Alder Angst

So, this is where you tell me I should have made a muslin. I know. And to make matters worse, I have have seen so many awesome, awesome versions out there in the interwebs.

Argh. Look at this beauty. I used a beautiful warm grey linen from my stash that I have been hoarding for ages. And neon green buttons. I love them. This dress has all the makings of being something really fabulous. And yet, it's not. I finished this the other week and put it on. And even J, who compliments everything I make no matter what, wrinkled his nose. I'm not willing to put it on for blog photos. Sorry.
Most of the problem is that it's way too big. I think this is a combination of making a size too big and also the linen I used. I should know my measurements, I know. But they have changed so much in the past couple of years. I erred on the side of too big and I got it. The linen I used is a heavier 100% linen. It's one of those linens that kind of has a life of it's own. I spent a lot of time trying to tame it and make it do what it was supposed to do. It was difficult to work with. It's the kind of linen that will age nicely but is stiff and unforgiving at first. And forget about gathering (don't look too close). I had to zig zag over heavy thread and I still snapped the thread twice. It took me several attempts to gather the skirt. The armholes ended up too low, which only reinforces the fact that I need to size down. I didn't make any other changes except for lengthening it two inches. It could also be because I'm just not supposed to wear dresses without waist seams. Didn't I learn my lesson last time?
However, for posterity, I did want to post about the experience. Also because I refer to my own blog for info, too. I'm not finished with the pattern yet. I'd like to make it again and I will definitely size down. I am proud of those pockets. I used the side with the facing for a little more interest. The instructions were great and everything fit together just as it should. It was a fun sew, although more labor intensive than things I have been sewing lately. I did have to brush up on some skills I haven't used for a while. Precision sewing is not my strong suit. That collar- I give myself a C-. But I'll do better next time. I am patiently waiting for Jen to talk about the v-neck shirt variation. I can handle the no waist look in a tunic or shirt. In the meantime, I've got to figure out if there is a way to save this one. Do I want attempt to alter it? I was thinking about taking out the armhole binding and then taking in the bodice above the gathered skirt. That should give me a closer fit and make the armholes a little smaller. I'll just put it in line behind my Nicola ;)