14:52-14:57: I had the same thoughts until you mentioned that this pattern is labeled as advanced. That’s when I decided to redirect my attention back to the pajama pants toile I’m seam ripping for the fourth time! I like to think I have good taste, even if my sewing skills are still a work in progress (January 10th marked my third month of sewing). 😂
Have bought the itch to stitch Ladera pattern, which I’ll either make in a lawn or a chambray. Thanks for this great video - very informative as ever ❤ xxx
I'm excited about these videos on a garment theme. Blouses, trousers, etc. You're pre-selecting a manageable array from an overwhelming marketplace of options and using your expertise to call attention to attributes we might miss, such as cup size options. Today's installation makes me happy. I consider shirt dresses to be underrated. They walk the line between office-worthy and feminine. They handle transitions between outdoor hot weather and indoor air conditioning. They age well. My 1987 Ralph Lauren shirtdress in a blue striped shirting still gets compliments. It underscores the value of luxury cotton and careful interior finishes, but unlike with couture tailoring, the steps aren't difficult. Please share the pattern you used for the striped sleeveless blouse behind you. It's exactly what I'd like to make for a travel wardrobe needed soon! Oh. The Vogue/Rucci pattern is stupendous, as are many of the Vogue/Rucci patterns. By reputation the V1239 takes a lot of time and yardage but the result is beautiful.
Hi Judy, yes I agree shirt dresses are so underrated! The stripe top on the stand behind me was made using Simplicity pattern S9133 but I amended it to add the ties, if you go to "Fabric Haul Makes #2" (link below) I talk about how I made it, hope that helps! ua-cam.com/video/9c-OajMl-1s/v-deo.html
Thank you for a great selection of shirt dress patterns - a favourite style of dress for me. I chuckled at your opening comment about being near the end of the season where you are, as in Canada, we're far from the end of the winter at the end of January. 😄
Love the lines of the Ralph Rucci pattern. I bought that one a while back, but haven’t made it yet. Seems a bit dressy for my current life, but looks like a fun project. I hope you make one!
Hi Rachel! I'm so happy that I found you on UA-cam. Your content is engaging, and I love that you include fabric suggestions with the patterns. As an aside, a lot of pdf pattern companies have projector files for their patterns. While the initial investment may seem steep (for a projector), it opens a creative avenue for those individuals willing to make that investment.
Thanks you especially for the Rucci Vogue pattern at the end!😮 I haven't been able to get out to pattern shop and no other creators have shown this to me! Plans for career wear and holiday creations.
Back in the 60's my best friend's teenage sisters wore shirt dresses. We both really wanted one, never did get one. We also thought when we became teenagers we would be super cool and popular, just like her one sister, that didn't happen either. I love all of those shirt dresses, but really never wear dresses. I thought most of them would also make lovely tops, depending on the length you chose. That last Vogue dress is stunning. It would make the most beautiful wedding dress in a crisp silk. I could even see it in a floor length. Although the knee length is perfect.
3:35 oh, I totally recommend playing with a color play here when slips feel “too racy” - a little peek of contrast (texture,color) can make it feel more demure without limiting those movements 🙂
At the moment I'm experimenting with turning a favourite free shirt pattern into a shirt dress. All I did was lengthen and flare it (to cope with hips better - it's early days, let's see what I need to change). I'm interested in your opinion whether it's better to ADD a skirt to the shirt so there is a waist seam, or whether that's just a design choice and not for stability. Love your videos and how wide you cast your net for examples, you've introduced me to pattern companies I didn't know of in some of your past videos.
