I have made the shirt Pattern M from Basic Black recently and I wanted to make Pattern N which is a shirt dress, using pattern M as the basis.
Apologies for the poor quality photos but I carefully took my camera off to the river only to find that I had inadvertently left the memory card behind. Doh! These are taken by Mark using my phone.
What can I say about this dress? I adore the fabric, which was donated to my stash by the oft-mentioned friend, Thelma (who also gave me the pattern book). The fabric is actually reversible, with the other side being white on black, rather than black on white. I tried using the black side as a feature, but it looked odd. It is a cotton/poly blend with a lovely hand, soft but stable.
The shirt fitted me perfectly but I feel as though the dress is a little large. It’s also a bit shapeless and I’ve had to pull it in with a belt. When I look at the photo in the pattern book, the dress looks vaguely shapely and I am tempted to take mine apart and cinch it in a bit.
Of course, it could be the model making the difference 🙂 My dress is also shorter as I didn’t have sufficient fabric, but I would love a long version. Another time…
Today is the beginning of Me-Made-May’15 and I was pleased to wear something new for the first day. However, I have already broken my pledge, which was to wear only me-made clothes, as I attended the investiture of our new Vice-Chancellor, which is a very ceremonial occasion requiring academic regalia from processing academics. I am obliged to report that I did not make my own gown, hood, and trencher cap!
Our lovely colleague (and Fadanista follower) Ann took this photo and I thought I would share it, for the benefit of my family. How is Mark’s hat (embarrassingly called a bonnet)? It is at least 2 sizes too small. I do note that he is wearing the trousers and shirt that I made him and I also knitted the socks that he’s wearing. I think this should cancel out my transgression!
In a nutshell: Japanese pattern book, pattern N, shirt dress made from lovely cotton blend fabric donated to my stash. Shoes are Paul Carroll.
Your knew shirt dress looks cool and comfortable – a success in my opinion. I agree that the silhouette could be a tad more adjusted, but the black belt makes it work. Your ceremonial regalias are something (especially Mark’s hat) but my eyes were caught by your awsome black shoes. I suspect that we share the same taste and passion for shoes!
Oh shoes! My son had to build me a massive cupboard just for shoes.
Sorry, I meant “your NEW shirt dress”. What an awful mistake!
The model is fabulous as is the dress. It is very classic. I agree that taking in the sides a bit is a good idea. I also think you should undo the top button to balance the proportions and possibly wear a narrower belt. Those bonnet hats are hilarious. I had to wear one for my graduation and felt so silly in it!
Your dress does appear larger than your shirt (I just checked!) but is still lovely.
Aren’t you lucky to have such a wonderful friend😃
Very lovely. The belt is a nice addition. I think you are allowed NOT to make your own makes on such a special day!
You made all your regular clothes! It so doesn’t count that you didn’t make your robes!
Love the picture of you and Mark – very smart! Do like the dress but agree it is a little big.
Great photo Sue, even if I do say so myself 😉