I do love a nice collared shirt, so the shirtdress seems like a natural extension of that. There are so many good shirtdress patterns available right now, it was a little difficult to choose. The one I used here is Simplicity 8014, View D. I really liked the denim version on the envelope, but I wanted the option of wearing this to work, so no denim for me.
I had considered trying this in silk, but shortly before I went fabric shopping I messed up this silk top with some sort of oil stain. My attempts at treating it only seemed to make it worse. Only low-maintenance laundry items for me, I guess. This fabric is polyester. I wouldn't say it was a joy to work with, but it wasn't bad.
After making a muslin, I was pretty pleased with the fit. I removed 1.5" in width from the back - only the dress piece, not the yoke. I also added 2" in length to the skirt. The pattern has gathers at CB, but I changed that to a pleat. I also omitted the pockets.
In the final version I feel like I could use a little more room across the shoulders. I put both sleeves in the muslin to check range of motion and I was pretty satisfied. However, the fashion fabric is a very tight weave with absolutely no give and it feels pretty different. It isn't terrible, but I would prefer a smidge more room. The tuck on the sleeve incorporates the hem and gives a nice finish on the inside
I did my own thing with the button placement - following what I like with other button-down shirts and including a couple more than recommended at the lower edge. The model in the envelope picture seems like she might reveal more than necessary when she sits down.
The shirttail hem is a nice feature and I appreciated the shaped facing piece included. I feel like the dress is still a little shorter than I'd like and I already added 2".
So, overall a success - I really liked the pattern and enjoy the final result. There is a piece of linen that has been in my stash for years that I might like to use for a sleeveless version.
I had considered trying this in silk, but shortly before I went fabric shopping I messed up this silk top with some sort of oil stain. My attempts at treating it only seemed to make it worse. Only low-maintenance laundry items for me, I guess. This fabric is polyester. I wouldn't say it was a joy to work with, but it wasn't bad.
After making a muslin, I was pretty pleased with the fit. I removed 1.5" in width from the back - only the dress piece, not the yoke. I also added 2" in length to the skirt. The pattern has gathers at CB, but I changed that to a pleat. I also omitted the pockets.
The shirttail hem is a nice feature and I appreciated the shaped facing piece included. I feel like the dress is still a little shorter than I'd like and I already added 2".
So, overall a success - I really liked the pattern and enjoy the final result. There is a piece of linen that has been in my stash for years that I might like to use for a sleeveless version.
Very nice!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI really do like a shirt dress too. This one is very nice and I like the fabric you used. It looks great :)
ReplyDeleteI really do like a shirt dress too. This one is very nice and I like the fabric you used. It looks great :)
ReplyDeleteEXELLENT DRESS!
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Such a cute sewing patterns. You will get a lot of wear out of it for sure.
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