THE DRESS SHIRT : RAILROAD STRIPE
Merchant & Mills : The Dress Shirt
Railroad Stripe Cotton/Linen from Sultan’s Fine Fabrics
I’m a sucker for a great stripe or plaid. This gorgeous utilitarian railroad stripe from Sultan’s Fine Fabrics is a dream fabric. I wish you could feel it. The antique vibe of the fabric went perfectly with The Dress Shirt pattern. While I was sewing this up, I felt like I was making a vintage work dress.
The long rounded front bib front is so pretty and I couldn’t resist cutting the stripe on opposite bias to create a ‘V’ effect down the centre. That of course meant that I also pattern matched the stripe to perfectly connect along that centre seam. I live for creating those kinds of special details in garments!
I find the fit very flattering, while still being loose and comfortable. Classic Merchant & Mills styling! I did take the sides in a bit for a more fitted look and I also adjusted the pattern before cutting it out to remove some of the excess from the skirt that was supposed to become a pleat. Then, rather then do a pleat I just slightly gathered it. My next version might try to remove that excess fabric completely to have a smooth finish at the bottom of the bib front.
The roll up sleeve perfectly hit the top of my elbow and I really like this length. The overall dress length is quite long. I think the length goes well with this version, but I know I’ll try other lengths next like above the knee and also tunic length. I do love how the beautiful curved hem and curved bib front look together. You can’t see this detail but I used a pretty Liberty of London for the inside back yoke facing and for the pockets.
One of the things that I really love about Me Made May is the chance to really examine my handmade wardrobe and think about each piece while planning a hundred new projects. I’m really inspired to sew so many more things right now!
7 comments
Karyn, that looks wonderful on you. The fabric is gorgeous. I wish I could get my hands on it! You did a great job with the stripes!
I tried making this dress last year using quilting cotton for a wearable muslin. Bad idea. The pleat thing was horrible too. You were smart to remove it! After seeing yours I might try my hand at it again but with a softer fabric and making adjustments before hand.
Melissa – I wish I could get my hands on a whole bolt of this fabric. It’s so lovely. I definitely think a drapey fabric is important with this pattern and I don’t think the pleat is necessary at all. I just miscalculated and didn’t quite remove all the excess so still had to do some gathers.
beautiful! i love how subtle the stripes and how it forms the V in the front. lovely fabric, lovely pattern, even lovelier dress!
This is my favorite version of this dress. I think your alterations are spot on and more flattering than other versions I’ve seen. I’m sold..must make this dress. Did you take out excess fabric from the back too? Wish I could see a picture of the back!
This is a great looking dress and would be good with many body types. It’s a loose dress but has some shaping to it–not just a big boxy.
I think it would be lovely in Liberty cotton too. The illustration on the pattern cover doesn’t do the garment justice, as is often the case with this company.
Hope to see the dress on you sometime in the store.
Wow, this dress is a triumph and I love the detailing. I also think yours is the most flattering version I’ve seen of this dress, as I’ve noticed the fullness seems to be excessive on other people. Nice modifications and inspiring to make now!
I love how you swapped out the pleat in the front for a little gathering. Any tips for how to make that a smooth change? xo