Hi Everyone!

Hope you’re well. First a quick life update: I had a follow up appointment with my consultant following on from my brain haemorrhage some four months ago, and all is good. I am back to normal with assurances that it should not reoccur. I am very fortunate and very grateful to all of you who have been so supportive. Thank you!

Now back to the sewing! I have had the Named Clothing Reeta Midi Shirt Dress on my radar since it came out, but for one reason and another had never got round to it. I had this tropical printed viscose crepe sitting in my stash for a while (an eBay find) and always had a fun, camp collar style shirt in mind. The top half of the Reeta shirt dress seemed perfect and I am very happy with how it worked out. I just love the collar/ neckline, and can’t wait to make the dress version.

Of course, I had to pair it with a plain bottom half, and since making my first pair of Peppermint Magazine Wide Leg Pants in black, have wanted to make a lighter coloured pair. So I whipped this pair up using this camel coloured cotton drill and made no other modifications to the pattern from the last time. This whole outfit has already been worn lots, to be honest.

Pattern Review – Reeta Shirt

Pattern Description:

• Midi-length shirt dress
• Button closure at the front, drawstring closure at the waist
• Sleeves with wide, sewn-in turn-ups
• Shirt collar and yoked bodice
• Breast pockets with box pleats
• Deep vents at side seams

Pattern Sizing:

US 0 – 18; UK 4 – 22

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

I modified the pattern to be a shirt, rather than a shirt dress.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Nope. The instructions for the collar are very badly explained, and there doesn’t seem to be a sew along. I eventually figured it out. It’s essentially just a burrito method but a less experienced sewist might struggle.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the finished garment. I really love the collar and neckline, inspite of the instructions. With some minor modifications I also love the fit.

Fabric Used:

Viscose crepe.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• This is a size 18 graded out at the waist.
• To make a shirt rather than a shirt dress I added 7.5 inches to the front, back and facing from the waist down.
• I did a 5/8ths inch full bust adjustment.

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

Yes, I might sew this again. I will definitely be making the shirt dress at some point. I do recommend so long as you can figure out the collar.

Conclusion:

I am loving this whole laid back summery look; very easy to wear.

Until soon, take care.