Hi Kate, I think if it's a loose fitting shirt I would just extend the length as you described and you could add a self tie belt perhaps but it depends on the type of silhouette you prefer. If it was a fitted shirt shape them I think a waist seam would work. Hope it works out well! Rachel x
Not sure January is near winter end 😂 I am always cold so shirt dresses are a good option to add a jacket or cardigan for all round wear. Great selection and love the Itch To Stitch pattern as I have a great ready to wear one with a quirky tie belt and would love to recreate it.This might be a good choice to emulate it. Some gorgeous options and we all need more time x
I have been scouring shirt dress patterns as I have just bought some stunning French floral viscose to make a shirt dress, so your video is very timely. I haven't been able to find exactly what I want so I am probably going to do a mashup of a couple of different patterns to get the details I want. I should mention that Fabric Godmother have just brought out a gorgeous new shirtdress pattern that I am going to try at some point. I would be very interested to see the last Vogue pattern made up. It looks like it would need some quite structured fabric to carry the shape but gorgeous details.
Great video and some excellent choices. I made the Vogue Rucci about 10(?) years ago as part of a dressmaking course at Morley College. We had to make a toile, and I was glad I did as it took a lot of fiddling with the back neck to achieve that collar. In fact it was surprisingly tricky in the end. The sleeves in particular are beautiful. Have to say though that I have never worn it! Poor fabric choice, not the pattern.
Hi Patricia, yes the V1239 is amazing, I think a fabric with a little bit of stiffness, cotton poplin, cotton sateen, tafetta and maybe even duchesse satin perhaps?
The Ralph Rucci would look beautiful in a deep emerald green color. The sew over it Vintage, sleeveless version, would look good in dark denim with contrast copper stitching and silver buttons.
My personal favourite is the Reeta by Named Clothing. I do not have a slim waist, and the advantage for me is the slightly raised waistline of the Reeta. But your selection is lovely and a couple of them would also solve the waistline problem, anything that is asymmetrical is good.
Question?. Where could you see, touch and get/source the metal end tips to the Fibre mood Phylis shirt dress. I am in North London. LOVE your video becoz they're so informative.
Hi Hannah, if you’re in the West End try MacCulloch and Wallis in Poland St W1, you could check online to see if they stock them and then visit the store, alternatively try Fan trimmings in Berwick St W1, hope that helps! Rachel
Hi Christina, I made the stripe top using Simplicity pattern S9133, I added the waist ties myself, I talk about it in this video, here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/9c-OajMl-1s/v-deo.html
Hiya Rachel I love pattern reviews videos so thank u so much for this one 😁 I also love shirt dresses 😁 but the only problem I have is when u say u’ve put the links in the description cause there’s only the first 4 links then it says more but if u click on the more it doesn’t show any more links for the other dresses it takes u straight to the fourth www site so ya can’t see the other links for the other dresses 😢 does anyone else have the same problem or is it just me please & I would love it Rachel if u could please sort this out (I’ve also found the same problem on ur other videos 😢) thanks xx
Hi, I have just checked and all the links are present and correct. I have checked on my mobile, laptop and desktop and they all work ok and are visible.
@ thanks for checking for me but they don’t work on my phone 😭 maybe if u put the “more” on a different line to the fourth website then it might work better?? I don’t no if anyone else has this problem or if it’s just me 😳 & thanks for replying I really appreciate it xx
I’m so curious about Style Arc because the designs look beautiful in the drawings but the photos of them made up, to my eye, the models look swamped in fabric. While a generous fit looks great on many, it makes me look like my clothes are wearing me. I’m a beginning sewer so I’m not sure if this generous fit is designed into the pattern or if it can be overcome by selecting a smaller size.
Hi Anna, I guess fit and sizing is a personal choice, but if you toile your garment first you can usually achieve the look you want, see my vlog "Get a great fit in 5 simple steps" for more on this!
Loved this review! Thank you for leaving up the pattern photos and line drawings while you talked about them! Unfortunately, not all UA-camrs do this. They tend to leave the photos up for just a few seconds. Some of us need time to examine the details of what is being talked about. Again, thank you so much for an excellent and helpful presentation and review!
