Eeeeep! Have you seen? Sew Over It have just launched the Vintage Shirt Dress pattern (based on this popular dressmaking class) and I was lucky enough to test it! They're also kindly offering my readers a giveaway and discount, which you can find details of at the end of this post.
The Vintage Shirt Dress has buttons down to the hem and other adorable features include a notched collar, dropped and softly gathered shoulder seams, sleeves with cuffs, and a pleated skirt. I opted for the sleeveless version as I was desperate for a cute dress that I can layer up or down. And that's exactly what I ended up with!
First, let's take a minute to admire the Mediterranean Tile print viscose which Sew Over It kindly supplied me with. Isn't it gorgeous?!? Sadly, it seems to have sold out, but I guarantee you'll fall in love with many other of their awesome fabric prints.
Although I love my fabric choice and how comfy this dress is, it was tricky to get photos that showed off all the sweet design details...but trust me when I say they're lovely! My accidental pattern matching of the collar and front bodice means it's a little camouflaged, as are the skirt pleats. Using a less drapey fabric would guarantee a beautifully crisp finish.
I didn't quite nail pattern matching on the bodice, but I'm pretty pleased with how my skirt matches up!
To help my viscose waistline keep its shape, I added a cotton-tape waist stay. This prevents it from going all loose and baggy after a few hours of wear.
Although the pattern and instructions may well have changed a little since I tested them, they were both a joy to work with. The pattern is well thought out and drafted, while the instructions are clear and easy to follow. If a shirt dress with a vintage twist if your thing, then I can't recommend this pattern enough!
Now, about that giveaway and discount!
GIVEAWAY: I have a Vintage Shirt Dress pattern with one lucky reader's name on it - to enter the giveaway leave a comment including your email address below by midday (GMT) on Tuesday 9 June.
DISCOUNT: Sew Over It are also offering a 20% discount on the pattern using code MARIE20VSD at the checkout. This too is valid until midnight (GMT) on Wednesday 10 June.
ooh what a lovely giveaway! the new pattern looks gorgeous :) beththegulfmini@googlemail.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress- the pattern and the fabric!! meg dot mccarthy at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful dress. I love the fabric and the look of the pattern. :) andrea.leathley@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLovely pattern and such a good choice of fabric. And it looks fab on you!
ReplyDeleteAaahhh, I want this pattern! I love shirt dresses, and this one is really special... Your dress is beautiful! My emai is tatimaio@yahoo.com.br
ReplyDeleteOoh!!! This is so cute!! I just love this silhouette on you, and your fabric is perfect for this vintage look.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress - it looks perfect in that fabric. Thank you for the giveaway! letdougiesing[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk
ReplyDeletevery pretty! the pattern and the fabric is beautiful! nathaliesewsthings@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCan´t wait until Wednesday, I take the discount :)
ReplyDeleteI'm super keen on the sleeveless version too. Thanks for a great giveaway and discount code. clippedcurves@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI just adore this dress, such a good choice of fabric :)
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to learn how to do a notched collar for ages. This pattern is perfect! sewingandmore@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI would love to sew this pattern!
ReplyDeleteOops for mollymakesdo@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOh that dress looks so wonderful on you!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely in for the giveaway (pirkko.kriikku (at) gmail.com)
I love your version of the dress and have been looking for a pattern like this. My e-mail is rebecca[dot]rutz[at]bluewin[dot]ch
ReplyDeletePattern, fit, and fabric are all perfect. I love the details. It looks fabulous on you! Super cute vintage living room, too.
ReplyDeletesusannaprince@gmail.com
ah it's so cute! my email address for my entry is rachel_wain91@hotmail.com :)
ReplyDeleteI really love this dress! The fabric is gorgeous and the pattern too! Thank you for this giveaway - my email is stitchnpastitch[at]gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteA tempting dress... so thankyou for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really nice pattern, and your fabric/print choice is wonderful as always!
ReplyDeleteOoh it's really cute, that's such a lovely collar.
ReplyDeletehellozoeb@gmail.com
Oh yes, count me in for the giveaway. One can never have too many shirt dresses or shirt dress patterns. :)
ReplyDeleteLove me a shirtdress. Ooh, and that print is lovely. guillemetter (at) gmail.com
ReplyDeleteTotally in love with this! <3 megan_carter_@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteCute dress will be perfect for sunny days ahead. sarahwoodhead30(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteCan't resist a shirtdress!
ReplyDeletealice.lam1[at]gmail.com
You did a great job on that pretty dress. sillyleaves@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteVery pretty :) I'm always looking for a good vintage shirtwaist pattern, but I have problems finding them in my size, so this will be perfect!
