SEWN – a modern shift

One of our COUCOUTURE craft club challenges for April was to make a modern shift – my version of the fifties’ shift. Well, apparently in the fifties, all women had waistlines. So I ventured into later decades and found much more exciting dresses.

When I think of a shift, I think comfort, not an unforgiving waistband. So I decided to go with a simple loose-fitting shift. I chose the Laurel pattern from Colette. For the fabric, I selected a pretty cotton print by Anna Maria Horner’s Field Study collection. The design’s a bit larger and more dramatic than 1950 florals, but I fell in love with it. And yes, I resisted sequins. However, the ruffled sleeves convey a definite flirty feel.

It was my first time using a Colette pattern, so for you sewists out there, I’ll offer up some helpful scoop I don’t usually divulge. I buy size 8 dresses, but I made this one by the size 10, and it fit perfectly. What I’ll keep secret, though, is where I plan to wear this modern shift when I put my hair up, hit the town, and pretend I’m that girl in the black sheer dress in that photo!