Do you ever just jump into a pattern because it is a new designer (to you), pushes you to use a fabric or technique that is long-lost in using so many knits (ahem, wovens!) and you think it might just replace a favorite wardrobe item that might be worn out or “grown out of”?
I had this favorite brownish khaki-type skirt from Old Navy that I LOVED. This thing could be dressed up and worn out to drink and dance or dressed down to wear with flip-flops and a tee for a summer BBQ with friends and family. It looked like it should be a mini-skirt but sat low on the hips to provide plenty of coverage to not over-expose while acting care-free.
Kids happened. My favorite staple no longer fit the way I loved and let’s be honest, putting kids in and out of their car seats is just not a good idea with a shorter skirt. I have spent years wanting another fun skirt, with pockets, that is structured enough to fit like a denim or khaki skirt but still moves like a knit for daily like chasing two littles.
Enter the Sew a Little Seam Linden. I picked this pattern because it had a very inclusive size range and comes with both shorts and skirt pattern pieces and LOTS of options from structured knit to Chino to jean skirt details. With a waist and hip measurement both of 48″ can be really difficult because I am often right at the top, if not off of, many size charts.
I haven’t made a woven anything in forever so I was hesitant but the newly stocked stretch twill from Phee Fabrics offers the beautiful structure of a woven with the forgiveness of a knit. I picked the charcoal as the coral is a little bright for everyday and the white, well, I have kids and animals.
For my first round with the Linden I stripped the options to an elastic waist, no drawstring, sloped pockets and the shortest length. PSA – Don’t hold the pattern pieces up to you to decide if that is the right length for your needs. with 5/8″ x 2 hemming allowance it got short reeeeal fast!
I am glad I have made items with pockets because I feel like it could have had a few more notches to help align the pocket pouches with the front pieces but once that was situated the rest of the assembly went quick! I am looking forward to seeing how this fast-drying woven with the perfect touch of stretch will perform as a swim-cover skirt for playing on my stand-up paddle board.
After Linden round one I can see this as a pattern I will make again and spent the time to explore the more intimate details like welt or decorative jean-style pockets or belt loops for a polished look with a few size adjustments and the next length!
Pattern: Sew a Little Seam Women’s Linden Shorts & Skirt PDF Pattern
Skirt: Stretch Twill in Charcoal
Shirt: GreenStyle Creations Green Tee in Orchid Rayon Spandex from Phee Fabrics
pheefabrics.blog 
The Linden looks like a really versatile pattern, but I can’t find a size chart anywhere.
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