ReplyDeleteAha! I've been filling my Pinterest board with shirt dresses and this one looks great. Time to tackle my button-avoidance demon.... Dlkfanning@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteooh love this one! i saw emmie wearing it a while back and have been waiting for the pattern to be released!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty fabric and pattern which I would love to have. jennylarking@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWell this pattern looks super cute on you. Totally going to throw my name into the hat: mujerboricua at yahoo dot com.
ReplyDeletelove it! mackland6262@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLovely pattern. Would love to make one in a red viscose that I have
ReplyDeleteLooks stunning! Rachelhacker44@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove this pattern. Shirt dresses look so summery, perfect for the better wrather (if we get any). Email is ligeia2001at hotmail.dot com.
ReplyDeletefabulous shirtdress pattern!
ReplyDeletekatherine dot jones13 at gmail.com
Oh! I need a dress pattern because I have the fabric!!! Perfect for summer! Thanks racurac2 (at) yahoo (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this dress, you make it look so easy! I've been on the lookout for a pattern such as this. Thanks for the great give away!! cazfaithcrossley@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove the dress! I like the fabric too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great giveway!
That fabric is dreamy! Love your shoes too. Would love to try this pattern :) mts90(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteyour dress looks lovely
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress!!! I definitely need a dress like this for summer!
ReplyDeleteprairiegirl1971{at}hotmail{dot}ca
What a gorgeous dress and fab fabric too. Thanks for the chance to win. anndotsparkesathotmaildotcom
ReplyDeleteI think I'm in love with this pattern!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric
Frankie
Knitwitsowls@gmail.com
Super cute! I love shirt dresses.
ReplyDeleteHow thoughtful of them! And I love your version! It looks great on you fits so nicely! What a fun print, too. I definitely need to sew this one. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress. Love the pattern! Email Ruth.wilson@keyplayers.co.uk
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress! This would be a brilliant project to practice aligning and perfecting my button holes!
ReplyDeleteMel_holmes3289(at)hotmail.co.uk
Perfect summer dress.
ReplyDeleteChoistie at yahoo dot com
Sooo pretty! That fabric is gorgeous and the dress is just lovely.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! And I really love their sample with the eyelet on top and navy skirt - swoooooon! katiejacocks [at] gmail [dot] com :D
ReplyDeleteLove it! Beaut 😉 meganjohnson013@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove your completed dress. I have never made a shirt dress so would love to win !
ReplyDeleteIain.ross30 at gmail dot com
Your dress looks great! There are a few versions of the pattern popping up in my blog reader - they all look lovely so I think it'll be another one to add to the sewing queue!
ReplyDeletenightingaleanddolittle@gmail.com
Gorgeous dress! Shape looks great on you and the fabric is fab! I'm yet to try sewing a shirt dress but it's definitely on the list.
ReplyDeleteThis is the 2nd blog I've seen this pattern on today, and I'd love to make it mine!
ReplyDeleteCjm11581 at hotmail dot com
You matched the vintage look of the dress with some great fabric. You look great wearing it!
ReplyDeleteI like this one a lot. You lucky girl!
ReplyDeletedrkat71@gmail.com
Gorgeous dress, that fabric looks really good on you :-) elizabethvbradford at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteSpouse looked at the first photo and went: that's another SJ dress. And indeed, I have made about a gajillion button down shirtwaists, I think it's how I fell down the vintage rabbit hole. I love them in rayon, the way the skirt moves when you walk is amazing. As long as you can keep the placket ongrain, it's just swell. Adding a hook at the waistband helps, too.
ReplyDeleteThis dress looks great on you and I reeeeaaaally love the fabric! Count me in for the giveaway please. janettaplanetta@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress, and beautiful pattern! I'd love to be in the draw to win a copy please - macska at gmail dot com :-)
ReplyDeleteOh wow! This looks like it was designed for you! What a stunner ( you & the dress! )
ReplyDeleteI love me a good shirt dress. amiriafletcher@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOoooh, please count me in for the giveaway! I'd love to give a try to this pattern. Thank you for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteOoooh it's gorgeous! Great fabric choice too! X
ReplyDeleteYou've done a brilliant job! The pattern and dress are perfection!
ReplyDeletemanucrazy88@hotmail.com
That is such a great dress on you
ReplyDeleteGreat dress! The colors in the print look beautiful on you.
