Thursday, October 16, 2014

Chambray Pullover Shirtdress



This post is all about new, a new way I decided what to sew and a new style for me. I saw McCall’s 6885 featured on social media along with a famous designer
in a very similar dress. Right when I saw that photo, I knew I had to make this dress.







Now this is the first new  for me, usually I have the fabric and I look through my patterns to see what to make. This time I was in search of fabric and of course, Mood had just the right fabric, a  Mood Fabrics’ chambray year-round cotton flannel.  I should clarify this, I use to always have the pattern first and then find the fabric to make the garment.  Over the last few years, I find it easier to acquire fabric and then find a suitable pattern.  Thanks to Mood Fabrics’ great selection, I always find fabulous fabric.



This fabric was perfect – the chambray look but so soft with the perfect drape for this style of pattern.  This is important with this style of dress, I sure didn’t want the fabric to be stiff and add fullness to this style.  Now that is the second new for me, I usually don’t do shirt dresses or a looser dress but this one just really appealed to me.
I made a few changes, mainly the length of the dress, just look at the side of the shirttail hem.  I added 1-1/2″ to the length of the dress, thank goodness or my side hem might be way too short!  I also added 1″ to the sleeve length, which made the sleeves the perfect length.  This length is probably irrelevant as I don’t think I will ever wear the sleeves rolled down, the  sleeve tabs are just a great feature.


This fabric is thin so I have a slip on with this dress for modesty sake.  With the weight of the fabric in mind, I used interfacing on both sides of the collar and undercollar, a tricot knit interfacing to be specific.  I am pleased with this decision, the two layers gave the collar some substance.  I also cut the undercollar in two pieces on the bias.

I started sewing on this dress Sunday and guess what?  I didn’t have enough thread to construct and topstitch.  Anyone else have that happen?  A show of hands, please!  My solution, to use a gray to construct and the perfect match thread for topstitching and buttonholes.  I ran out of thread when sewing on the last button.  If I had more thread I would of added 2 more buttons and buttonholes, which I will do after a thread purchase.   And I really need another button for the bust pull, too.   Photographs tell us so much about our projects.

This dress is just so fun to wear and I know I will wear it with a belt most of the time but without the belt is just so easy and fun.  I did put a red cardigan on with the dress and loved the look but none of my pictures were in focus.  You will just have to take my word!



 I am so happy I tried a new look for me.

Note on the last three days of pictures.  We have had 13 out of the first 14 days in October with rain.  I had no choice but to take all of these pictures on the front porch on a gloomy day.  I also had to take them on the north side of the house to protect myself from wind and wind gusts.  So sorry for the darker nature of the photographs - but guess what?  The sun is shining today and is suppose to shine for several more days.  The farmers around here might be able to get back to their harvest.

22 comments:

  1. Love your new look, Lori! Great style for you and as always the sewing is spot on :)

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  2. I just got this pattern in the mail yesterday. Love it! It looks great and personally, I love shirt dresses unbelted.

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    1. Thanks, Mary, with the front placket, I think unbelted might look the best.

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  3. It's a great look and lovely on you!

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    1. Thank you, Carolyn, it is fun to wear.

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  4. What Oona said!! Here's to more sunny days!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie, the sun has been shining for the last 5 days and the forecast is for 10 more. Oh, it is so nice and makes for happy farmers.

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  5. Will be great with leggings too as the weather cools off.

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    1. You are right, Joen, now to get some cute leggings!

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  6. You look beautiful in this dress!

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    1. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

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  7. Anonymous10:15 AM

    This looks so great on you! Love it!!!

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    1. Thanks, Sonja, I really like it , too.

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  8. This is such a cool look!

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    1. Thanks, Regina, it is different for me but fun.

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  9. Looks lovely on you. Just wish I had such long, tanned legs to show off

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  10. Great dress! Looks to be really comfy too - an important feature in my book.

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    1. You are right, Irene, comfort is a big factor.

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