Ahoy sewers! Just back from camping on the beautiful Isles of Scilly. If you've never heard of Scilly (I hadn't!) the islands are nestled together 3 hours by ferry off the southwest tip of Cornwall and, let me tell you, they are breathtaking. Crystal clear blue azure water, fine white sand, lush tropical vegetation and - perhaps my favourite thing - wearing nautical stripes is seriously de rigueur. Really, everyone wears them. It's the cutest thing. Even the wannabe sailors like us.
Well, I love a nautical stripe almost as much as I love a dress and so I combined both with Grainline's Linden sweatshirt, lengthened into a minidress (and, critically, didn't take up too much camping gear space -- though I would have forgone the portable cooker to pack this if I had to!)
The pattern pieces fit together beautifully. For this version I blended into a size up at the waist to the hemline.
There are so many great versions of the Linden already out there (Ginger Makes, Closet Case Files, Makes the Things, House of Lane...and just today, Sew Tessuti) so you don't need me to tell you what an easy and versatile make it is. But if you haven't already made this, what are you waiting for?
I've even got the hubby asking for one in his size, with stripes.
Did I mention we are wannabe sailors...?
Happy sewing x
Excellent idea to turn the Linden into a dress! Love how you placed the stripes. I've made this pattern twice and wear them all the time! Such an awesome basic pattern to have around.
ReplyDeleteYes so happy to have this as a go-to and I really can't wait to make it again. I love your take on Grainline patterns, that last Alder shirt dress is very cool!
DeleteLove this! What a great idea to turn it into a dress. Did you use a different fabric for the white section?
ReplyDeleteThanks! No the white band was part of the fabric! I've actually had this in my stash for four years and was so happy to finally use it! I had to make the neckband in two pieces because I barely had enough...
DeleteSeriously cool version of the Linden! And gorgeous scenery. Did you do any shaping for the bottom portion or just extend the sides down?
ReplyDeleteThanks Noelle! I cut the pattern at the lengthen or shorten line and blended into the next size up to accommodate my, ahem, posterior...no other shaping needed!
DeleteLove those stripes! What a gorgeous version of Linden. I love a sweater dress so I may have to copy this idea.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kat! Go for it, would love to see it! It's so cozy to wear, I Have a thing about keeping my legs cool in the summer and my top warm, if you're like me you will love it!
DeleteWow, this is SO cute! I love the variation of stripes, giving such a Breton look. It reminds me of a dress from Boden I wanted but cuter!
ReplyDeleteThank you Justine! What a lovely compliment! :)
DeleteThis is a great dress. Such a classic, versatile look!
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea! Your makes are always classic and chic and this is no exception! Love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is so adorable! I love nautical stripes too and this idea of turning the pattern into a dress is inspired. The setting is lovely as well -- hope you had a great camping trip!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress and beautiful photos, you have me longing for summer! I can't imagine a more stylish outfit for a beach holiday.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so summery, but so cozy at the same time, what a fantastic idea to put the plain white part below and use the stripe for the band, fantastic dress!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, this is FANTASTIC!!! I adore this dress, and your vacation looks AMAZING! Glad you had fun!
ReplyDeletescilly is my absolute favourite place in the whole world! i go often :) i love your dress, the fabric is gorgeous! hope you had a good time
ReplyDeleteOh you are so lucky! HOpe to make it back one day. It was paradise, we think about it often. Thanks so much!
DeleteI've never thought seriously about making up the Linden even though it's been raved about. I'm not much of a one for sweatshirts. But OMG! I adore your refashion of sorts and now I seriously want one. I swear stripes make everything better ;)
ReplyDeleteHa ha, thanks so much! Try it, you will be converted! So easy to make and wear!
DeleteI just fount your blog! Love it and your style! I am from Belatus and have russian sewing blog. I will glad to see you!
ReplyDeletewww.astcraft.com
Hi Alena! Thanks so much, so glad you said hello! Looking forward to following your blog - your sewing projects are fantastic! :)
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