FROCKTOBER - frocks we love: The Alder Shirtdress

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The frock of today just has to be the Alder Shirtdress by Grainline Studio, which has captured the attention of quite a few keen sewists here at The Drapery already. (Yikes, I see a second order coming on soon!)


But what a great-looking pattern, with two equally appealing variations.
There's a full sew-along with great photos and instructions from Jen Beeman, the pattern designer, on her Grainline blog.
Whilst the pattern only arrived here yesterday and we haven't had a chance to sew up any samples ourselves, we think the shaping looks quite forgiving (most important - get bust measurement correct and do a full bust adjustment if necessary). You can see a bunch of Alders on real-life sewists at the Grainline Flickr pool. (You can also see the Scout Tee and Archer Shirt, for which we have printed patterns available too.)
Without further ado, here's some fabric inspiration for your Alder:

 Chambray-type plains, taking their cue from the pattern cover.
Top - bottom: Hemp/organic cotton lightweight denim/chambray 150cm wide $38.50/m, Green/yellow cotton chambray 110cm wide $21.90/m, Essex cotton/linen in red 110cm wide $21/m, Navy textured cotton 110cm wide $24.10/m.
 Japanese light cottons and light cotton/linens.
Top - bottom: Chopsticks cotton 110cm wide $24.10/m, Happy Sweet Collection cotton lawn, 110cm wide $20.50/m, bottom two are 85% cotton 15% linen 'popling' (slight seersucker texture) $22.90/m.
And for a bit of luxe, how about delicious Liberty Tana Lawn?
Top - bottom: Mark, Osborne's, Capel and Kevin, all 137cm wide and $55/m.

And don't forget, any dress pattern & fabric combo is 10% off during FROCKTOBER!

Is the Alder on your spring/summer sewing list?

- Jane & Fiona xx

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