Morgann wearing the NICO Dress made with Olive Branch 100% Linen

I celebrated the first day of winter by sewing a linen dress for summer. This might just become a tradition. I have certainly heard of buying clothes out-of-season, but sewing clothes out-of-season? That’s a new concept for me. 

While creating the NICO dress in a Midweight OLIVE BRANCH Linen, I discovered something about myself. I really thrive in winter. I truly cannot imagine life without the snow covered trees, the shorter days, or the early sunsets. The extra hours spent at home feel like such a gift and often result in more time at my sewing machine. There is a comfort that comes from being cozied up inside, hot chocolate in hand, and sewing a garment you will wear when the days turn brighter and warmer. A belief in brighter days ahead, I suppose. 

As I type this, it’s 6:00 a.m., there is a space heater at my feet, my favorite wool blanket across my lap, and a pine-scented candle burning next to me, and I wonder how life would feel without mornings like this. Without these days, would I write as much? Would I sew just for fun? Would there be as much time, space, and clarity to allow for more creativity? 

What I’m trying to say: sewing this dress left me feeling grateful for the present and hopeful for the future. 

The making of the dress went so smoothly and took only a couple hours. It’s a simple design that is well patterned and easy to follow. I was drawn to the NICO pattern set for its French seams and bias binding neckline/armholes. These are two of my favorite sewing techniques because they are simple to sew, while producing a high-end finished seam with enclosed raw edges. The little details like the bust dart, bias cut, and side slits make this dress fit wonderfully and feel so comfortable. I followed the pattern exactly, with the exception of shortening the hem by six inches so it hits right below the knee instead of a maxi length. For reference, I’m 5’7” and typically wear a size 2.

I’m so happy with how the dress turned out.  Admittedly, I’m not much of a dress person, but I love wearing them on hot summer days, so this style with the shortened hem feels casual and will be something I wear for years to come. And, to save my favorite part for last, I cannot get over how much I adore the color. It’s the perfect shade of green and will easily pair with everything in my wardrobe. Just looking at it brings back good memories of hiking through the woods. I’m already dreaming up a duvet cover in this same fabric, quite possibly my next winter sewing project. 

Morgann wearing the NICO Dress made with Olive Branch 100% Linen

Hope you found this inspiring and you might consider sewing an out-of-season garment! 

Keep creating, friends. 

Morgann