Great review but I stopped watching when you said they were all PDF, I only use paper patterns because I don't own a printer and, as I live in a little village, there's nowhere around that prints them :(
@@christine8394 hi Christine, thanks. Most of these companies have the option to request a copy shop printed version that can be sent to you, you may want to go back and watch it with this in mind! Rachel x
I’m the same I hate PDF patterns & also don’t have a printer 😢 & the only problem about some of the companies that offer to print them from u is that they charge a extra £7, & sometimes they only print the pattern - the instructions are still on PDF 😳 plus I always forget where the PDF Patterns are cause I’m only on my iPhone 📱 so I tend to stick to paper patterns only xx
M8384 is my next on my shirt dress queue. It is similar to the Grainline studios Alder shirt dress which I love and have made both views. I like the 1/2 gather detail at the low hip on both patterns. I plan to make the M8384 puff ball sleeve even more puffed. Ditto to those commenters on my dislike of PDFs.
Please don’t stop making this type of video! ❤❤❤ thank you so much! My imagination fails me when I comes to matching patterns to fabrics. 😊
14:52-14:57: I had the same thoughts until you mentioned that this pattern is labeled as advanced. That’s when I decided to redirect my attention back to the pajama pants toile I’m seam ripping for the fourth time! I like to think I have good taste, even if my sewing skills are still a work in progress (January 10th marked my third month of sewing). 😂
First time here, and I'm subscribing . Thanks for the pattern review
Thanks for subbing!
Have bought the itch to stitch Ladera pattern, which I’ll either make in a lawn or a chambray. Thanks for this great video - very informative as ever ❤ xxx
I'm excited about these videos on a garment theme. Blouses, trousers, etc. You're pre-selecting a manageable array from an overwhelming marketplace of options and using your expertise to call attention to attributes we might miss, such as cup size options. Today's installation makes me happy. I consider shirt dresses to be underrated. They walk the line between office-worthy and feminine. They handle transitions between outdoor hot weather and indoor air conditioning. They age well. My 1987 Ralph Lauren shirtdress in a blue striped shirting still gets compliments. It underscores the value of luxury cotton and careful interior finishes, but unlike with couture tailoring, the steps aren't difficult.
Please share the pattern you used for the striped sleeveless blouse behind you. It's exactly what I'd like to make for a travel wardrobe needed soon!
Oh. The Vogue/Rucci pattern is stupendous, as are many of the Vogue/Rucci patterns. By reputation the V1239 takes a lot of time and yardage but the result is beautiful.
Hi Judy, yes I agree shirt dresses are so underrated!
The stripe top on the stand behind me was made using Simplicity pattern S9133 but I amended it to add the ties, if you go to "Fabric Haul Makes #2" (link below) I talk about how I made it, hope that helps!
ua-cam.com/video/9c-OajMl-1s/v-deo.html
Thank you for a great selection of shirt dress patterns - a favourite style of dress for me. I chuckled at your opening comment about being near the end of the season where you are, as in Canada, we're far from the end of the winter at the end of January. 😄
Definitely some beautiful options.
8:56 this is so perfect for playing with statement belts ⛵️
Love the lines of the Ralph Rucci pattern. I bought that one a while back, but haven’t made it yet. Seems a bit dressy for my current life, but looks like a fun project. I hope you make one!
Hi Rachel! I'm so happy that I found you on UA-cam. Your content is engaging, and I love that you include fabric suggestions with the patterns. As an aside, a lot of pdf pattern companies have projector files for their patterns. While the initial investment may seem steep (for a projector), it opens a creative avenue for those individuals willing to make that investment.
Thanks you especially for the Rucci Vogue pattern at the end!😮 I haven't been able to get out to pattern shop and no other creators have shown this to me! Plans for career wear and holiday creations.
Love this, thank you!!
I love a good shirt dress! Really tempted by the Viki Sews patterns!
Back in the 60's my best friend's teenage sisters wore shirt dresses. We both really wanted one, never did get one. We also thought when we became teenagers we would be super cool and popular, just like her one sister, that didn't happen either. I love all of those shirt dresses, but really never wear dresses. I thought most of them would also make lovely tops, depending on the length you chose. That last Vogue dress is stunning. It would make the most beautiful wedding dress in a crisp silk. I could even see it in a floor length. Although the knee length is perfect.
