28 Jun McCall’s Pattern 6885
As crazy as it sounds, I’m trying to spiff up my summer stay-at-home wardrobe. I’m set for going-out clothes, but workout pants and t-shirts don’t cut it anymore. This means I have one of those loaded closets with nothing to wear unless I want to be all dressed up with nowhere to go.
I even turned to eBay for a few things, but Ready-to-Wear clothing no matter how expensive or cheap has its pitfalls. Everything needed an alteration of some sort, and it didn’t take long to hop back on the sewing train.
I simply LOVE sewing with stripes! Instant embellishment and major design impact happens just by rotating the grain of the fabric.
After hemming Katie’s shirtdress last weekend, I googled “Blue & White Shirtdresses” before pulling out McCall’s 6885, a favorite tried & true pattern.
I ordered Mood Fabric’s Medium Blue Candy Striped Stretch Cotton Poplin in February with another pattern in mind. That was BEFORE the Coronavirus Pandemic. The poplin now seemed to be the perfect choice for a casual shirtdress. (to see Mood’s stretch poplin choices click HERE)
To add visual interest to the dress, I cut the placket, collar band and sleeve tabs on the cross grain.
and finished the pockets with a 1/4″ bias trim.
Last year, a book club member kindly passed on her button collection to me. I especially love the gold buttons and was eager to use them on the dress…………
…..but white buttons seemed to be the better choice for the type of garment I wanted. Speaking of buttons…. Mary Funt demonstrated using the chisel as a buttonhole cutter in Florida. I was impressed by the clean cut and bought a set of chisels from Lowes.
Place the buttonhole on a piece of wood, center the chisel over the buttonhole and tap with a hammer. The buttonhole will be perfectly opened 😉
I also made a sash in case I want to dress it up, but it’s a wee bit short once the belt is tied….
and I’m resisting the urge to dress it up….. As with my last shirtdress, I followed the same procedures using French Seams in the shoulders, sleeves and side seams, and I shaped the back with darts.
I don’t equate casual with sloppy, but every style takes effort. Fortunately, for the classic shirtdress, the effort is in the sewing, not the wearing – it’s one-stop dressing at its best . Stay safe, dear Readers!
Until Soon 🙂
Eileen
Posted at 07:57h, 28 JuneReally cute dress!
Katie looks wonderful..,sweet little family.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:21h, 28 JuneThank you, Eileen!
Laura Casey
Posted at 07:59h, 28 JuneSarah….I’m with you, I cannot stand sloppy….and your version of casual is perfect….my late mother would call this “snappy casual”.
I agree with the white buttons, and no tie, The blue and white is just perfect. Enjoy your summer, and stay close to home and safe. Loved seeing your daughter and children.
Laura
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:22h, 28 JuneThank you, Laura! I love that term…. snappy casual 😊😊
Karen
Posted at 08:26h, 28 JuneYour dress is perfect for this time of the year. And the style is timeless.
Wondering why you used a chisel to cut your buttonholes Do you not have a buttonhole cutter.? I’ve used one for years and one of the best sewing tools I own. Check out buttonhole cutters on Amazon.
Thanks for inspiring me to sew more.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:40h, 28 JuneHi Karen ~ Mary recommended a chisel for cutting boucle buttonholes and it works like a charm, but you’re right – I need a buttonhole cutter too – will order from Amazon.
Many thanks for your comment 😀
Mary
Posted at 11:21h, 29 JuneMy husband bought me a little buttonhole cutter set, it came with a miniature cutting mat, a small chisel, and a round cutter for eyelets. Worth it for the cuteness of the little mat alone! How is it possible that nearly anything can be cute, if it is mini…?
kssews
Posted at 12:05h, 29 JuneIsn’t a “buttonhole cutter” just a small chisel?
Debbie Bowdish
Posted at 08:29h, 28 JuneSarah, your shirtdress looks great!!!! You are an inspiration to all of us sewists! Loved the picture of Katie with her little ones!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:41h, 28 JuneWhat a compliment coming from someone with exceptional sewing skills ❤️ Thank you, Debbie!
