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.

22 comments:

neighbourhood.gal said...

#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?

Mommymita said...

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!

Lori said...

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

Alex said...

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.

bbgrilla said...

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".

Amanda S. said...

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!

-E said...

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

Anonymous said...

I like #5 too. The fabric is perfect.

Kim said...

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.

Anonymous said...

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

Christina said...

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!

elbereth said...

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.

lsaspacey said...

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.

Vicki said...

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.

meredithp said...

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

Amy Bailes said...

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

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

Rachel said...

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

Unknown said...

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!

Karen said...

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.

Shannon said...

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!

Sue said...

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

Anonymous said...

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