It's about exploring and sharing my creative adventures (mostly sewing these days) ~
~those activities that sometimes obsess, usually inspire, occasionally frustrate
~and always provide a delightful maze to wander through.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Linen! I Love Me Some Linen!

Pre-Post Paragraph -  A big, yummy, heart-felt THANK YOU to everyone for the warm welcomes in my previous post - y'all loaded me up with lovingness to spare.  :)  Your comments really warmed up the cockles of my heart!    What a great reminder of why I appreciate this whole community of delightful sewistas so much! 



And now, on to my most recent make!   (In my effort to catch up on all of the belated blog posts, I decided to start from the most recent and work backwards.   My brain just wraps around that concept better than starting from way back when - somehow this seems less overwhelming, and makes sense to me...)

Linen...the super soft, yummy-like-butter, tightly woven (and usually pricey!) sort of linen is one of my favorite fabrics, both to wear and to work with (yes, wrinkles and all!).   I also happen to love lilies, so when a pattern calls itself the "Tesutti Lily Linen Dress",  how could I possibly resist???

The description is apt:  "very figure flattering, comfortable and cool to wear and can be dressed up or down"  It's a simple shift, but the shoulder shaping,  curve along the sides, unique twist and angle of the pockets, and the pleating along the bottom hem all take it that step above and make it special.

Although the pattern describes itself for intermediate or advanced sewers, it's really a pretty quick and easy make.  The pockets have some tricky bits, but there is a tips section on the Tesutti blog that walks you through the process very nicely.  

The fabric was a gift from one of my sewing group fabric swatch/show & tell gatherings.    (And allow me to take a moment to give major thanks that I live in an area that allows me to be part of several amazingly awesome sewing groups!   SO grateful for that!)  I cut a Small, straight off the pattern (no muslin, no adjustments - that was brave & trusting for me, especially since my fabric was irreplaceable!)  I was, however, just a little short on fabric, and in spite of shortening the skirt by 2", and the sleeves by another 2", this happened (in two spots, since I cut the fabric on the fold):


Oops.
I debated as to shortening it by another inch or repairing it, and decided to go with the repair.
Not too noticeable :)


 It's sooooo comfy to wear!
Yeah, wrinkles and all.   I had been wearing it all day when this pic was taken.


The only fit issue I had was in the armscye.   I didn't even realize until I had the sleeves set in that the cap sits over the shoulder, with the seam being much closer to the neck than most patterns - the dress is actually designed this way.    
I just had a brain fart when I tried it on for fit before setting the sleeves in. 
That happens.  (You've had it happen too, right?   Say "Yes.")
I do like the look of the sleeve caps, but need to make some adjustments in the front of the armscye for a really comfy fit.   
The cut is perfect as is for me for a sleeveless dress, and the pattern does lend itself well to a sleeveless option.

Here is the pleating at the hemline - four sections of gathers.  Subtle, but JUST the right amount to make a nice line.

 Showing the unusual twist in the pocket detailing:

The fabric, and the design, allow for a bit of lovely movement:

I'm really liking this pattern!   Linen is the perfect fabric for it, but a nice cotton with just the right combo of drape and crispness, or a cotton-linen blend, would also be fabulous.   It's very well-drafted, and the instructions are detailed and easy to follow.   You can download it ($10) or get a paper version ($25) - mine is from the download so I don't know what the pattern paper is like.

Bottom Line:   Thumbs way up!

  

29 comments:

Kathie said...

I've been eyeing this pattern for a while now....I am now convinced I "need" one in my wardrobe. I agree that linen is a wonderful fabric. ...and welcome back!

Meg said...

Wow love it! I always look forward to your makes Jilly!

badmomgoodmom said...

You and your dress look beautiful! Glad to see you back and feeling better.

Linda T said...

Great dress and I love the beautiful roses as a background!

Jillybejoyful said...

Yes, yes you do....you "need" ;-) And thank you :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Awww thank you Meg! :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Thanks bmgm! It's great to be back :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Thanks Linda :) I thought of cleaning up the roses before the pic, but...... oh well. ;-)

Louisa said...

Ah, linen. Fabulous stuff! Love your Lily dress. The fix is totally invisible to all!

Dilliander said...

Oh my, this looks great on you! Definitely your style and the linen is lovely. Tessuti is known for its clever and imaginative details, such as the hem & pocket, as well as their pattern drafting. They have worked in the industry for many years and are popular here in Oz. The printed patterns are usually limited edition on good quality paper with colour instructions booklet.

Beth (SunnyGal Studio) said...

super summer dress, what a great fabric. And I will chime in too to say welcome back to blogland and I'm looking forward to all your posts.

Ruth said...

So happy that you're Joyful again! Lovely linen and the perfect dress to showcase it.

Mary said...

That dress is so pretty on you! The light colors, and graceful flow of the linen work together to be so feminine. Really nice Miss Jilly.

Debbie Iles said...

So lovely! I love linen in summer.

Anonymous said...

Lovely dress, I've also been looking at this pattern recently. I like it very much in the subtle floral print, I would never have chosen it myself.
Here's to your very good health, my dear.

prttynpnk said...

Ah now That tears it- I want this pattern (and the fabric too)!

Jillybejoyful said...

I wonder if any US companies will listen up & learn from Style Arc & Tesutti? Thanks for the info on the paper & instructions...not surprising!

Jillybejoyful said...

Thanks Louisa :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Thanks Beth!

Jillybejoyful said...

Joyful to be joyful :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Thank you Miss Mary :)

Jillybejoyful said...

I think this will serve as a nice 3 season dress here :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Thank you! :)

Jillybejoyful said...

Yes, get it! (the pattern...can't help you with the fabric...)

Rhonda Buss said...

Fabulous!! and I don't see any wrinkles, not at all.

puu said...

looks comfortable and chic and i love the garden spot. lovely!

Colette said...

It's beautiful! That's such a a gorgeous style on you and we're so glad this pattern got your 'thumbs way up!'

Jillybejoyful said...

Thanks Colette :) I think I've sold a few more copies of this for you, and I'll definitely be getting some other patterns from you!

Lori said...

Oh Jilly, it makes me so happy to see that fabric finally made into a lovely dress. I recognized it immediately!