Marjorie VanZile Graham
Posted at 08:33h, 28 JuneVery cute and clean and crisp. I’ve got some blue and white stripe here, thinking a Kalle Shirt Dress or Sedona shirt dress might be in my future too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 08:42h, 28 JuneClean and Crisp – exactly the words I was searching for when writing the post. Thank you, Marjorie!
Mimi Langford
Posted at 09:11h, 28 JuneLove!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:47h, 28 JuneThank you, Mimi!
Deborah Penner
Posted at 09:18h, 28 JuneThis is lovely. Are we seeing the return of the idea of the house dress? My mom, who would be 102 this year if still alive, wore these all the time!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:48h, 28 JuneWe very well could be, Deborah! A better choice that workout pants and t-shirts 😊
Susan McGowan
Posted at 09:20h, 28 JuneI Love your sharp classic shirtdress! It’s just perfect….cool, (literally) comfy, and chic! Checks off the boxes! ☑☑☑
I cracked up over your opening paragraph! That has been my thought process too. So blasted hot here at the beach in Fla. I might need that dress in a sleeveless version!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:51h, 28 JuneHa- ha! I would say I don’t know how this happened, but I know exactly how it happened…….. the pandemic brought life to a screeching halt, and here I am with clothes waiting to be worn 😬
Thank you, Susan for your comment! A sleeveless shirtdress in FL would be perfect!
Markie
Posted at 09:21h, 28 JuneI agree with everyone else. I love the dress, Maybe it’s the blue and white stripes, that reminds me of a shirt. I’m a beginner sewist, so this might be pushing my current skills, but if I’m not able to do it know, will add it to my list. Like you said, I’m always looking for something more than t shirts, workout pants.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:55h, 28 JuneMarkie ~ Many thanks for your comment. Make a muslin and you’ll feel much more confident taking one this project. It’s very doable!
PatB
Posted at 09:51h, 28 JuneLove your shirt dress and the special touches like the pockets and small horizontal accents. Thanks for the inspiration and sharing a pic of your beautiful family. Enjoy, Keep cool.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:41h, 28 JuneMany thanks for your comment, Pat! It’s definitely Putting extra time into the little things that make a garment special. 😉
Barbara
Posted at 04:08h, 02 JulySarah, loved the stripped dress. You did a great job as usual. Nice to see your family looking so heathy and happy.
Loved the fabric..wish I didn’t feel guilty buying more fabric because I have a lot in my stash. But I have trouble matching fabric with patterns. I have to get working on that.
Stay safe.
Barbara
Julie Greene
Posted at 09:59h, 28 JuneThis dress is perfect. I have purchased two striped summer dresses and returned both, one too big, one too small. Time to get sewing. Your garments, fabric choices and execution are truly inspiring. I purchased your tunic pattern several years ago…now I just need to get going and use it.
Thank you, Julie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:53h, 28 JuneThank you, Julie! I bought approximately 7 garments from eBay……..Let me put it this way, I learned a lot about good RTW construction but will not be wearing all of the garments. I’d rather get it right from the start than figure out how to make it work……
Send me a pic of your tunic if you make one !
CarolinasCallin
Posted at 10:07h, 28 JuneSarah, I love this! Love the stripes and all the fun touches. You look fabulous in, too. So glad to see you sewing again. I’ve missed your posts. Hope you and your family are staying safe and well ❤
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:47h, 28 JuneSo nice to hear from you, Cheryl! I’m happy to be sewing again for sure 😉
Rhonda
Posted at 10:10h, 28 JuneI found it helpful to place a pin at each end of the buttonhole when using a chisel to open them. That way you do not “accidentally” cut too far and slice your stitching.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:48h, 28 JuneW O N D E R F U L advice, Rhonda! Many thanks 😊
Suzanne
Posted at 10:15h, 28 JuneSeems like I’m always saying “lovely” or “gorgeous” for everything you make! Such a classic, so useful about now and perfected in that blue and white stripe. I have some blue and white striped cotton in my stash and may just whip up a similar model using a pattern I have on hand. I too have a cache of brass buttons but haven’t any good ideas on how to use them these days. My wardrobe has taken a turn for the casual side, as well. Call me a copycat — I am going for white buttons, too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:33h, 29 JuneThank you, Suzanne ~ you should make one with your blue and white stripe fabric! I wasn’t opposed to the look of the buttons, but I wanted to keep it casual. Maybe your brass buttons will work out 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:50h, 28 JuneThank you, Suzanne ~ you should make one with your blue and white stripe fabric! I wasn’t opposed to the look of the buttons, but I wanted to keep it casual. Maybe your brass buttons will work out 😉
TinaD
Posted at 11:33h, 28 JuneI don’t think it’s too short with the belt at all, and I think it looks lovely and crisp with the cross-grain accents. I love everything about the idea of shirtdresses, only I’m less pressed and presentable (think crawling out of bed in the morning and picking a lover’s shirt off the floor)—except for the way they tend to bag under my bust nowI’m older, and the need to iron them, even sometimes.
