It's apparent that I've been bit by the seriously infectious Grainline patterns bug. Once you've started, it's not possible make just one. Really. I might be cutting another of Jen's designs today.

For my third go on the Archer pattern (one & two), I thought I'd go with the most traditional variant, view A. This time I didn't change much at all, only lengthened it by 1 inch.

My favorite parts of making the Archer are the sleeve details. The cuff and pleating and yes, even the sleeve slit placket... mmmm. The placket- I am ill, right? Just the thought of them make me want to sew another shirt right now. Also, since investing in button and buttonhole feet for my Bernina (mine didn't come with many feet at all) I have become a complete button convert. The process was okay before, now it's downright LOVELY.

The Robert Kaufman Dot Indigo cotton I used is light enough to wear as the summer heat winds down ("heat" here in the Pacific Northwest usually tops out at 85ish degrees, mind you) but will definitely be a staple for Fall. Preferably with my green high-waisted toothpick cords. Is anyone else as excited as me that CORD SEASON IS COMING?! Huge cord fiend right here. Pretty sure I need to start a hunt for some nice non-stretch corduroy and get a Clover pant muslin started.

/sewaholic saltspring dress

You guys, I was so excited to be a tester for the Sewaholic Saltspring Dress. I volunteered to test after knowing that the pattern would be a dress, because I actually need more dresses! Many sewers have the opposite problem, making more dresses than they could possibly wear but this is not my issue. I'm a separates kind of girl. The design is smart, laid back and its simplicity is great for showcasing a nice print. In-seam pockets are always a bonus, too!

This photo is definitely at a weird angle, but the dress blouses a bit more than this and lays really nicely at the neckline. I also just realized that I took these so long ago that those flowers behind me have since bloomed, been pruned and are starting to pop up again! I've been enjoying wearing this dress for two months now and think it will transition well into the fall, too.

Yep, I was one of those testy testers (hopefully not really) that "wondered" what the dress would look like without a zipper, except I actually just left it out. There is honestly no need for it in this dress, which makes it super fast to sew. I also lined the skirt (and bodice) with a soft cotton/modal knit so it feels like pajamas. Comfort-wise, you really can't go wrong with a knit lining!

fashion fabric: After searching high and low for this Anna Maria Horner rayon challis, I found it on QuiltHome.com
lining: Cotton/modal blend found at Joann! Impressed.