Hey Everyone,

Order of blogging has gone to pot and today I am sharing one of my more recent makes (made post holiday): another version of Simplicity 8014, and the first time I am making view A/B. (I have previously made views C and D; see here and here). If you are a fan of the shirt dress, and you don’t have this pattern in your stash, ask yourself why? Because you are essentially getting two, completely different shirt dresses in a single envelope, for the price of one. And I do love a shirt dress (search this blog to see how much!) I find them so easy to wear and feel polished, but not OTT.

First, let me tell you about the fabric: it’s another Fabworks find. This is the London Bound Pinstripe cotton poplin. It is a beautiful fabric, although I did find this dress getting a little creased after a day of wearing it. No matter. This fabric is perfect for that polished look, even in the hot weather we have had. It breathes and feels light and airy and is easy to press and sew.

As for the pattern…I will say that I love this pattern for it’s feminine and classic style. However, going forward, there are a couple of things I could do to improve the fit on version two. I did a full bum adjustment just to add a smidge more length over the backside, but I need to add a tiny bit more width in the high hip area. Also, my bust darts need to come down. Finally, I think I will add a tiny bit more room through the front skirt and release the pleats in the front bodice just a little. All relatively minor adjustments.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description: 

Vintage shirt dress pattern for Womem and Petite features full length dress with collar and long sleeves, knee length dress with slim or flared skirt, and mini dress with collar and shirt tail hem.

I made  a collarless version of view A

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yep.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I have made the other view in this pattern and this is my first time making this view, with the separate bodice and the fit and flare skirt. I love it! There is nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

Cotton poplin from Fabworks online.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• I cut a size 18 but graded out over the waist and hips.
• This is the view B skirt with 6.5 cm added at the bottom. FYI I am 5 foot 3 inches.
• I added 0.5 inches to the side seams under the arms (and at the sleeves).
• I did a 5/8ths inch FBA.
• I did a 6/8ths inch full bum adjustment, but only added length. I have adjusted the pattern for next time to add a little bit more width in the high hip area.
• My bust darts need to come down and I have brought them down by 3/4″ on the pattern already, ready for next time.
• I took 3/8ths inch for side seams of bodice and skirt. For next time I think I will just slash and spread the front skirt a little and release the bodice pleats to give me a little more room in the front.
• I added 6 inches to the length of the belt and widened it.
• I cut two yokes and used the burrito method to get a clean finish inside.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would love to sew this again. I do recommend.

Conclusion: 

You can’t go wrong with a classic shirt dress. I am glad to have this one in my stash.

Thanks to Fabworks for the fabric. As ever, all opinions are my very own honest ones.

See you all soon!