Gilda Parodi -Swords
Posted at 20:29h, 28 JuneI totally agree…the dress isn’t a bit short at all. You have nice looking legs…be bold and show them!! I actually think the dress looks nicer with the sash and slightly shorter length.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:23h, 29 JuneMany thanks, Gilda for the vote of confidence in wearing it on the short side! I agree that it does have a neater appearance when belted. I’ll give it a try for a day 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:26h, 29 June😂 Thank you, Tina. I understand……. I do love the wrinkle- free shirtings available now!
Theresa in Tucson
Posted at 11:36h, 28 JuneI like your take on this pattern. I bought it back when everyone was making it and made it up. One look in the mirror told me “no, this style was not for me’. DH and DMIL agreed. The garment now resides in the closet as a nightshirt which I love by the way but which will never be worn outside the house (except maybe to get the paper).. I adore shirtdresses but have discovered, I need a waist seam which makes it a “shirtwaist”. You made it look very chic. But that’s why we sew isn’t it? We get to take what works for others and interpret them in ways that work for us.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:21h, 29 JuneBummer, Theresa………. Have you tried putting darts in the back to give it some shape? I love shirt dresses with the waist seam too, and agree the beauty of sewing is making it work for the sewist. Many thanks for your comment!
Rebecca
Posted at 11:46h, 28 JuneHow timely! I have this cut out and ready to sew, but in a jungle print, which is very appropriate for the humid weather we are experiencing! Love your striped version – I may do a similar one after I finish this one.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:18h, 29 JuneThe same pattern? That IS timely! This pattern would be really cute in a jungle print, Rebecca 😉
Mary Funt
Posted at 12:05h, 28 JuneGreat style. I agree that we are getting tired of leggings and tees. This is perfect for the new casual life. Glad you liked the chisel method of buttonhole cutting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:16h, 29 JuneHi Mary ~ So nice to hear from you! Yes, I LOVE the chisel technique 😊 Many thanks for generously sharing your knowledge in FL.
Lorraine Calhoun
Posted at 12:33h, 28 JuneThe dress is adorable! One thing I like to do if a dress is short for the occasion (as you mentioned with the belt) I wear footless leggings, and a dress like that looks so cute!
I also do that with dresses that are not too short but I Am active and don’t want to “show” too much!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:14h, 29 JuneMany thanks for your comment, Lorraine! Leggings are a great idea when the weather cools down 😉
Karin Mueller
Posted at 12:55h, 28 JuneHi, Sarah, thank God, there are stripes! Great all the year round and I usually and habitually by them. And a blessing for shorties: I normally order a long-sleeved blouse and if I change my mind about what to do, I can easily make a shirtdress out of my blouselength of 1,50m. And suitable for any age too. Cheers Karin
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:13h, 29 JuneCheers, Karin! I agree – thank God for stripes😊
Lisa
Posted at 13:09h, 28 JuneLooks fabulous Sarah. I think this would be a fabulous shirt too. My favorite pic is of your precious little ones.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:53h, 28 JuneThank you, Lisa! They are the most precious angels😊
Alice Elliot
Posted at 13:36h, 28 JuneThe best thing about a good looking dress. All you need after putting it on would be shoes!! Love this one.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:52h, 28 JuneSo true, Alice! The mere suggestion of shoes is all I need to buy a new pair 😂😂
Seriously the shirtdress needs very little accessorizing!
