I’ve really enjoyed this make, working with 100% linen is a real pleasure. I love how crisply it presses under the iron and how well-behaved it is to sew.
After its initial pre-wash, the fabric was surprisingly soft and feels really comfortable next to your skin. It still has all the characteristics of normal linen, but I think you can definitely feel the difference the tumble-washed finish makes to the cloth (it’s treated in production).
The print for my linen is called Maple Timbers, and it’s so much nicer in real life than in the photos. Its gorgeous, harmonising, warm, brown, black, and caramel tones, make it anything but dull, (which brown can be) in fact to me, this print, really seems to sing.
I chose Kwik Sew K4156 as I wanted a simple silhouette to show off the print, and I liked the sleeves with their gathered cuffs and sleeve head. I used the neckline from option A and 3/4 sleeves from option B. I went for a hem length that I felt worked well with my chair, so it’s kind of in between both options.
As usual, hubby very kindly cut out the pattern for me using a rotary cutter. I sewed the majority of the project using an 80/12 universal needle and finished off the raw edges with my overlocker.
I’m very happy with the end result; I know that I’m going to get a lot of use out of this dress over the summer.
Wheelchair considerations
1) The general neckline is nice and high, although I did sew up the bottom of the feature opening as I felt it was a little too revealing. I’m much more comfortable now it’s a few centimetres higher.
2) The dress has no fastenings, so it can be pulled on and off over your head.
3) The waistline is elasticated, so it’s very comfortable to wear.
4) I chose a length for the skirt that I was happy with; it’s very easy to do this with this pattern.
5) Although the sleeves are quite voluminous, if you opt for option B, then they shouldn’t get caught in your wheels if you self-propel.
6) The skirt is a good width and not too wide so there isn’t too much fabric to get bundled up underneath or at the sides of you.
Image Description,
(There are six images taken from different angles showing Yvonne seated in her wheelchair in her garden. She is wearing a knee-length brown linen dress that has statement sleeves and a cut-out neckline.)
I was very kindly gifted this fabric as part of Minerva’s Ambassador Programme.
#minervabrandambassador #minervabrandambassadors#minervamaker #minervamakers #minervamakes#MinervaExclusiveFabric #MapleTimbers
#WheelchairConsiderations #SewnShownSeated #K4156Seated#DisabledSewist
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