This post started out as a place to collect all of my scattered thoughts about shirt dresses. I've been trying to choose the most versatile sewing pattern...one that could be used to sew the perfect button up shirt + also a variety of shirt dresses (+ maybe a chore coat too). Phew! That's a lot of pressure for one pattern!
I was hoping that seeing my sewing pattern choices + inspiration photos in one place would help me formulate a plan. Collecting these inspiration photos does help me to see that I love an oversized silhouette. Seeing so much inspiration collected over the years...all together in one place (rather than scattered through my pinterest boards)...confirms that I've loved this sort of shape for a long time. (I've even done a similar post here.)
I've made shirt dresses before + even documented a couple of them here:
one ::
two ::
My thoughts on shirt dresses now involve:
My top pattern choices at the moment include:
I was hoping that seeing my sewing pattern choices + inspiration photos in one place would help me formulate a plan. Collecting these inspiration photos does help me to see that I love an oversized silhouette. Seeing so much inspiration collected over the years...all together in one place (rather than scattered through my pinterest boards)...confirms that I've loved this sort of shape for a long time. (I've even done a similar post here.)
I've made shirt dresses before + even documented a couple of them here:
one ::
- used a Maker's Atelier pattern that had to be heavily altered
- could not roll up sleeves enough (hot days) or wear layers over (cooler days)
two ::
- used a vintage pattern that involved altering
- didn't feel like it was constructed to wash + wear without ironing every time
My thoughts on shirt dresses now involve:
- construction that does not demand ironing back into shape after each wash
- being able to roll up the sleeves above the elbow in the summer (+/or)
- being able to put a layer over top on colder days
My top pattern choices at the moment include:
 |  |
olya :: paper theory
--positives:
- beautifully put together pattern
- only comes in PDF...have to print + put the pattern together
- this pattern will take more time + effort
- I'd like the bottom of the bodice to hit higher
 |  |  |
lucienne :: i am patterns
--positives:
- simplest pattern to sew
- the body + bottom of the sleeves might have too much volume (could alter)
- I think I would need to draft facings for durability
 |  |
archer :: grainline studio (+ alteration)
--positives:
I think I'm realizing that purchasing two patterns (instead of one) might not be a totally terrible choice. One pattern could be more oversized + the other could be a bit more fitted. I love both styles + would likely get a lot of use out of both patterns. This was definitely a helpful exercise...but this is still a hard decision!
All lovely photos via links.
Love,
Jane
- the fit as a shirt looks just the right amount of roomy + fitted
- it would probably layer well under things if made in a lightweight fabric
- I might like my shirt dress to be a little bit more roomy
I think I'm realizing that purchasing two patterns (instead of one) might not be a totally terrible choice. One pattern could be more oversized + the other could be a bit more fitted. I love both styles + would likely get a lot of use out of both patterns. This was definitely a helpful exercise...but this is still a hard decision!
All lovely photos via links.
Love,
Jane