Amy
Posted at 13:43h, 28 JuneHi, I recently found your Tunic book at the library and I want all the outfits but the patterns stop just short of my size range 24. I wonder if you would ever consider a post on plus size dressing? I know that is hard for you because you look great in every outfit. I was able to find this MCCalls pattern online in the upper size range, so hopefully can give it a try. Do you think it would be ok to add pockets in the side seams? I need my phone nearby for work and a side pocket would be more functional?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:50h, 28 JuneAmy ~ Thank you so much for your comment.
I am not an alterations expert, but several plus size women have attended Tunic Bible Workshops. We ask that everyone arrive with a fitted muslin, but once you have a good fitting muslin, you can make all of the tunics. And YES, please add pockets if you want to! We LOVE seeing how sewists make the pattern work for them! 😊
Jean O'Reilly
Posted at 14:21h, 28 JuneVery nice! When you made the French seam, did you add to the seam allowance from the McCall’ standard 5/8″? I just added a French seam on s top I made and felt I was lucky with how it worked out, working on getting a cleaner finish all around. Thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:46h, 28 JuneThank you, Jean! I marked the seam but made no additional allowance to the seam. This dress will be washed and the French Seams should accommodate the washings nicely – Plus I like the way it looks 😊
Kate Smith
Posted at 15:04h, 28 JuneGreat to see you sewing again! What a cute dress🥰🥰🥰
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:44h, 28 JuneThank you, Kate! I’m delighted to be sewing again. 😉
Lisa Jones
Posted at 17:15h, 28 JuneBeautiful… I may have to try this pattern. Katie and her kids are adoreable❤️❤️
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:43h, 28 JuneLisa ~ You’d love this pattern! In my opinion, shaping the back with darts are a must.
Many thanks for you comment. 😊
Sandy
Posted at 17:48h, 28 JuneThis is just precious and the few details you added by turning the fabric made all the difference. Your daughter and grands are beautiful.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:42h, 28 JuneThank you so much, Sandy! Aren’t they lovely? ❤️❤️❤️
Michelle Gregorek
Posted at 20:12h, 28 JuneThank you!!!
This sparked my sewing mojo for sure. And the chisel tip is appreciated too. Beautiful family.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:27h, 29 JuneThank you so much Michelle! There’s no greater compliment than inspiring someone else 😊
Karen Helm
Posted at 23:45h, 28 JuneThere is nothing fresher looking than blue and white stripes! I love what you did with the pockets. Actually I love the entire dress. Perfect for the Fourth of July, even if it is celebrated at home.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:32h, 29 JuneHi Karen! It will certainly be a go to garment. Hopefully I won’t remember it as the pandemic dress.
Best wishes for a great 4th! I know you’re in WY, but we had a trip planned to Montana in July……….HAD a trip planned☹️
Daisy Bromlow
Posted at 08:47h, 29 JuneI’ve wanted a shirtdress for years , can’t find one I like and not that good at sewing. Can you recommend an easy pattern ? Yours is perfect as always , so fresh and simple , great lines.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:25h, 29 JuneDaisy ~ The only shirtdress patterns I can recommend are the ones that I have made on the blog. You may want to look for a shirtdress without a collar as a starting point.
Thank you so much for your comment and I hope you either find a RTW dress or sewing pattern that matches your skills!
Maggie Edger
Posted at 10:14h, 29 JuneYour dress is a winner and the picture of Katie and children a special treat for me.💕Maggie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:26h, 29 JuneHi Maggie!!!!!!!!!! Thank you ~ This dress is so wearable I can’t take it off 😊 Katie is looking good and Birdie and Billy are such dolls. I’ll send you more❤️
kssews
Posted at 12:07h, 29 JuneLove the dress (and loved those gold buttons! gah!!)!! I have a lightweight striped shirting in stash for a shirtdress. May save it for next summer since this one is a wash! It’ll be cold in Minneapolis before we know it :-p
I have been on the hunt to add more lightweight cottons to the stash.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:28h, 29 JuneThank you so much. I love the gold buttons and I am determined to find a way to use them – soon! I’ve only been to Minneapolis once – in the summer, but I got a chuckle when I went to the performing arts center and saw cubbies for snow boots 😊
Have a great summer.
