Monday, May 31, 2021

McCalls 7834 shirtdress


Hey guys! As part of the Minerva Brand Ambassador program I was gifted this glorious Liberty Wiltshire linen/cotton blend, so I made it up into a McCalls 7834 shirtdress. Read all about it here! xx

 




Monday, May 10, 2021

McCalls's 7351 Shirtdress

 


It was the hem that got me in the end. I tried and tried to resist, but seriously - who could say no to a fitted shirtdress with an incredible handkerchief hem? Not this sewist, that's for sure!

And also: tabbed rolled up sleeves. I am an inveterate sleeve roller-upperer, and  am never going to change, so this feature wasn't so much calling my name as screaming it nonstop in my ear!

So really, in the end there was only one thing for it: I had to put aside any misjudgements I had regarding the yardage that would be chewed up by the skirt, and just go for it. So I did!




This is a great pattern. My only regret was not putting in pockets (hand on heart, I love a pocket in a dress!), but I had purchased this fabric on a whim and didn't quite have enough to squeeze pockets out when I was cutting it out, although goodness knows I tried. But apart from that lack, it's one pretty awesome dress. It gives me total Carolina Herrera vibes, but in the best way! I'm considering another in a bright broderie anglais... stay tuned!

The fabric is the most deluxe shirting I have ever seen! Officially a jacquard, it almost behaves like a shot silk, changing colour as it moves and the light hits it. It practically glows! So lovely - I'm really glad I splurged on it!



Project Details:

Pattern: McCalls 7351 

Fabric: Maroon and Navy Diamond Spotted Jacquard Cotton Shirting from Mood Fabrics

Notions: Fusible interfacing, buttons


Monday, May 03, 2021

StyleArc Hattie Woven Dress


Up until now, I have never had the pleasure of making a StyleArc pattern up, and for the life of me I cannot figure out why. But now the cherry has been popped I shall be coming back and making more and more and more, because this pattern was brilliant!

I will be honest - StyleArc patterns don't have a nice little technical drawing showing you exactly what you need to do every step of the way, so I would urge beginner sewists to proceed with a degree of caution. However, for an experienced sewist the instructions provided should be clear and simple enough, as was the case with this dress. 


I made it in a quasi-animal print rayon from Spotlight, which was a great fabric choice for this pattern. I love the front twist detail, and the fit is beautiful - flattering whilst still allowing freedom of movement.

I'm so impressed with the skilled drafting of this pattern that I'll be making another for sure, although probably altering the sleeves to make them full length, rather than 7/8ths.  

So if you are looking for a perfect day dress that can take you from work to dinner, look no further - the sweet Hattie is the one you should make!


Project Details:

Pattern - Hattie Woven Dress by StyleArc Patterns

Fabric - Rayon from Spotlight

Notions - Invisible zipper, interfacing