After I completed my Shirtdress for the McCalls Shirtdress Sew-Along I loved it so much that I mentioned I would make another.
Well, the wait is over for my latest version of McCalls 4769, this time with sleeves.
Shirtdress with Sleeves
From the start of this project I knew that I wanted to make version D which featured a contrasting cuff and collar.
While I prefer wearing sleeves I don’t like making them. I have big arms so fitting is an issue.
I managed to use the largest sleeve size to ensure that it would go around my arm. It was still a little snug so I sewed the round for the sleeve and cuff with a ⅜” seam allowance. This seemed to work fine.
For assembling the sleeve to dress I gathered the bell of the sleeve to fit in the arm hole. To make it fit, I also had to lower the arm hole opening about an inch, grading back to the original size.
It isn’t the proper way to adjust the sleeve but I was lazy. Because of this the sleeve sets just off the shoulder. It’s not a big issue but I hope to do a proper sleeve adjustment on my next make.
The Contrast
For this project I picked out a off white cotton that had a little pink flower print. For the contrast I choose a dusty rose color solid pink cotton.
I didn’t have all that much of the dusty rose fabric and though it would be prefect for the accent on this dress.
I love how the print and solid work so well together and yes this is yet another pink shirt dress I know have in my wardrobe. Hey, but it is a different shade of pink.
Fave Feature
One thing I love about this dress, is that I remembered to put in the pockets!
Yes, I love pockets. However, I’ve decided if I make this again, I’ll make slightly larger pockets. My phone doesn’t quite fit in it as well as I would like.
Speaking of things I would change are the buttons. I didn’t have enough of any sort of pink button, so I ended up using white buttons.
It turned out okay I guess and I even did a flower stitching on the button. I saw this technique on a dress that Gretchen Hirschal posted on her facebook page and decided to try it out.
I think my favorite feature on this dress would simply be the complementing contrast on the collar, belt and cuffs. I just love how the whole thing comes together and has a vintage 1940’s feel to it.
Super duper cute! I loooove the print and the soft color of the contrast on the collar and cuffs!
Thanks Kira. The fabric was actually just setting around in my stash so I thought I put it to good use. I’m just happy I had enough of the pink to use for the contrast.
You are just a regular clothes making fiend! Given how long it takes me to finish just one small project, I’m amazed at how fast you make new pieces from scratch.
Love the pattern and the trim, and the hat is so right with it. Lovely look!
Thanks Jessica, it usually takes me a while. However, if I made the dress before, like this one, it comes together pretty fast.
I agree – the contrast features really make this dress special. You look fabulous!
Thanks Tanith! I like adding a bit of contrasting to give that vintage look.
The hat matches perfectly! I love how you used the pink contrast- it’s just lovely. I also hate sewing sleeves, but yours turned out very nicely. Good job!
The Artyologist
Nicole, I hate sewing sleeves too! I made this dress a twice before I decided I really wanted a sleeve version. It’s not prefect but I am happy with it. One day I hope to master sleeves.
Ooohh, what a fantastic frock. There are few garments I love more than a classic shirtwaist dress, so this charmer is right up my alley. You picked such lovely fabrics and did a marvelous job with it. This is one of my favourite makes of yours that you’ve shared with us – and it looks awesome on you, I should add.
Big hugs & happy start of August wishes,
♥ Jessica
Thank you Miss Jessica,
This means a lot coming from you since your like a vintage blogger rock star 😉 (at least to me anyways).
I’m really happy with this dress too, best of all this weekend I get to wear it to a fun vintage/pinup girl tea party meet-up. Can’t wait, should be fun.
Thanks again and happy August to you too.
This is absolutely adorable!! Love it!!! 🙂
Thank you Aimee, I’m really happy with this dress and the response it’s getting. I think I might need to make another 😉
Oh, Akram! I love it! =)
I’m glad you like it Adrienne. It’s one of my favorite dresses.