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Alder-Along? Don't mind if I do!

Tuesday 5 August 2014

Have you ever had an occasion when a new pattern is released and you've believed fervently that the designer made it specifically for you, reading your hopes, your dreams and everything in between. Oh Jen, you've truly done it.

Truly, madly, deeply do I love this pattern: The Alder Shirtdress.

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Maybe you love everything that comes out from the Indie or Big 4 market. I have to say, rarely if ever does anything truly take my fancy. I think perhaps it's why I've swayed towards vintage patterns in the past - they suit my aesthetic and body type.

Or sometimes a pattern will pique my interest, then I find out it's drafted for a C (!) cup and little old me ain't ever gonna go to the trouble of downsizing that baby - it would all but mean a re-drafting, ugh.

But this dress, oh my, you are perfection. I love both your views, A and B. I love all the additional variations Jen has suggested are possible. And I will have one for my own.

If you haven't heard, there is an Alder Dress Sew-Along starting tomorrow, and I will be catching that train. Will you?

I already have my fabric prepped, pattern purchased and view choice sorted.

View A, in a deep indigo blue mid-weight rigid denim - it is still winter over here and I envisage wearing this with knee boots and a cardigan or long sleeved tee underneath (or maybe both) right now and on its own for trans-seasonal wear. So in other words I'm completing ripping off Jen's View A above.


I've made Jen's Tiny Pocket Tank before and it marked my first foray into completing a SBA. So I know pretty much exactly what size to pick and how to alter the bust darts to fit me. My Tiny Pocket Tank was quite a triumph in that regard. Jen does say she'll be covering how to choose a size, so I'll be reading that with a lot of interest. I really wanna get this baby right as I have no time for a muslin.

And if all goes to plan I see at least two more for summer in both views A and B (which is eerily similar to a RTW dress I bought last summer and adore).

Squeee! I'm so excited!

15 comments:

  1. I like the relaxed silhouette of the Alder … unfortunatedly I’m not the sew-along type but the sew-after … I’m so curious to see your results - I’m intrigued by the “winter" styling … when looking at it seems such a summer dress.

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  2. Ooh nice! It's highly possible that today I purchased some lighter blue denim destined for a suspiciously similar project. Make sure you enter the stitch 56 comp when it's done lady - can't wait to see what you come up with - it's such a great feeling to feel so inspired and excited by a new make!

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  3. Ps I thought of you yesterday - I found a copy of that ace vintage wrap skirt pattern you used to make your gorgeous balloon skirt - a denim version is totally on my summer sewing list....

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  4. Go Jillian. I love a good sewalong and thank you for putting the effort into documenting this pattern.

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  5. Ha! This sounds exactly like me. I have the pattern all taped together and fabric washed & ready for each version! Can't wait.... and I'll probably need all the help I can get with that collar- definitely not my forte. I reckon your denim is going to make a classic and infinitely wearable dress :)

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  6. Isn't the silhouette great?? I am so not a sew-along person having never engaged before, but this one came at the exact time I intended to make my own, so I thought I could learn something along the way. Not sure what the pace will be as I don't have time to sew everyday, but we'll see!

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  7. Oh that skirt is soooo great - I also have a denim one planned for spring. Oh dear it does sound like we might end up fashion twins, can't wait to see your version.

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  8. This is my first sew-along! It came at just the right time, and I'm excited to see what it's like!

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  9. Too funny Jenny. Well you're at least one step ahead of me. I have yet to print my pattern (hopefully get it done today)! I'm quite nervous about the collar too as I've not sewn one with a collar stand before. Not my forte either. Looking forward to seeing yours!

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  10. I shall be calling mine the Jillian skirt!

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  11. I'm really keen to join the sew along but I'm having issues printing it. Jillian I see that you live in Australia, I'm in Brisbane. I've tried having it printed in A0 size at 2 copy shops and both have told me it isn't sized correctly. Did you print yours A0 size, or has anyone else in Australia had it printed in A0 size? I really didn't want to have to cut and tape A4 pages together! Any help much appreciated!

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  12. Hi Megan. Sorry for the delayed response. I'm one of the silly ones that printed the 50 page (!!!) PDF pattern, so can't help I'm afraid. Have you tried contacting Jen at Grainline?

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  13. I can't wait to see your Alders. I can already imagine you in them!

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  14. Thanks Jillian, I've sorted it out. I did contact Jen and she had no idea. I have now realised that when I copied the file onto a USB to take to the copy shop, it somehow resized the file. I have absolutely no idea how!! Anyway, all sorted..printed out and ready to cut my fabric today.

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  15. I hope you're going well.

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