Can you believe that we are entering the last quarter of the year? The Southern hemisphere is starting to warm up and the Northern hemisphere is starting to cool down. Whether you are entering Spring or Fall, now is the time for shirts and shirtdresses!
Now I must say that I selfishly volunteered myself for this theme because I just love a good shirtdress. Most of the dresses I make are either shirtwaist or full shirtdresses. I really love the style. I have also been wanting to get into shirtmaking to pair with trousers for the fall and winter. What better time to get some work done on that goal than for this theme?
Edit: We were asked to define shirts for this challenge. It includes anything with a button placket. It can be partial or full or faux. In this sense, shirtdresses also include shirtwaist dresses that only have the buttons on the bodice.
Our featured patterns for this theme include:
Cashmerette Lenox Shirtdress
Cashmerette patterns come in sizes 12-28 (Full Bust: 40 inches to 58 inches) with cup sizes CD, EF, and GH. The Lenox shirtdress has princess seams on the bodice, short sleeves, and the choice of a a full collar or just the collar stand. There is also an expansion pack that include a sleeveless bodice, long sleeves and sleeves with a full bicep adjustment.
DIBY Club Julianne Shirt/Dress
DIBY Club patterns come in both Misses and Plus sizes. They cover a range of bust sizes up to 63 inch bust. The Julianne pattern is for both a shirt and a shirtdress! Just perfect for this month’s theme. The pattern has 8 bodice lengths, 4 sleeve lengths, 2 necklines, 2 placket options, and some additional options like patch pockets and a drawstring hood.
Petite Plus Shapely Blouse
Petite Plus patterns come in sizes 12-24 with full bust from 38 inches to 50 inches. The Shapely Blouse has a v-neck, button front closure, a curved hemline, three sleeve options and three collar options.
Thread Theory Fairfield shirt
Thread Theory patterns Fairfield shirt is available in sizes XS-4XL and includes differently drafted patterns for people with “average” figures versus larger figures. The chest size for this pattern ranges from 36 1/4 inches to 50 inches. The Fairfield is a classic button-up shirt and comes with slim collar and collar stand, yoke, curved hem, tower plackets on sleeves, and an optional hidden tab for rolling up sleeves.
Sponsorship
I’m pleased to announce that in addition to having a featured pattern, DIBY Club has graciously sponsored the shirts and shirtdresses theme. One lucky CSC member can win 5 patterns of their choice from DIBY club. Share your finished garments using the hashtag #curvyyearofsewing on Instagram or send them via email during September and October. Make sure you get them in before the end of October to qualify for the draw. Thanks DIBY Club for your sponsorship!
Oooh! Shirtdresses!
As a busty girl I had pretty much written off my ability to every wear a shirtdress because I pretty much can’t wear anything RTW that buttons up the front. You all know what I’m talking about – button-ups either gape or are too big everywhere. Anyhow, this summer I decided to try the Harrison shirtdress pattern, and I fell in love! I have worn that thing twice a week since June with plans in the works to make another next summer.
A collarless Lennox has also been on my list – so maybe I’ll take it for a spin in time for this challenge.
Hi all! Question for Andie/CSC editors: what kind of shirts qualify for the challenge? Must they be button-down? I have quite a few projects planned over the next few months (don’t we all?!? I feel like my sewing queue is always miles long) but I’d like to prioritize ones for the challenge. I’m curious specifically about the Cashmerette Montrose and Love Notions Presto tunic. Many thanks!
Also, if anyone out there is interested but not sure where to start, I feel like I should make a plug for freesewing.org. They have free patterns that are drafted to your measurements, and they do have a button-down shirt pattern.
Hi Maggie. Anything with a button placket, but it doesn’t need to be a full button placket. The Presto tunic would apply, but unless you put a faux placket on the Montrose it doesn’t apply.
Freesewing.org rocks!
Thank you Maggie and Andie, that’s really nice to read 🙂 xxx
I haven’t dared make my plus size son in law a shirt yet!! But soon! The petite blouse is my favorite. I have it cut out- now just to sew it!
Great timing. Bought a shirtdress pattern I already owned yesterday but hadn’t used. I’m somewhat afraid to make alterations on a pattern so thought this might be a good place to start. And now, 2 months of shirts/shirtdresses. Yea. Thanks for all you do.
Hi Andie!
Here’s hoping all the bits of me that constantly rebel are quiet for 4 weeks as after reading a review on your blog for a shirt/ shirt dress I decided princess seams would not work for my bent over body. I certainly do not have the skills, experience or energy to try and make it work. Struggling to pick a pattern a McCalls one literally fell into my lap, a freebie with a British sewing magazine. It has darts and it’s a tissue fit one, great for when your helpers are non sewers! Got a few tasks to catch up on first but hey, who knows, I might get it, or another finished. If not, I’ll enjoy a month of clothes I really would wear!
Happy sewing everyone!