Sew & Tell | Bella of Bellbird

Even though it's mid-summer, it's not too late to sew up an Alder. I just finished one a couple weeks ago before a trip to California and wore it a lot. It's an easy, breezy, unfussy summer dress. Here at Grainline Studio, we have wide eyes for this amazing fabric Bella chose for one of her Alders. It's so good and the fit on Bella is a big thumbs up!

Name: Bella
Which pattern did you use? Alder
What type of fabric or other materials did you use? I used a printed cotton, along with some self-covered buttons.

Tell us about your project! I picked up this rather crazy fabric a couple of years ago while on holiday in San Francisco. At the time I had no real plans for what I would make with it, but I couldn't exactly not buy it - it was covered in big purple spots! When the Alder pattern was released, I knew that my fabric had found its match. This cotton has quite a sturdy hand, and I really like the crisp way it holds the gathers of the skirt as well as the collar and button band details. I also like the way that the different components of the dress break up the print a little bit. My favorite thing about the Alder pattern is its versatility. Great on hot summer days, and equally perfect on cooler days with tights and a sweater. Writing this is reminding me that I could use a couple more in my closet!