Flannel Alder Shirtdress

About two weeks ago I finished my first Grainline Studio Alder Shirtdress - it will definitely not be my last! Josh was in Mexico for a week, so we didn't have time to take photos until today. I love this pattern!! It was simple to put together and the sew-along on Grainline's website is sooo helpful! Also, as a Midwesterner (at heart) I was really excited to try out a Grainline Studio pattern  :)

This is a practice version - I eventually want to make the Alder in a floral chambray I have. Even for a practice version, this ended up very wearable! I used a wool flannel that I've had in my stash since I started sewing almost 5 years ago! I bought it second-hand from a shop in Iowa City  :)  It is very warm - perfect for these upcoming chilly months. I jazzed it up by cutting the pockets and back yoke on the bias, and making a chambray collar  :)  I'm 5'4" about 125 lbs and I cut in-between size 2 & 4, overall it fits pretty well. For future versions, I might lengthen it slightly - maybe I'll make the shoulders a bit wider too.

It's layer season!

Like I said, Grainline's sew-along is very helpful. They give you step-by-step instructions with photos for each step right on their website! Love it! The most difficult part for me, was inserting the gathered skirt into the dress. I didn't get the front corners perfect, so they ended up looking a little wonky. It's still super wearable - so I'm not too worried about it - I'll just try to get that better next time  :)  I highly recommend this pattern. Check out my instagram account (https://instagram.com/craft_rambler/)  for more in-progress photos!

My next sewing project is a pair of Colette Clover pants. I'm almost finished with my muslin version, so I'll know soon if they are close to fitting right! Aside from my sewing, Josh and I have been experimenting with making homemade cider with our friends! We've fermented regular cider, cider mixed with farmer's market peaches, and apple cider mixed with blueberries, ginger, and cinnamon! Experimenting with different flavor mixtures and fermenting times has been really interesting and delicious  :)

Brewing!