Jennifer Shaw
Posted at 18:04h, 29 JuneAbsolute perfection! Wow! My mom wore mostly shirts and skirts when I was growing up, except for gardening and camping. (But she did look fantastic in a shirtdress.!) That was when she would wear capri pants and a short sleeve top. Since I am really an hourglass with a swayback, I would probably make a shirtwaist dress. I am getting tired of wearing jeans, especially when it is in the 80’s and 90’s in Portland. (Oregon) Thank you for being a wonderful inspiration for sewing!! The photo of your daughter and your grands is beautiful.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:10h, 29 JuneJennifer ~ Your mom must have been a true classic dresser!! Shirtdresses are designed in a variety of silhouettes. There’s one for every shape size and age! I hope you give one a try and many thanks for your lovely comment 😊
Kathleen
Posted at 20:40h, 29 JuneThanks so much, Sarah. You continually inspire me . I miss seeing your posts here, so really happy to reconnect. Wishing you and yours all the best during these difficult times.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:42h, 30 JuneThank you so much, Kathleen 😊 I miss connecting with readers more than you know!
Paula LH
Posted at 18:39h, 30 JuneInspired by the dress and went looking for the pattern. Unfortunately it is out of print and not available in the usual used pattern vendors. Ah well. I’ll just admire yours.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:56h, 30 JuneUgh…. I’m sorry, Paula. These pattern companies should hang on to a good thing !! Have you tried Amazon?
Janice Evans
Posted at 01:15h, 01 JulyLike you I love stripes. I have this pattern and plan to make it in a polka dot fabric that was gifted to me. You gave me an AHA moment when you created your sash style belt. I was having a problem with the sewn in tie belt illustrated in the pattern.. Thank you for the inspiration!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:36h, 02 JulyJanice, I should have mentioned that………… I’ve made the sash optional on the three dresses I’ve sewn from this pattern. You can always pin the sash from the back in the exact place you’d like when you want the belted look 😊 Many thanks for your comment!
John Yingling
Posted at 06:18h, 01 JulyFirst, your shirt dress looks beautiful as well as you wearing it, and you also have my vote for nice legs and showing them off in the short, belted version. Secondly, Sarah and Mary, am I the only sewer who knows about using an Xacto 1/2” chisel blade to open buttonholes? I never thought of using a woodworking chisel on fabric, sort of using a sledgehammer on a tack. Sorry Mary Funt, I still respect you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:37h, 02 JulyThanks for the tip, John. The chisel works beautifully but I’ve got some Xacto blades and will give a try.
Marianne Johansson
Posted at 05:41h, 02 JulyOh that was a nice pattern! I will put it on my list ❤️
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:41h, 02 JulyThank you, Marianne! The pattern is OOP now but available on Easy etc……….. I don’t know why pattern companies discontinue a good thing ????????????
Denise
Posted at 06:06h, 23 JulySarah, your shirt is beautiful. If you wish to add length to wear the tie belt perhaps adding a border or pretty trim to the hem may be an option? Denise X
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:27h, 04 AugustDenise – The border is a brilliant idea!! Many thanks 🙂
Carrie Cooper
Posted at 01:03h, 01 AugustI finally made this dress! Your versions have been beautiful and after a few other lackluster projects, I was hoping for a win. I made a muslin using a lilac oxford cloth I paid maybe $2 for. Opted for sleeveless since it’s still pretty warm out. I love it so much that it’s no longer a muslin :). Looking forward to making in my intended fabric and then again with longer sleeves for the fall. It’s a pattern worthy of a re-release and the cover art doesn’t do it justice as your creations do!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:26h, 04 AugustCongratulations, Carrie! I’m tempted to make a sleeveless one myself. I think this pattern should be rereleased too – it’s such a classic 🙂