraviolet Tee

Last month was lucky enough to do some more pattern testing for Seamstress Erin Designs. 

The Ultraviolet Tee is a versatile pattern that can be made in a woven or knit option with a straight standard length hem or a curved cropped hem with a slightly longer back. The pattern is graded to cover a great range of sizes and also has 2 cup size options. I found this perfect for me as I have a small upper bust measurement, which the sizes refer too, so cutting to my size/cup ment a great fit first time! Erin includes lots of useful information on the pattern as to how to measure & select size. 

I made both a knit and a woven version of the curved hem option. As I went for the larger cup size these both had bust darts. 

My knit was made from a lightweight fabric with very narrow strips that seemed to move as I sewed😂 Just about managed to match pattern match though. This version has a neckband and I added the optional pocket as a feature

My woven was made from this Viscose from Fabricland. The woven version has a bias faced neckline. 

I’m loving this Tee & can see it becoming a go to pattern for work tops (theses pics were taken in a quick photo session between clients…thanks Linda!) 

I have received loads of compliments on them and feel it’s a versatile shape that can work with jeans, short, skirts or even layered over dresses & vests. 

Once again I’ve enjoyed this pattern testing process, seeing how much work goes into it, and it’s been really interesting seeing the other testers makes which Erin will share on her blog shortly. 😃