End of Summer Projects with Hand Dyed Fabrics

Summer is winding down and it is time to share my last two summer sewing projects. Fall is just around the corner, I even have my first fall project on the cutting table, and what better way to end the summer than with items that can transition into the next season! Perfect for the September weather that can still be warm but very unpredictable.

If you have been following along with our summer projects you know that we have been experimenting with shibori indigo dyeing. It’s time to finally cut into one of these stunning pieces! Since its release earlier this year I have had my eye on Christine Haynes’ Lottie pattern which is the perfect pattern for my hand dyed linen/rayon blend.

With eighteen different combinations included in the Lottie, I decided to go with the a hybrid of View A and B- with three-quarter length sleeves in the shorter top length. Based on the pattern measurements I went with a size eight, although I did decide to lengthen the body by three inches at the given lengthen/shorten line.

The pattern was really fast to prep and cut out with only seven pieces, four of which are for the lengthened sleeves. I did take some extra time to really think about the shibori design on the fabric and how I wanted to feature it on the finished garment. For the sleeve pieces, especially, I chose to highlight some of the richest indigo streaks.

Construction took no time at all, start-to-finish my Lottie was done in one evening (less than three hours). Complete with top stitching, under stitching and hemming for an amazing result! I am especially loving the side vents and pieced sleeves- the perfect added touch and Christine made them so easy to sew.

The combination of the abstract shibori pattern with the gorgeous texture of the linen/rayon create the perfect distressed look- casual but refined. Great drape and body but still has that soft, wrinkly texture of linen. I also love the length, not quite tunic length but just long enough to hit about mid-hip on my 5′ 9″ frame. I’m already dreaming about another version in a soft flannel for this fall!

Last but not least, my Stowe Bag from Grainline Studio and The Fringe Supply Co! I originally dyed this white twill with this bag in mind. It has been on my “To Make” list for a while now just waiting for the perfect fabric. Again, I took my time planning out the pieces before I actually cut into my dyed fabric.

Another quick sew, although I did make the whole project much more labor intensive by deciding to finish all of the seams using the Hong Kong finishing method. Extra work, but totally worth it! It really helps finish off the professional look of the bag and doesn’t try to compete or take away from the star of the show, the shibori. I also decided to finish the bias binding around the top edge to the inside, again shifting the focus back to the dyeing and fabric.

This size is perfect for a trip to the market or to bring your hand sewing or knitting project along with you for the day. I might even have enough extra of my shibori dyed twill to make one more small Stowe if I cut carefully. I definitely want to try making the larger size as well, maybe in some suiting or denim for a great fall carry-all purse. What do you think?

Well that wraps up my summer sewing! Time to shift gears and start planning for my favorite season- FALL!!! We have so many amazing fabrics arriving and lots of plans coming later this month, including the Fall Style Blog Tour!

-Michelle