Thank you! Great patterns! I am glad you mentioned corduroy because that’s what I rather doubtfully had in mind.
3:35 oh, I totally recommend playing with a color play here when slips feel “too racy” - a little peek of contrast (texture,color) can make it feel more demure without limiting those movements 🙂
Beautiful options, hard to choose!! Thank you for your amazing videos!!
At the moment I'm experimenting with turning a favourite free shirt pattern into a shirt dress. All I did was lengthen and flare it (to cope with hips better - it's early days, let's see what I need to change). I'm interested in your opinion whether it's better to ADD a skirt to the shirt so there is a waist seam, or whether that's just a design choice and not for stability. Love your videos and how wide you cast your net for examples, you've introduced me to pattern companies I didn't know of in some of your past videos.
Hi Kate, I think if it's a loose fitting shirt I would just extend the length as you described and you could add a self tie belt perhaps but it depends on the type of silhouette you prefer. If it was a fitted shirt shape them I think a waist seam would work. Hope it works out well! Rachel x
Not sure January is near winter end 😂 I am always cold so shirt dresses are a good option to add a jacket or cardigan for all round wear. Great selection and love the Itch To Stitch pattern as I have a great ready to wear one with a quirky tie belt and would love to recreate it.This might be a good choice to emulate it.
Some gorgeous options and we all need more time x
Thank you as always! 🎉
I have been scouring shirt dress patterns as I have just bought some stunning French floral viscose to make a shirt dress, so your video is very timely. I haven't been able to find exactly what I want so I am probably going to do a mashup of a couple of different patterns to get the details I want. I should mention that Fabric Godmother have just brought out a gorgeous new shirtdress pattern that I am going to try at some point. I would be very interested to see the last Vogue pattern made up. It looks like it would need some quite structured fabric to carry the shape but gorgeous details.
Fabric Godmother pattern The Aspen launches on Tuesday 28 January, it looks like a really good pattern whatever the time of year.
Great video and some excellent choices. I made the Vogue Rucci about 10(?) years ago as part of a dressmaking course at Morley College. We had to make a toile, and I was glad I did as it took a lot of fiddling with the back neck to achieve that collar. In fact it was surprisingly tricky in the end. The sleeves in particular are beautiful. Have to say though that I have never worn it! Poor fabric choice, not the pattern.
I’ll be watching out for the fit video. ❤
Love these videos (I keep buying your suggestions) AND Love the V1239. In what fabric would you make this to get the crispness? Thank you!
Hi Patricia, yes the V1239 is amazing, I think a fabric with a little bit of stiffness, cotton poplin, cotton sateen, tafetta and maybe even duchesse satin perhaps?
@@gemimalondon Thank you so much. xx
These are wonderful patterns. I’m more of a quilter but keep wanting to make my own clothes. Time is a problem for me!!!
Hi Tina, thanks, yes I have a long list of patterns to make and never enough time!
Great overview. Thank you. I have the ,V2239. A bit intimidated, also not sure about fabric. It looks like it needs something fairly robust.
Hi Rita, thank you! yes I think cotton poplin, tafetta, silk shantung would all work - needs a bit of stiffness to hold the shape.
The Ralph Rucci would look beautiful in a deep emerald green color. The sew over it Vintage, sleeveless version, would look good in dark denim with contrast copper stitching and silver buttons.
Hi Linda, yes I agree, both sound lovely!
I agree about the PDFs. I took mine to a copy shop and have to wait three days. I’d rather pay more for a paper pattern.
My personal favourite is the Reeta by Named Clothing. I do not have a slim waist, and the advantage for me is the slightly raised waistline of the Reeta. But your selection is lovely and a couple of them would also solve the waistline problem, anything that is asymmetrical is good.
Hi, I really like the Reeta, I have a proportionately big waist so that would be a good one for me too!
Thank you for the ideas; appreciate your work.
