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considering :: shirt + shirt dress

7/20/2020

4 Comments

 
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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 ::
  • 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:
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olya :: paper theory
--positives:
  • beautifully put together pattern
--negatives:
  • 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
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lucienne :: i am patterns
--positives:
  • simplest pattern to sew
--negatives:
  • the body + bottom of the sleeves might have too much volume (could alter)
  • I think I would need to draft facings for durability 
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archer :: grainline studio (+ alteration)
--positives:
  • 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
--negatives:
  • 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
4 Comments
sydney
7/21/2020 04:40:10 pm

You can always send the PDF to a copy shop and have them print it so you don't have to tape all the pieces together. That's what I do!

Reply
Jane link
7/28/2020 04:36:30 pm

I always want to do that, but the one time (at FedEx) I printed a pattern out that way it cost over $30 for one sheet! Do you need to ask for it in some certain way? or is there one place you go that does it cheaper? I'd love any recommendations you have! :)

Reply
sydney
7/28/2020 04:42:41 pm

Wow! $30 is a lot! No, mine never cost that much. I think it was more like $9 at any place I've been. I guess I'd say try to look for a place that prints architectural and engineering drawings (my husband is an architect so he is the one who recommended our local shop) and they should be able to do something a little more affordably.

Jane link
8/10/2020 07:49:40 pm

Great tip, thank you so much! I will definitely keep that in mind! :)

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