Sewing

Alder Shirtdress – Spoonflower Lawn

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I love a good shirtdress (Alder Shirtdress)! It’s such a classic style that feels casual but looks polished! It’s a constant struggle for me to get out of my t-shirts and comfy pants and wear some real clothes. When I wear a dress like this, it doesn’t feel like a production just to make it look nice, it does it effortlessly. I’ll happily pick this one from my closet to wear when the mood strikes!

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Spoonflower asked me to try their new Cotton Lawn substrate and I couldn’t resist all the possibilities. I spent way too long oogling all the amazing designs available. Tempted as I was to pick out a great print for my girls, I decided to be stingy and pick this amazing moon print (design by Andrea Lauren) for myself. I absolutely love the blue/green color. When it arrived I was super impressed that the color looked just as I had hoped – amazing. It washed up easily and feels super soft. Not quite as soft as some lawn, but a really great option for trying your own fabric designs! The one thing I noted when sewing was that after ripping out any stitching (you know I do that often!), the holes seemed to appear noticeable still. I’m assuming on the first wash it’ll disappear, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to mention it. Overall I’m really pleased!

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So back to the Alder, I accidently cut the button placket for the wrong side. I guess I wasn’t thinking straight, but now the placket opens on the wrong side. Women’s shirts have the buttons on the left side. I’m not worried about it, I loved making this dress and I can’t wait to cut out another!

Pattern: Alder Shirtdress (size 6 graded to a 4 at the hips) by Grainline Studio
Fabric: Moon Phases by Andrea Lauren (on Spoonflower Cotton Lawn Ultra)

Alder Shirtdress sewn by Anna Graham of Noodlehead, Spoonflower Cotton Lawn

10 thoughts on “Alder Shirtdress – Spoonflower Lawn

  1. Ginny Worden says:

    Tell people it is a Euopean pattern, they supposedly button on the left for women.

  2. Ann says:

    This looks fabulous. I have the Alder pattern and really need to make it. This fabric really works with the alder design. You look so fresh in this.

  3. Kelsey says:

    Good to know! Thanks for the review of the Spoonflower cotton lawn!

  4. car2ole says:

    Love the polished look! I’ve got some Liberty Tana lawn for an Alder shirtdress…

  5. Marina says:

    I love the beautiful simplicity of the dress Anna. I have some Spoonflower samples from before they were doing the lawn and so haven’t had a chance to see what that one is like in real life. It’s useful to hear your description. I love Andrea Lauren’s designs! (Also, nice wall backdrop again….. 😉

  6. Carlin says:

    Love the pattern and the fabric!

  7. kristin says:

    Oooo that fabric is awesome! Love this dress. That Alder is a great pattern, isn’t it? The fit is so comfy and summery but totally flattering too.

  8. heather says:

    I love this! I’ve been thinking of making an Alder, but haven’t quite gotten there yet. Yours renews my interest. I was just wondering what you think of the lawn in terms of having to wear a slip. I love Tana Lawn and voile, but often wonder if I’ll have to wear a slip (which I don’t own or really want to have to wear in the hot summer) if I make a dress out of it as opposed to just a top.

  9. Natasha says:

    I really like the fabric you chose. The dress is very cute on you!

  10. Sandra says:

    Re pin holes–just run a pin or needle along the row of stitch holes. The holes will disappear. Dress looks great on you. Love the fabric choice.

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