Question?. Where could you see, touch and get/source the metal end tips to the Fibre mood Phylis shirt dress. I am in North London. LOVE your video becoz they're so informative.
Hi Hannah, if you’re in the West End try MacCulloch and Wallis in Poland St W1, you could check online to see if they stock them and then visit the store, alternatively try Fan trimmings in Berwick St W1, hope that helps! Rachel
Thanks Gemma. That's given me a few ideas. Could you tell me please what is the pattern that you have on your mannequin? It looks gorgeous.
Hi Christina, I made the stripe top using Simplicity pattern S9133, I added the waist ties myself, I talk about it in this video, here is the link:
ua-cam.com/video/9c-OajMl-1s/v-deo.html
@gemimalondon thank you
Hiya Rachel I love pattern reviews videos so thank u so much for this one 😁 I also love shirt dresses 😁 but the only problem I have is when u say u’ve put the links in the description cause there’s only the first 4 links then it says more but if u click on the more it doesn’t show any more links for the other dresses it takes u straight to the fourth www site so ya can’t see the other links for the other dresses 😢 does anyone else have the same problem or is it just me please & I would love it Rachel if u could please sort this out (I’ve also found the same problem on ur other videos 😢) thanks xx
Hi, I have just checked and all the links are present and correct. I have checked on my mobile, laptop and desktop and they all work ok and are visible.
@ thanks for checking for me but they don’t work on my phone 😭 maybe if u put the “more” on a different line to the fourth website then it might work better?? I don’t no if anyone else has this problem or if it’s just me 😳 & thanks for replying I really appreciate it xx
They are lovely , but it’s hard to get a straight forward shirt dress ,any suggestions please?
Hi Mary, what about this one from Atelier Jupe?
thefoldline.com/products/atelier-jupe-tilde-shirt-dress?_pos=1&_sid=3d1b6a0f4&_ss=r
I’m so curious about Style Arc because the designs look beautiful in the drawings but the photos of them made up, to my eye, the models look swamped in fabric. While a generous fit looks great on many, it makes me look like my clothes are wearing me. I’m a beginning sewer so I’m not sure if this generous fit is designed into the pattern or if it can be overcome by selecting a smaller size.
Hi Anna, I guess fit and sizing is a personal choice, but if you toile your garment first you can usually achieve the look you want, see my vlog "Get a great fit in 5 simple steps" for more on this!
Loved this review! Thank you for leaving up the pattern photos and line drawings while you talked about them! Unfortunately, not all UA-camrs do this. They tend to leave the photos up for just a few seconds. Some of us need time to examine the details of what is being talked about. Again, thank you so much for an excellent and helpful presentation and review!
The sound keeps dropping out for me …
HI Elizabeth, yes I think there's a glitch with the premiere, sorry, it seems to have corrected itself now.
Not a fan of PDF or indi patterns , thank you , I was excited to see shirtdress patterns…..
Great review but I stopped watching when you said they were all PDF, I only use paper patterns because I don't own a printer and, as I live in a little village, there's nowhere around that prints them :(
@@christine8394 hi Christine, thanks. Most of these companies have the option to request a copy shop printed version that can be sent to you, you may want to
go back and watch it with this in mind! Rachel x
I’m the same I hate PDF patterns & also don’t have a printer 😢 & the only problem about some of the companies that offer to print them from u is that they charge a extra £7, & sometimes they only print the pattern - the instructions are still on PDF 😳 plus I always forget where the PDF Patterns are cause I’m only on my iPhone 📱 so I tend to stick to paper patterns only xx
M8384 is my next on my shirt dress queue. It is similar to the Grainline studios Alder shirt dress which I love and have made both views. I like the 1/2 gather detail at the low hip on both patterns. I plan to make the M8384 puff ball sleeve even more puffed. Ditto to those commenters on my dislike of PDFs.
@ I will thank you, the first few dresses you showed were lovely
She did show a few that were paper. McCalls and Vogue.
Sorry Flippa dresss!