Lisette Traveler Dress

Recently my much loved industrial sewing machine died on me.  I bought it second-hand when I was pregnant with Max. It served me unfailingly for 12 fabulous years.  I cannot imagine how many thousands of kilometres it has sewed.

Industrial sewing machines are simple beasts - they take two men to move them around, are very ugly and only do a straight stitch.  Despite these limitations they are brilliant to work on and I really couldn't be without one in my life.  So after determining that my old machine was perfectly fine mechanically, but new technology in motors had rendered it useless, I traded it in for a newer second-hand model.

Inspired by my new toy I did some sewing for myself.  I love Liesl's Oliver + S patterns and was keen to try one of her women's patterns under the Sew Lisette brand.

One of my favourite daytime outfits in the summer is a shirtdress.  I have several in my wardrobe and they seem to suit my shape.  So the Traveler Dress it had to be.

The fabric is a navy and white shirting cotton I had in my stash.

I made a few modifications to the pattern.

I made the collar as a two piece collar. Just because I like playing with collars and my patternmaking skills need a bit of brushing up on.

I made it sleeveless for a more streamlined look.  I bound the armhole with some bias fabric.

And my favourite modification: I added hidden pockets in the skirt side seams.  You can just see the top stitching I put there to keep the pocket lining in place.

I love this pattern.  It's a great fit and cut.  I'm very happy with it, as I suspected I would be, knowing Liesl's work.

Now that I have this garment as a guide, I've made some adjustments to the pattern. I always trace my tissue, store bought patterns onto patterncard for greater accuracy.  Now I'm ready to make the next one (in a fabric that looks a little less like a girl's school uniform).

Comments

[Rennae]

Hi Kristine,
Such a beautiful dress. I have bought a couple of Sew Lisette patterns,but are yet to sew them up.
I tried to email you about an order I placed back in early September but I am not sure you got it. If you have a moment cane you please drop me a line, Thanks Rennae

[Sophie]

What a lovely dress! Very classic - Audrey Hepburn like :) I'd love to sew a garment all by myself! I'm making my girl a pair of pants at the moment and it's taking me forever... Did you complete any sewing courses Kristine or are you pretty much self taught?

Practise, practise practise!

Sophie xo

[Camille]

I love this with no sleeves! Great idea.

[Amellia Grosser]

I love your shirt dress. It looks perfect for summer.

Amellia