
Hello Friends from Sunny Cumbria,
It’s not often I write that! But we have been enjoying some sunny weather lately and I thought I would share this shirt dress I finished recently – infact, I am wearing it right now!

This is McCalls 6885McCalls 6885, which I have made before, and you can see my first version and my review for this pattern here. This time around I made view View B but with the sleeves from view C, using this beautifully soft cotton gingham purchased locally to me some years back.

There is not a huge amount to say about this dress except for how glad I am to have it in my wardrobe. Gingham is very much on trend right now, but it is also timeless and this pattern is so quick, easy and satisfying to make.
Be warned, I am 5’3″ in height and had to remove 2 inches in length from the back. I debated (on Instagram) whether to add darts but in the end opted for the ties at the back and am happy with the end result (I did try darts: didn’t like how they looked). You will notice that I chose to cut my button placket and back yoke (not a standard pattern piece) on the bias to add a bit of interest and avoid having to pattern match 🙂

I want to make this dress again! But as ever, it’s that case of waiting for the right match of pattern and fabric to occur.
My first (only 2 days this week) at work went well and here’s looking forward to summer.
See you soon .

Love your dress. You look adorable. Another beautiful creation.
Thanks Janet
A lovely make and so nice to see the bias bits! Super job ~ you look fantastic!
Thanks Del.
Oh, gosh it’s lovely Manju! I turned out so well. The back ties are perfect.
Thanks Diane
I’ll have to keep my eyes open for this pattern. It looks comfortable and dressy too. I don’t like tight things in the summer months!
It’s a great pattern Linda
I love your gingham version. I didn’t realise you were 5’3″ tall, you look taller than that. I made this dress last year as a tunic top and must make it again, thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks Julie. Yeah I have been thinking of making a top from this pattern. I think it would be cute.
really cute and great use of gingham.
Thanks Beth.
This dress looks great on you and I think it’s calling for light weight denim (maybe tencel).
Thanks tencel would be awesome if I could find a good one!
OH gosh! Popover and gingham just go together, now don’t they! You know my love for anything gingham and this pattern and your blue and white fabric are perfect together. I love the addition of the ties…a bit like my darling ranges dress.
And hey…you are only a little taller than me! 🙂 Enjoy that sunshine.
PS I adore your sandals!
Thanks Sue this is a great pattern. The sandals were bought whilst in Barcelona: you know, I bring back fabric and leather goods from my holidays:-)
Gorgeous! Loving the bias cut yoke and placket, I think this always works well in gingham. Also loving the weather, we’re getting it in Belfast too! 🙂
Thanks Lynne
I really like this and it’s on my sewing list too. Love seeing a version with the ties in the back, it’s encouraging me to do the same to my version, whenever I get to it! Enjoy it cause it’s very pretty!
Thanks Carolyn I think you will enjoy making this pattern
Oh my, that looks perfect for the sweltering summers we have here. I’ve always loved my life in the summer in shorts and casual t-shirt type tops, but recently thought about making dresses such as these for everyday wear. I find them cooler, if the fabric is opaque and doesn’t require a slip. Also, I LOVE those sandals!
Thanks Yvonne. I never do shorts or T shirts so dresses all the way for me 🙂 sandals were bought in Barcelona
Very cute dress. I love gingham.
Thanks Jean Margaret
I adore this dress and now want to shamelessly copy it in navy/white gingham. It’s totally gorgeous and just the most perfectly wearable day dress for spring and summer. BTW I didn’t realise you were just up the M6 from me! Yay for norther sewists!
Where are you based Evie? Copy away!
I love how this dress came out. Using the tie is perfect. Just the right amount of shaping. Beautiful!
Thanks Tomasa
Love this, Manju!