When I first started sewing garments for myself, Tilly & the Buttons and Sew Over It patterns were my go to pattern companies. It's nice to know that over the years, they are still two of my favourites!
For this blog post I made the Sew Over It Vintage Shirt Dress. Not one that I've sewn up before. I chose a beautiful linen cotton mix called Santorini that has a royal blue background with a pink and orange floral print. I chose matching royal blue leaf embossed buttons.
I went for a straight size 12 but I used a 3/8 seam allowance for the bodice sides and the sleeves then reverted back to the standard 5/8 seam allowance for the rest of the garment. In doing so, I was able to gain a bit more ease at the waist and arms without altering the fit of the bust, shoulders or hips and avoiding the need to size up which would have been unnecessary. I also lengthened the bodice by an inch as previous patterns I've made such as the Georgie and the Penny dresses by Sew Over it have always sat a little high on me. In hindsight, I wish I hadn't as the bodice is a tad too low for me now! Something to note for my next make, of which I've planned another two! In addition, I also lengthened the skirt by about 5 inches so the hem rested around midi length on me which is my preferred length. I then had to add more buttons and buttonholes, 13 all in all which all sewed up wonderfully which is a record for me!
I love the vintage features of this pattern. The gathered sleeve heads, the gathered front yokes, the collared neckline and the sleeves finished off with a folded back cuff. The pattern uses an all in one facing for the neckline and the button placket. There are also 2 pleats at the front bodice instead of darts and 2 at the back. Somehow, my back skirt piece didn't match up perfectly so I had to create a small box pleat at the centre back to accommodate this extra fabric.
I thoroughly enjoyed sewing up this pattern despite the few mishaps along the way. The instructions were straightforward although I do wish Sew Over It would update the diagrams on their patterns to show real photos like the Tilly & the Buttons' patterns do.
The fabric pressed and sewed up with ease - the beauty of sewing with a cotton linen mix.
Jenny Says:
"The vintage shirt dress has been on my to sew list for a long time now and Crystals stunning version has really spurred me on to get it made! The fabric and pattern are the perfect pairing and she looks incredible."
Inspired to make your own version? Here's what you'll need:
Fabric: Santorini Linen Cotton Blend
Disclosure:
Crystal was provided with the materials for her project free of charge and received a gift voucher in recognition of the time spent on her project.
1 comment
Thanks for the tip about increasing the seam allowance to create ease. It’s a really good idea. Love the fabric