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).







