Timeless Shirtdress for an Italian Heiress, Anyone?
Modified FS Bruna Dress made with FS Chocolate Midweight Linen
I moved to Los Angeles three years ago after living in Boston for over a decade. Over that decade, this California native learned what winter was, how incredible wool is, and that jeans are NOT the pants I want to wear when it’s humid out. IYKYK.
But one of the things I miss most about my time on the East Coast was getting dressed for each season. Although I may sound like a masochist, I loved swapping out my closet four times a year. Trudging plastic storage bins from the basement, unpacking my sweaters, folding sundresses up for next year. All of you who live in climates with large weather shifts, know what the closet flip was like, even if it wasn’t as enjoyable for you as it was for me!
It was a ritual of organization, resetting, and growth.
Modified FS Bruna Dress made with FS Chocolate Midweight Linen
I would systematically go through my dresser and closets throughout my teeny Cambridge apartment, taking over the bedroom, creating piles to be hung, washed, or donated. I would vacuum and dust the closet corners, color code what I was hanging up and prepare for the next season. Ritual. Reset.
The most difficult part of this, besides the time and the mess, was the “in-between” time. The transitional weeks between each season meant I needed ALL my clothes out at one time – it felt harder to get dressed AND stay organized.
Modified FS Bruna Dress made with FS Chocolate Midweight Linen
Los Angeles doesn’t experience the same type of seasonal shifts, allowing me to wear most of my wardrobe all year round. I don’t have the same rituals of seasonal swap outs or storage bins stacked in a corner. Which means that I have more time to “play” with my wardrobe and experiment with transitional styling. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that playing with stye is something I am exploring heavily!
I am more inclined to wear clothing that is season-less , or all seasons (!) which brings me to Bruna Pattern from Fabrics Store. I was recently asked if I wanted to review this new pattern and initially, I didn’t think the style would fit my current closet needs. But as I turned to inspiration (ie: Pinterest), I kept seeing images of timeless shirtdress silhouettes, with simple accessories, low heeled sandals- images of Italian heiresses came to mind.
Dang it xt….I was sucked in.
Modified FS Bruna Dress made with FS Chocolate Midweight Linen
I removed the sleeves and instead bias bound the armholes from the maxi length, full-button front version of the Bruna Pattern, knowing that it would work for all seasons, here in Los Angeles. The only other modification I needed was to shorten the length for my 5’ 4” frame. Instead of adjusting the hem facing, I simply added a deep double-fold hem. Dress patterns are forgiving, coupled with well thought out instructions, great diagrams for each step- it is a piece of cake. The IL019 mid-weight linen in Chocolate was the perfect pairing for this pattern: comfortable, and has just the right amount of sophistication for a day on the marina.
Now how do I become an Italian heiress and live on the coast? Hmmm….
About Author
Caitlin Snyder
Caitlin is a self-taught sewist living in Los Angeles, California, with her extremely patient husband, happy French Bulldog, and skeptical cat. Her painting and design background inform her need to create. Sewing her wardrobe is her current passion (some say obsession). Laughing over a meal and wine is a close second. Instagram: @caitsnyd_sewsLeave a Reply to M Leath Cancel reply
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4 Comments
M Leath
Oh excuse me I put pockets in everything. ?. I use the waist placement of the dress to guesstimate the placement of the second fabric. It’s an arbitrary line so if you’re long waisted the sewing line is higher if you choose or the reverse if you’re short waisted. I like the optical illusion. It may be all in my head but I’ve played with it.
M
M Leath
Caitlin, I like this style and color on you too. I too alter the patterns for similar reasons. The photos show that the weight you choose is light for the LA climate, I expect. If I made this dress I would also add a fun light weight cotton like Barbara, Margaret, or even safari at the waist to the hem or just above. I attach it at the top of the pockets using the same pattern as the dress. If I use the same thread color as the linen it’s not noticeable that a second layer has been added, it is fun to catch just a glimpse of the underside, it’s more comfortable for me not having to use a slip, the linen doesn’t hang up on my underwear or stretch out and it hides the pocket shadows.
Again you look wonderful in this dress, I’m just commenting on how else I change the patterns when I sew them for me. I also like a bit of whimsy and challenge myself to look for the heiress opportunity around the next corner.
M
Cate Puzo
M, I love the idea of a partial second layer and have played with the idea on other patterns. How would you do it for a dress that doesn’t have pockets above which to attach the second layer?
Tom S.
Love that color on you. And it’s so chic looking as well as comfortable. It’s a timeless piece.