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!