Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Springy Shirtdress

I have this black and white fabric that has been screaming, "Shirtdress! Shirtdress! Make me a shirtdress!" for quite some time. I've decided to give in because the sun is coming back and that makes it seem all springy. Yes, we still have snow and sub-zero temperatures but that's all just details. The sun is back, ladies and gentlemen and that means spring!!! This is an extreme close-up of the fabric. It's woven but it has great width-wise stretch and a little lengthwise stretch. From afar, it appears a dark gray but it's an interesting weave. I really like the fabric. It's a cotton/lycra.


Not so extreme close-up. By the way I use a scanner to get good fabric shots. My camera always overexposes close-ups. It's nothing fancy but it works really well for things like this.


#1 So looking through my BWOF, there are several shirtdress patterns. They seem to do one every few months or so. This is 09/2006.



#2 This is from 06/2004.




#3 This is from 05/2008 and I love Christina's two versions but I don't think the fabric is a good match for this.

#4 This is from 06/2008.





#5 February 2009






#6 January 2009

I'm leaning toward #5 right now but you never know what will happen. What do you guys think? I'm thinking the black and white fabric with a colorful belt.
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22 comments:

  1. neighbourhood.galMarch 3, 2009 at 9:01 PM

    #5 seems to have similar seam lines as that jacket you made a muslin for. I am fairly certain that this shirtdress will be closer fitting than the jacket, but might the seam lines still draw the eye to your hips?

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  2. MommymitaMarch 3, 2009 at 10:31 PM

    go for #5 - the problem with the muslim jacket was the dropped shoulders and no waist . The dress will be semi fitte and look great especially with a colorful tie . I would experiment with piping the collar and maybe even the pocket with the same tie color. green or torquiose would look good. I wish I had time to make that dress!

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  3. LoriMarch 4, 2009 at 3:16 AM

    I vote #5, too. I like #4 for you too, but it needs to be a soft, flowy, print. IMHO.

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  4. AlexMarch 4, 2009 at 3:31 AM

    There's also a few shirt dresses in May 2007 or 2008 issue (sorry I've just packed them away for our move, but I'll check this evening).

    It has ragland sleeves, but is a bit loose fitting. I made it last summer, but had to take quite a bit out to adjust for my stretch fabic.

    I like 5 too, but was wondering about the seam lines based on your post the other day.

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  5. bbgrillaMarch 4, 2009 at 3:35 AM

    I like #5 a lot -- it's in my queue to sew as well. Are the seam lines tricky for fit adjustments, though? Like FBAs or SBAs?

    I can't believe how much cuter in real life the 5/2008 dress is than the line drawing! I have the french issue and it's almost worth trying to resurrect my sad college french language "skills".

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  6. Amanda S.March 4, 2009 at 4:38 AM

    I like #5 the best as well. I've got some fabric for it that spoke to me also. Your fabric is really nice, and I agree, a fun colored belt would be so chic. Can't wait to see it!

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  7. -EMarch 4, 2009 at 4:46 AM

    I think #4 would soften up the contrast :) but that's just mE

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  8. AnonymousMarch 4, 2009 at 5:05 AM

    I like #5 too. The fabric is perfect.

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  9. KimMarch 4, 2009 at 5:25 AM

    I love 4, 5 and 6. Thanks for pointing out 4, I think I may make that one. I also have 5 on my list too which I think would work well for the fabric you chose.

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  10. AnonymousMarch 4, 2009 at 6:02 AM

    #4 is my fave as well! Can't wait to see what you decide upon.

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  11. ChristinaMarch 4, 2009 at 7:42 AM

    Well I like them all, I guess it kind of depends if you want short sleeves or long sleeves. Definitely work it with a colored belt!

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  12. elberethMarch 4, 2009 at 8:37 AM

    I like 4, 5, or 6. 6 in your fabric seems interesting. Love the idea of Safari ones from Assorted Notions too but for different fabric.

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  13. lsaspaceyMarch 4, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    My vote is for #4, only because I think the pattern should be somewhat simple in detail. Also I adore #4 and want to see it made up.

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  14. VickiMarch 4, 2009 at 11:48 AM

    I like no 5 too as it has less details ;) I don't think you are pair shaped enough for the subtle line to make much of a difference.

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  15. meredithpMarch 4, 2009 at 3:02 PM

    As I was scanning your choices, I immediately thought #4 and #5 would be great for you, even before reading your preference :-)

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  16. Amy BailesMarch 4, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    Looks like the majority votes are for #5, count me in with them.

    I left you an award on blog, if you're interested.

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  17. RachelMarch 5, 2009 at 10:18 AM

    I love #5 too and that is pretty fabric. Check out my blog for your Sisterhood Award.

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  18. UnknownMarch 5, 2009 at 4:20 PM

    Congrats! You are the winner of the Sisterhood Award! See my blog for the rules... And as for the dress, you always pick the right one!

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  19. KarenMarch 5, 2009 at 5:55 PM

    I was also thinking that #5 has similar lines to the "ugly jacket" - which is being cut out in muslin form at this moment. Because I don't give up.

    Stop on over and pick up your Sisterhood Award - you can line them up on your mantel.

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  20. ShannonMarch 5, 2009 at 7:16 PM

    I like #5 (although #6 is really cool, too). Since I'm test driving the trench coat, it's only fair that you should test drive the shirt dress!

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  21. SueMarch 5, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    #5 is the one that jumped out at me... I look forward to seeing it made up!

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  22. AnonymousMarch 6, 2009 at 3:19 PM

    Which ever one you choose, I can see a red patent leather belt with that fabric.

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Disqus seems to be eating my comments, so it's back to Blogger commenting!! I do love your comments and enjoy every one of them!