Well that’s it, all my lovely linen used up and made into loose Summer garments which have been perfect in this recent spell of hot weather.
Remember these citrus shades I bought from Calico Laine?
I made a sleeveless dress from the “Pool Blue” and self drafted a tunic from the “Leaf Green” (Don’t you just love the descriptive colours?)
I wanted something along the same lines for the fuschia linen, another loose fitting, easy-to-wear item that would be a delight to wander around in on even the hottest day.
In the end I decided to make a dress based mainly on the tunic but, this time, with sleeves, albeit short ones.
This is what I came up with for the pockets, the lines marking the placement for an inverted pleat.
I used a combination of flat fell seams and French seams for the construction.
Narrow hems were made throughout, so no need for facings.
I really liked the details in the tunic so I applied them to this dress as well.
The parallel pleats on the front and back which draw the centre upwards and allow the edges to hang lower in an interesting shape….
…the exterior pleats on the back which add shape as an alternative to darts…
….and the inverted centre front pleat adorned with two coconut shell buttons.
I added two pockets this time, in a slightly different style….
…and this is the finished article!
The sides are split to mid thigh level which lets the breeze in to keep me nice and cool!
I can also wear linen trousers underneath for a different look (or if it gets cooler).
Very casual, comfortable and cool – three reasons why I LOVE linen!
July 8, 2015 at 1:10 pm
These are to die for!!!! What an amazing summer wardrobe you are amassing. The colours are fabulous on you. I think they are absolutely beautiful.
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July 8, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Thanks Lucie, I have to say they were perfect for the beach last week, so easy to slip on and off without sticking to my sweaty body!!
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July 8, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Today I found a beautiful fabric store here in Peschiera and the first person who came up to my mind was you! In the very moment I entered the store I wished I were just a little able to sew like you do! Well, I’ve found something suitable for my sewing skill and am already working on it… Your dresses are gorgeous,I love in particular the blue one! Simply stunning!!
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July 8, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Thank you T, that’s such a compliment! What are you making, something for the house or something to wear?
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July 8, 2015 at 2:14 pm
Something to wear…. 🙂 Off to work now 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 LOL
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July 8, 2015 at 2:25 pm
Beautiful colours and style love the pink
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July 8, 2015 at 2:43 pm
Thank you – I am partial to a bit of pink myself, in most shades, although this has to be my favourite:)
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July 8, 2015 at 3:31 pm
There you are rocking that sewing machine!! I think you have sewing and all other creative things embedded in your genes. I love all the linen items you made for summer. My fav is the blue. It is totally you for sure. If I lived closer I would be at your door begging for some lessons. Lessons in sewing, knitting and of course crocheting! Enjoy the rest of your week lovey. Lots of hugs to you and the family. xxxxxx
Robin in the good ole US of A! 🙂
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July 8, 2015 at 3:56 pm
You know what, I think it must be in my genes – I get withdrawal symptoms if too many days pass without my having made something. I even took my sock knitting last week when I went away with the girls! You should blog about the things you make – I’d love to see your progress:)
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July 8, 2015 at 4:01 pm
They are all great, I think the green is my favourite although it is hard to choose between them! My linen dress is on hold, in the pattern measurements I came out as a large (I’m 8 1/2 stone and 5’2″) I believed the pattern but wish I hadn’t, it looks like a tent. I need to do some drastic alterations!! x
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July 8, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Oops, I hope you get it sorted so you can wear it this Summer!
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July 8, 2015 at 4:08 pm
Absolutely love all three! Brilliant!! 🙂
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July 10, 2015 at 3:06 pm
Thank you – I have to say I am really pleased with the way they all turned out:)
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July 8, 2015 at 6:05 pm
A hat trick! They look great and so neatly finished. 🙂
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July 8, 2015 at 6:06 pm
I’ll have to rotate them because I can’t decide which is my favourite – I’m wearing the pink one today;)
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July 8, 2015 at 6:28 pm
Your trio is sooo totally you, particularly with all that sun from last week! Whoop-whoop-whoop! I can’t wear pink or pastels, but they’re great on you ~ cannot decide which is my fav. Would you teach, once your family’s a tad older? If so, that’s another add to my list 😉
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July 8, 2015 at 6:30 pm
I’d like to teach now, I’m just not sure how to start!
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July 8, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Sending you a quick email ~
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July 8, 2015 at 9:48 pm
I would love you to teach me! If only you lived closer.Your linen outfits are fabulous and you look grate in them. Have you made any patterns to sell for them or have you any guidelines. I would love to make them for myself.
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July 9, 2015 at 1:24 pm
An hour isn’t so far for a full day workshop! I haven’t made patterns to sell yet, maybe that’s an idea for a workshop?!
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July 8, 2015 at 6:30 pm
Love, love, love and you really suit saturated colours, but in the interest of full disclosure, I may have to copy, xx
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July 8, 2015 at 6:33 pm
Glad to inspire! I love your style and it’s flattering that you like mine too:)
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July 8, 2015 at 9:12 pm
These all look lovely! Such beautiful vibrant fabrics and perfect for our recent weather. I’m also amazed by the professional finish. I bet you’ll wear them loads 🙂
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July 9, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Thank you – finish is everything, isn’t it? I’m already getting lots of wear out of them, especially last week in Cornwall.
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July 8, 2015 at 9:47 pm
Such lovely colours, and great names for them too. I love the gathered details on the hems: perfect for hot weather 🙂
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July 9, 2015 at 1:22 pm
I just love the bright colours and also the fact that I know I’ll never see anyone else wearing them because they’re self drafted.
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July 8, 2015 at 10:06 pm
I couldn’t pick a favourite – they are all really delightful and you look equally as fabulous in all of them! It is a wonderful thing to be able to design clothes that are perfect for oneself – not one of my skills sadly!
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July 9, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you. My new dressform has just arrived so self drafted pattern making will be much easier in future.
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July 8, 2015 at 10:35 pm
Wow, this certainly look very cool to wear. I love the coconut shell buttons and all the pleats. And the seams are so neat!
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July 9, 2015 at 1:28 pm
I’ve got loads of the coconut shell buttons in different sizes as they are so useful on casual makes. Thanks for noticing the neat finishing – I try hard to get the details perfect as it makes all the difference:)
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July 9, 2015 at 11:29 am
Those colors are amazing!!
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July 9, 2015 at 11:31 am
Thanks – there’s quite a bit of each left over too, so I may have to make a multi coloured one!
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July 9, 2015 at 4:22 pm
Wow! That looks so cool and wearable. And, as you know, my favourite colour 🙂 All three are brilliant though and lovely colours.
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July 10, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Thanks! All three colours go well together, don’t they? I’m thinking of merging the leftovers into one garment, kind of patchwork style but smarter:)
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July 10, 2015 at 3:27 pm
Oh yes, do!
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July 9, 2015 at 4:34 pm
Super sunny weather wear, they are all so you if you know what I mean LOL
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July 10, 2015 at 3:03 pm
They definitely are “me” as far as casual wear goes!
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July 11, 2015 at 7:33 pm
Love all 3 of your linen tops! Stunning! How about a tote bag made of a bit of each colour if you’ve sent left? 😃
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July 11, 2015 at 7:49 pm
Good idea – I may have enough to do both!
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