Friday it’s 76 degrees. Saturday will be 50 degrees. That’s Michigan. I’ve heard that phrase my entire life. As much as I’ve complained about the fickle nature of Michigan’s weather, I can’t imagine myself anywhere else. The warm colors of the fall leaves, cider mills, and cozy fabrics for those cold nights can’t be replaced.
I recently took a work trip to Texas and thought I’d need another linen dress for that Southern climate. I wanted a dress that was indicative of fall but still embodied summer. I had 1 and a 1/2 yards of loden green linen. The best of both worlds. Fall color. Summer fabric. The amount of fabric was barely enough to squeeze a dress (with pockets) out of, but I did it. And I made it in two days using Vogue pattern V8229.
This pattern is rated “very easy”. I would say that’s true whether you are an occasional sewer or an avid one. It’s only seven pattern pieces. Eight if you add pockets. It requires a 22″ zipper and a hook and eye. I only had a 20″ zipper and I positioned it higher so that the zipper closure ended at the top of the neckband. I didn’t need to sew on a hook and eye. When you’re under a time crunch, you use what you have.
The gathered upper edge, neckband and ruffle give it an elegant vibe but making it out of linen gives it practical comfort. After I constructed it, I thought it was reminiscent of a dress that Audrey Hepburn would have worn. So, I made a rendering of the dress re-imagined in “Audrey fashion” and now I want to make it in black. I love the slight fit and flare. It’s a classic dress that will never go out of style.
As it turned out, I didn’t end up wearing the dress. The nature of the events called for casual wear, and I didn’t need something quite as “dressy”. However, it packed well, and I have it ready for next year!
I find your posts and photos instructive, yet calming at the same time.
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Thank you for your kind words. Sewing has always been a creative outlet for me as well as stress relieving.