Black and White Polka Dots…so french!

Diy, dress, Dress pattern, little black dress, McCalls pattern, my closet, rayon, sewing, Uncategorized, , , , 22 Comments

IMG_9046 2I’ve been obsessed with shirt dresses this Spring because as dresses go, they have so many advantages! For one thing, the front opening makes them ideal to let in air on a hot day.

IMG_8872 2Also, they’re so versatile. You can add a pair of leggings /pants under them for a completely different look.

 

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My latest shirt dress is made from a lightweight rayon that drapes beautifully. I fell hard for it…a black batik print with little white dots on it (Fabric Depot). The batik process makes the dots uneven in places which gives the look a bit of an edge. And what’s not to like about black and white polka dots? They’re so french!

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I used my new favorite shirt dress pattern for this make, McCall’s 7351, also made here. I’m a big fan of the design details of this pattern including the high low hem, the french darts and the forward shoulder seams. I made a few modifications to this version; 

  • I eliminated the collar and added a v-neck opening, then drafted a facing for the neck.
  • The sleeves are ruched with a three inch piece of elastic.
  • I made a long tie from the fabric that is long enough to wrap twice around my waist. I prefer to wear a single wrap tie belt most of the time with really long ends. But on a busy day, the long tie can get in the way. In that case, I can double wrap the belt which make the ends shorter.

 

I think I’ll wear this dress alot, as it’s easy to dress up or down. I know when the temperatures drop again, I can slip it over leggings too, even though I might get a few strange looks when I do. What about you? Are you a fan of shirt dresses over pants/leggings?

I’m back from my trip and what a fabulous trip it was!! I found beautiful fabric stores in Lisbon, Evora, Porto and Barcelona. If only I’d had a bigger suitcase (and budget, LOL). I purchased a few lovely fabrics, most of them in Barcelona; some japanese cotton,rayon challis, tencel, double sided gingham gauze, an embrodiered cotton, and a lovely plaid linen.

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Yes, I love to travel, but it is good to be back to my sewing machine. Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!

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22 thoughts on “Black and White Polka Dots…so french!”

  4. It’s gorgeous, I made a shirtdress in quilting cotton because I loved the print but never wear it as it doesn’t hang right, I think I need one in floaty rayon. Gorgeous fabrics 💗 Just found you on Instagram

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    1. Thanks! Floaty is the perfect word to describe rayon! I have a couple of quilting cotton dresses that I love the print, but not the drape, and I don’t wear them much either. Now I snatch up a great piece of rayon whenever I see it 😉 My rayon stash is getting too big, lol!

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  8. WOW I just love your dress! As I was reading your write up I kept wondering what pattern you used, feeling the excitement building…because YES I have this pattern! I loved this pattern too from the first time I saw it. I haven’t made it up yet but seeing yours has certainly spurred me! Gorgeous. I don’t think I have any polka dots in my stash…I guess that means (sigh!) another trip to the fabric shop 🙂

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    1. Oh darn, not the fabric shop!! Yes I’m becoming a big fan of polka dots lately:), in fact it might be a bit of an obsession. I suppose there are worst weaknesses. Good luck on your shopping expedition!!

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