Hello, friends!
I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been sick for the first time in about three years, so I’ve been down for the count. Thankfully, I’m feeling better and have been getting my sewing and blogging on! I also have a fun announcement later this week that I’m excited to share with you. 🙂 For now though, I’m sharing my recent shirtdress project as I hope for warmer weather and dream of days filled with sunshine.
*Portions of this post originally appeared on the Cali Fabrics blog.
For my next Cali project I decided on Vintage Vogue 9000, a kimono sleeved reproduction shirtdress pattern from 1951. I used this delicious teal and fuschia plaid fine cotton shirting, which is the perfect fabric to make a shirtdress with. This fabric is lightweight, but not too light that it’s sheer, so I didn’t need to line or underline my dress.
Source: Vogue Patterns
As I was matching plaids, I ordered more fabric than suggested. The problem that I failed to consider when planning this project was that the plaid is a directional design (meaning that it is a one-way print) and I couldn’t cut out the flared skirt panels and match the plaids with the yardage that I had. I spent a lot of time laying out my fabric pieces every which way I could think to try and make it work, but in the end, I had to forgo the lovely skirt included with the dress pattern. Instead, I went with a gathered skirt that I cut into six rectangular panels to give the skirt an even and full effect with this retro dress. Plus, gathered skirts are so much easier to plaid match!
I love the little details of this pattern that it set it apart from other shirtdresses — like the sleeve cuffs, the large collar, and the self-fabric belt. This is a Vogue pattern, so that means more hand sewing and vintage techniques. The pattern includes shoulder pads, which I did make, but in the end I felt that this dress looks better on me without them.
I used a vintage buckle and made a carrier on the belt. I tried sewing some eyelets on my sewing machine, so they aren’t quite perfect, but easier than hand sewing!
I graded this pattern up to about a size 26, enlarged the sleeves and did a swayback adjustment to the back piece. There’s still some fabric back there, but I think it gives it a blouson effect. I might take out a little more the next time I make this pattern as the sample on the Vogue site doesn’t have any pooling in that area.
I really look forward to making another version of this dress with the paneled skirt in View A. I’m thinking of chambray or another crisp shirting fabric.
Disclaimer: I received the fabric for this dress at no cost as I am a Cali Fabrics contributor. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Vintage Vogue 9000 in cotton shirting with gathered skirt, made by me
- Shoes: Lifestride
- Sunglasses: Modcloth
- Earrings: Bauble Bar
Love the way you sew. The plaid dress is perfect.
Thank you so much, Judy! 🙂
I’ve made the skirt from this pattern in a red velvet that I’ve been meaning to post. It is literally my favourite piece of clothing right now. Your dress just makes me want to do the full thing next time! Stunning as always, Tanya!
What a stunning dress. The fabric is gorgeous and this style really suits you. It would look great in a chambray. Really sorry t hear that you have been poorly. Hopefully you are feeling back to normal again and that the terrible weather hasn’t been affecting you. Xx
Thank you, friend! 🙂 I do hope to make this in a chambray sometime. It will be a great summer dress. I am feeling almost 100%. This cold seems to linger around for a while.
love that plaid! this is dress is totally my style too 😉 You look lovely!!
Thank you, Qui! I could totally see you wearing this!
You need a warm summer day to go on a picnic with Laddie in this dress! Very nice 🙂
YES! I think the only way that Laddie would sit around with me if I was eating. 🙂
Beautiful!
Thanks, Kathleen!
That is some pattern matching perfection across the button placket! Gorgeous dress, Tanya. Glad you’re feeling better!
Thank you, Kate! It was easy to match that. The top of the shoulder seams was pretty much impossible!
Hi Tanya! I agree with Amanda Adams. It’s a perfect transitional season dress. You are a really great seamstress. I’m glad to hear you are feeling better. It’s no fun being sick. Recently we had to put our beloved dog down. It was really sad, but he got to where he could not walk and would not eat anything. We believe he’s in a better place now – no more pain. I struggle with back pain a lot. This is a really great dress! Kathy from Arizona
I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. That’s such a hard thing to do. 🙁
I do think this great is great fr spring/fall 🙂
Dear Tanya, Hi! Thank you. It’s been tough. Kathy
This is the perfect transitional season dress! I love the little details – the fabric covered belt is the perfect finishing touch.
Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks, Amanda! I’m looking forward to wearing it later this week when it’s supposed to be warmer!
I’m glad you are feeling better had a break from the rain to show us this dress. I particularly like the sleeve details. : )
Thanks, Brenda! I actually went out to take these photos during a quick break from the rain as the rain was non stop that week!