ReplyDeleteLove this dress! Looks wonderful on you! Thanks for the review and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThat's adorable, I love the black shiny buttons against that fabric! It's a great-looking pattern too, I can see it being a Summer staple, so I'd love to win a copy! hester.duffy@gemail.com
ReplyDeleteLove the notched collar. I have a perfect floral pattern for this. rjmcreations@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI am loving all the versions in my newsfeed! this print is gorgeous
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous dress, love the fabric, it really suits your colouring. I would love to win this pattern. annmarshalluk@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have seen this pattern and I liked it but seeing yours really makes me want this pattern. Its so beautiful I have this really cute fabric that I can use to make this up. I hope I win! batresyohana@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress, would love a copy of this pattern. nic_bostock@yahoo.co.uk
ReplyDeleteWould love to win a copy of this pattern and make the dress to wear to work this summer. ahsh.frampton@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! Your dress is so lovely! I didn't even see the camo collar until you mentioned your pattern matching. :) firewife@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAn absolutely gorgeous dress - I've been searching for a shirt dress pattern and this might be it. fiona_gibbs@hotmail.co.uk
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is out there and love it. The perfect pattern for my next vintage pattern make - if I had one! Yes please to the giveaway. You need some sunshine now to show it off. Jo x
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute dress for summer! I'd love to make one as well.
ReplyDeleteMydearlizzie.blogspot@gmail.com
Great dress and material! anneehill7 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThis looks a brilliant version of the shirt dress. I'd love to enter the giveaway please. Although I'm reluctant to publish my email address on public site but you should be able to access it.
ReplyDeleteTha fabric may not show the design details, but it's perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love the dress, it's such a flattering style. I would love to make one for myself :)
ReplyDeleteI like that, the fabric is super too. I have only just conquered my collar phobia, so this kind of dress is now very much on my list.
ReplyDeleteoops.. I did just comment but forgot the email: landgirl11@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThat is a fab dress! Really love the style, I have finally been convinced to make a shirt dress. The fabric looks wonderful, I think it really suits the style. love it!
ReplyDeleteThestitchingmagpie@gmail.com
Adorable dress. Would love to have a copy of this pattern.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabrics do you recommend using with this pattern? iliska_dreams@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove this dress, thanks for the chance to win a copy x jennie.glaze@live.co.uk
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I had in mind concerning dresses for my wardrobe!!! Thanks
ReplyDeleteLooks lovely on you. I'd love to win this pattern x
ReplyDeleteCatherine_turney@hotmail.com
I like shirt dresses. The fabric you've used is lovely. I'd love to have a go at making it.
ReplyDeletewow what a beautiful dress and I love the pattern, would love to have that to make. pfoster11@twcny.rr.com
ReplyDeleteI never saw this pattern before an love it. I am off to do more research on it.
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting for this pattern to be released. I just love the yellow version shown on Lisa to advertise the dressmaking class. I would love to own the pattern!!!
ReplyDeleteI love your fabric choice...colour and pattern. This is a gorgeous shirt dress pattern and looks lovely on you. I would love to win this pattern...my email address is ltsy@rogers.com.
ReplyDeleteLove it! What a beautiful dress (attieanddora@hotmail.com)
ReplyDeleteOoooo a giveaway?! I was going to comment just to tell you how damn cute this dress is (love the fabric!!) but I guess I wouldn't mind being entered for a chance to win a copy of the pattern for myself either ;)
ReplyDeleteluckylucilleco at gmail
Simply, I covet this pattern!!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, wouldn't mind a copy for myself :)
ReplyDeleteI love the combination of fabric and style. I'd love to win the pattern. amcclure@talk21.com
ReplyDeleteI love this. Would love to win the pattern. Anita from Basel anita1 dot steiner at hispeed dot ch
ReplyDeleteI already commented on your lovely dress and asked to be included in the giveaway but for some reason I don't see it here.... so here I go again:) francesca dot amodeo at gmail dot com:).....
ReplyDeletePlease finish the giveaway before the discount code expires - pretty please?
Ohh love the long sleeved version, thanks for a fab giveaway. Kirstystewart1 at hotmail dot co dot uk
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous!! I've been searching for the perfect shirtdress pattern and this one seems to tick all the boxes. Love your version!
ReplyDeletecamille at decoudvite dot com
Oh I really want this! Yours looks great, well done.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful dress, it would be lovely to win the pattern! (Genya.keselman@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous little summer dress. The printed fabric is particularly lovely. christina_snellgrove@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely dress!! steameverdine@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely dress! Steameverdine@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress& suits u perfectly nickyb.no26@yahoo.co.uk
ReplyDeleteWow, gorgeous! I love the two-tone version Lisa wears on their blog too!
ReplyDeleteKatie_young(at)hotmail.com
This looks SO cute on you and is so very Marie, in my opinion! I love the fabric! I'm obsessed with Mediterranean tile, so the idea of wearing it is quite appealing! :)
ReplyDeleteVery cute little house dress. I can remember sewing this style back in the early 70's. I would love to make it again. sissy709@gmail.com
ReplyDelete