Howdy, friends!
I sure hope you’re keeping cool (or warm) where ever you are. It’s very hot (109 F) and humid (75%) as I write this here and I sure hope it gets better soon as it’s utterly miserable here. We can take the heat and are used to it here in the Sierra foothills, but it’s usually a dry heat which is more tolerable. As our house is cooled by a water cooler (evaporative air cooler), it doesn’t work well with the current humidity, so it just plain sucks. It’s better than being outside though!
Anyway…. I’ve read that this is the summer of the shirtdress and shirtdresses are trending. Well, they’ve always been trendy with me. And at least being “trendy” might mean that there are more shirtdress patterns to choose from, eh?
Source: Cashmerette Patterns
*Note: Portions of this post originally appeared on the Cali Fabrics blog
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been on the hunt for the Holy Grail of shirtdresses for a long time! I’ve been searching for something classic, comfortable, well fitting with a myriad of options to customize and I think I’ve found it with the Cashmerette Lenox. This pattern certainly went together easily and I had no alterations to make. A great fit out of the envelope is always an A+ in my book!
I’ve tested a lot of patterns for Cashmerette, but I didn’t test this particular pattern as I didn’t have time to when it was in the testing phase. That made me especially sad as I love shirtdresses and was waiting patiently for a curve-friendly version like this one. Thus, my first Lenox is the final version, not one made during testing.
I knew I wanted to make my version of the Lenox in chambray and I fell in love the Robert Kaufman Ranchero Rayon Chambray. The color that I used is “indigo” and it’s a really lovely fabric with a wonderful drape that’s fantastic to wear. However, this fabric is a bit finicky to work with as it’s slippery and frays easily. I definitely recommend sergering or zig-zagging the edges of your patter pieces after you cut them and using some kind of stabilizer like spray starch when you’re cutting it out. I also used a lot of pins while sewing it together that were put in at a slant and “double pinned” (pushing the pin twice into the fabric to hold it). Yes, the rayon chambray takes a little bit more work to sew with, but look at how lovely it is? It’s definitely worth some cautionary steps to tame it.
I graded between sizes for this dress as my bust differs from my waist/hip measurement on the Cashmerette size chart. I cut the out the largest sleeve instead of doing a full bicep adjustment. The pattern has a built-in swayback adjustment, but I could probably take out a little bit more of a wedge on the back bodice. It does have a blouson effect that I like, so I’m happy with the fit. The fabric is a little sheer, so I have a full slip on with this dress.
One of the things that I really like about this pattern is that it has some ease and isn’t too fitted. Some of the vintage reproduction shirtdress patterns that I make are fitted in the bodice, which makes it stifling and sweaty in this heat. The Lenox is loose enough not to feel restricted and yet not too loose to be shapeless. Plus, it doesn’t need a belt! (Although, of course you could sew in some carriers and add one!)
It’s so nice to add an easy everyday shirtdress to my closet and look forward to making another. Perhaps a lovely cotton shirting or a poplin for the next one?
Disclaimer: I received the pattern for this dress as a gift as I am a Cashmerette Patterns tester. I received the fabric for this dress at no cost as I am a contributor to the Cali Fabrics blog.
Happy Sewing!
- Dress: Cashmerette Lenox in Kaufman ranchero rayon chambray, made by me
- Shoes: Aerosoles
- Jewelry: Bauble Bar
Hi Tanya, my name is Barb Kuhlmann, I am a new garment sewer but have made quilts for a long time. I love the Curvy Collective and read your posts on for beginners. I have purchased the 2 dress patterns and the sweater pattern, found them on eBay. I am going to try those. Simplicity 2444, 2154 and Butterick ? I wanted to know if I get stuck would it be possible to email you with questions? I don’t have a blog. I don’t like WordPress. and I cant sign up for Bloglovin without a blog. I used to live in Sacramento. My brother lives in Meadow Vista. Northern California is awesome. I know live in Washington state. Have you gone to the Auction in Roseburg? great place to find antiques.
You look lovely in the new Lenox dress. I really like the fabric. Hope you have s great trip to SoCal.
Kindly, Barb
I’m late but want to chime in that I love your fabric choice and your finished dress, which of course is sooooo you! Wonderful job!
I love your version of this dress. I made a second one this weekend. I just need to sew my button holes and buttons on. Tonight’s task!
I was looking at this pattern like, “do I really need another shirt dress pattern?” And now I know the answer is yes, and I might as well pick up the scrappy back dress while I’m there too. Beautiful work as always, Tanya!
Strappy not scrappy, Auto correct fail.
Thank you! Yes — sometimes it’s difficult to buy another shirtdress pattern when we already have a few! This one is a bit different and it’s nice not to make a bunch of alterations. 🙂
You wear these summery hues well! I’ve been so impressed with Kaufmann’s fabrics. This one has such a pretty drape, and the rayon has to be such a relief in such miserable heat! That’s a great tip about starch. I have some challis in my stash destined to be a kind of beachy ensemble, and I will definitely reach for the starch!
Thanks, Elizabeth! I love Kaufman fabrics, too. I’ve never been disappointed by any of them.
Super cute! I’m in the same general area as you I believe so we are all dying in the heat too.
Thanks, Julie! At least we made it through that week of heat and humidity. It’s so nice already today!
Lovely. Beautiful fabric.
Thank you, Alice! 🙂
Oh my word that’s so cute. I want to feel that fabric… happen to live close to their store too ;). Love the dress & hope you are done melting!!
Thanks, Hannah! The fabric is divine! I hope you can stop in and “pet” it. 🙂 Yes, it’s finally cool here! Yay!
I love how the fabric of the skirt hangs. That type of fabric makes me feel hotter so it wouldn’t be my choice. But it really sells the pattern! You did an amazing job and look beautiful!
Thank you! The rayon doesn’t make me feel too hot, but I do agree that it’s definitely not as cool as cotton!
Oh this is wonderful! I am planning one in a very similar colour, although not in as luxurious a fabric! It looks shiny and wonderful, I love rayon. And it’s prefect for weather like that.
That’s the kind of summer we had year before last. I LIKE the heat but once it’s hotter outside my body than in, I am done. And I don’t handle the humidity well at all! I wish I could send you some of our freezing weather here, it’s not my favourite! (By freezing I mean, like… 10C. Which is cold for me! XD)
Hope it cools down soon!
Thanks, Kate! That fabric does certainly feel luxurious, although it’s not expensive. 🙂 I can’t wait to see yours.
I would love to have some of your freezing weather. I much prefer winter temps to the heat, but then I love to wear sandals and sundresses. 🙂
Gorgeous!! I know what you mean about rayon chambray: every time I sew with it I end up cursing, but then I always super love the end result, so the pain is worth it!
Thanks, Jenny! Next time I will definitely learn from my experience if I ever sew with it again! 🙂