Skirt Fixation Challenge Create :: Fabric Edition

A while back I received an e-mail from Audrey with Skirt Fixation asking if I’d like to participate in their newest challenge create event – this time the challenge would be a fabric swap.  I loved this idea, so I gave a hearty “yes” and put in my preference for fabric type – linen!

The competition works as a round-robin.  I received this lovely salmon-colored linen from Sara at Gladys and Viv.  It was the perfect solid with just a scattering of slubs (those little knots) for what I think of as the epitome of linen.  I don’t have the details of the fabric, but it has a nice weight to it, and I believe it must be a blend because it does not wrinkle nearly as badly as 100% linen can.  I sent linen fabrics to Janice at So-Cal Sewing Mom.

I knew I wanted to create a dress for my older daughter Arden that would allow the simplicity of this fabric to sing.  I drafted the bodice using her measurements to make a dress with a simple silhouette which I think really showcases the fabric.  I fully lined it with a coordinating quilting cotton which gets to peek out of the front detail I created.  I didn’t add any extras like pockets or trim because I wanted to let the neckline and overall shape do all the talking.

There are no closures – instead I angled the back out a little at the side seams to give it some room to wiggle on and then added elastic inside a self-casing on the back to bring it in some.  With the split on the front it goes over her head nicely.

The little flaps which are turned out at the split in the front are held in place with two vintage buttons from a huge jar my Mom gave me years ago.  I can almost always find great buttons for my projects without having to scrounge around at shops!  I’m really happy with the subtle interest this gives this dress.

As luck would have it, the fabric perfectly matched the sash and flower on this fedora we had at home.  Just don’t tell Hadley we borrowed her hat!  I’m pretty sure my kids are cooler than I ever was and they’re five and two!  As a reward for taking pictures for me, I promised Arden we’d get ice cream, so part of our photo shoot is at a local ice cream and candy shop.

I think she earned her reward, don’t you?  Interesting thing – I just learned that Superman ice cream (what Arden chose) is a Michigan creation and can’t be found outside the Midwest.  Who knew?

Thanks so much Audrey and Skirt Fixation for inviting my to participate in this amazing series!  I hope Janice at So-Cal Sewing Mom has as much fun using the fabrics I sent her as I did with this fabric from Sara!

*Edit:. This dress is the first incarnation of what would become my Verona Dress pattern, available in my shop.