Manju, who blogs at sewmanju.com and can be found on Instagram @sewmanju, posted a picture on Instagram of a shirt she made with this fabric. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. A few days later I received an email from Minerva with a selection of fabrics to choose from as part of the Minerva Makers. When I saw this beautiful viscose twill I could not believe it was the same print as Manju’s shirt. I ordered the fabric as soon as I saw it. Once I received it I knew the fabric would be perfect for a shirtdress.
I chose Simplicity 8014 and decided to make View B with long sleeves. I also made View D a few years ago.
I added 1 inch to the skirt and a 1/2 inch to the bodice. These are normal modifications for me. Another change I made was to interface the button/buttonhole “band”. I put the band in quotes because it wasn’t a separate pattern piece. The front has an extension that you fold to create the button/buttonhole “band”. I always add interfacing when I encounter this situation. I find the interfacing provides extra stability and prevents the buttonholes from stretching.
I made a 1.5 inch covered belt and buckle instead of the tie belt pictured on the pattern.
This is my second shirtdress in two months. They are not quick projects but are worth the time they require. I’m happy to add this classic piece to my wardrobe.
I love this dress Lucy! Great fabric and it fits you perfectly. The covered belt is a very custom touch.
Thank you Kathy.
Lucy, this is a gorgeous dress! It looks fantastic on you! I love how the skirt drapes. You are wearing the perfect shoes with this!
Thank you Linda.
Beautifully done as always! Looks fantastic on you! I wish you a blessed Christmas!
Thank you Rosalind. I wish you a blessed Christmas as well.
The dress is beautiful and so flattering on you. Great pics too. The belt is a nice touch. Another winner!
Thank you Karen.
Love it! And my compliments to your fashion photographer!
Absolutely stunning! You have such great figure! Every time I see one of your posts I think of Barbie. š Did you use to be a ballet dancer?
Could I also please ask what your favourite interfacing is that you like to use when you make shirt dresses?
Iām so pleased that you are part of the Minerva Makers! I live in the UK so finally I am able to access the fabrics you sometimes use with ease. š
Thank you Katalin. I was not a ballet dancer but I was a figure skater. My favorite interfacings come from Fashion Sewing Supply. I order online from them. I don’t have a particular interfacing I use for shirtdresses. It depends on the weight of the fabric. I go by the recommendations provided by Fashion Sewing Supply.
Thank you for your response, Lucy! How wonderful! As a child I was obsessed with ice skating and my dream was to become a figure skater, but ended up as a volleyball player instead.
Looking forward to seeing your upcoming projects! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you as well.
Very smart looking, and I like the change to a covered belt with buckle. Minerva have some fabulous fabrics, I am a member of their craft/swatch club and look forward to getting the samples.
Thank you Mary Anne. I’ve been very pleased with everything I’ve received from them.
You hit this one out of the park! I wonder why the pattern companies don’t add the “band” interfacing to the their patterns by wrote. You do it instinctively as a seasoned seamstress because you know the visible difference in quality on the finish. Nothing screams homemade louder than saggy front bands/buttonholes. Making the fabric belt was brilliant.
Thank you Becky. You are right about saggy front bands screaming homemade.
I love the combination of the structured top with the flouncy skirt. Another lovely make.
Thank you!
I love it! The covered belt is amazing! I love to see that.
Thank you Amy. I’ll be making more of them now that I know how.