The Classic Shirtwaist

Here is a site that explains shirtdresses and their popularity.

This is one of the many  shirtdresses available at Shabby Apple .

It seems that styles return (retro-to those who haven't lived through the earlier fashion) in similarity with adaptations of the present mode.  When the off-shoulder styles were in, one could find shirtwaist dresses in a variety of pleated, gathered, flared, gored, straight, and A-lines with a standard two-piece collar, or simple collar, notched collar, mandarin collar, Peter Pan collar, and lace collars.  Sleeves were flowing and loose or close fitting and made to all lengths.  It was a very comfortale dress to wear.  The fabrics were endless and it made one feel feminine.  Those were the 80's.

The shirtwaist has returned again and this time with a variety similar to the past.  The tops are more closefitting as were those constructed in the 50's and 60's. The lengths are shorter now and the tops have deeper necklines and the buttons don't go as high.  Here is a site that shows a variety of styles of the past at least from the '30s - '50s.

For the home seamstress there are many patterns that will lend themselves to a nice, comfortable shirtwaist.  McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick, and others have usually have some shirtwaist style available in their catalogs.
There is really quite a variety available. If you don't like the sleeve style, use another pattern with something you are more comfortable with. The same goes with the skirt style or any other detail that you would like to change.
There are vintage pattern sites that offer shirtwaists, too. It is fun to look at those older styles to see the uniqueness of each one.

 

Very Easy Vogue 8785

Vogue 8577

McCalls 6279

Marfy Dress F1663

McCalls 5847

Vogue 1233

McCalls 4769

Kwik Sew 3488



Here are a few that are some of my favorites along with McCalls 4769 that I have had success with.

Vogue 8021 (out of print)

                                                          Vogue 8028 (out of print)

Everyday Dresses pattern book is  sometimes listed  on Amazon.

Nothern Lights by Dana Marie


One final comment, if you don't find the shirtwaist dress pattern you like, you can always use your favorite blouse and add a skirt to it and it becomes a shirtwaist with some adjustments. You could make it button all the way down to the hem of the dress or put a placket in or a side zipper or make a loose waist and gather it in with elastic or a belt. Just be sure to allow yourself room to get in and out easily.

A Cute Jacket!

This is available from Creations of Kerrville, Texas. I think that this would be very nice in a fun print that expresses your interests. They have a wonderful supply of great fabrics to choose from. Here is another jacket idea from their site.

These are available from Creations of Kerrville, TX.

Kwik-Sew Ideas

I've been considering this outfit for a summer "pretty". It has been in Kwik-Sew since winter 2005 and is still available from the pattern company. I would definitely raise the neckline for a modest display of your sewing talents. Possiblities for fabric choices are limitless. One could use large bold prints for the skirt and a matching solid for the top. A tea length skirt would be a nice length for tops with the 3/4 sleeves. Kwik Sew 3381

The other pattern I have found has some very comfortable lines and here again, the choices of fabrics is limitless for this summer outfit. I am not sure if it available from Kwik-Sew but Sew Thankful has it and there may be other sources on the internet where it is available. This is a good one if you like matching skirt and tops and like elastic waistlines for comfort. One can always get a matching solid to make a complete coordinating outfit to mix and match with a print. This is Kwik Sew 2956

Another pattern that would work for jersey or interlock knit fabrics: Kwik Sew 2771. It features an 8 gore skirt with a simple bateau(boat)-neck top with a choice of sleeve lengths. A very simple pattern to make.

Time to gear up!

I have been on a hiatus since mid-November due to strong antibiotics taken for a tooth infection.  I ended up with clostridium difficile and candida.  Hence, my time has been spent researching the best courses to take to tame candida as the Lord took care of  "c. diff." and He is giving me insight on candida.  I have seen a naturopath for a great start on the battle.   I am really feeling great and am eating very healthy.  I did lose 20 pounds at the start and haven't gained any back.   I have had to drop a couple sizes and am adjusting my wardrobe so I don't look so thin.  Layering really helps in cold weather and adding bulk.


Anyway, I am eager to sew some new things and will share them soon.

Interesting comment on attire

This lovely dress can be found at  "As Lilies Sewing."

I have been reading Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer.  In the Eighth Indictment:  A Silence on Separation, Mr. Washer, speaking about not just giving our heart to Jesus but our whole body and life as well, quotes his wife:  "If your clothing is a frame for your face from which the glory of Christ springs forth, it is of God.  But if your clothing is a frame for your body, it is sensual, and God hates it.  The nature of God guides our decisions in every detail of our conduct."  That pretty much sums it up. 

New Ideas for Fall Dressing

I have been busy canning and haven't been able to do any sewing, just dreaming about a short length of time to fit some in.

I love the fall colors and this season of the year.  We are heading towards colder weather, yet there are some beautiful crisp days that give a lilt to the soul with the vibrancy of color and the expectancy of change.

I have left-over fabrics from previous autumn purchases that I hope to sew one or two before winter arrives.  These are cottons and some challis prints that I can put over layers of warmer undergarments to keep warm and yet have the swishiness that I like of fuller skirts and comfortable dresses.

I have found a few new sites that offer some cute patterns.

This interesting dress is from Sew Serendipity.  It shows possible combinations of fabrics in complementary ways.  Sew Serendipity has a jacket pattern that could be transitioned between summer-fall-winter using a variety of  fabrics.  She also has some nice skirt patterns and a dress that one could possibly add sleeves to for cooler weather.  Her patterns are inspiring uses of fabrics.

Burda Style offers a very easy type of dress that would work well with heavier fabrics for fall and winter.  One could put a turltneck top under for extra warmth around the neck.

This is another Burda Style  that is more classic and one could easily lengthen the skirt for a twirly feel in lighter weight fabrics.

lisette has a dress called "itinerary dress sewing pattern" that would be easy to adapt for making the skirt longer or even making it slightly flared.  I like the yoke look, especially with contrasting trim and matching obi sash.

If you like the much looser tops, lisette has one that might work out in heavier fabrics for a layered look.

lisette also offers "travelers dresses", being the classic shirtwaist.  Amy Butler also has a classic shirtwaist top that could be lengthened and perhaps widened.

Ringger Clothing  has some great classic dresses to choose from.
These are just a few ideas for fall sewing.  There are so many rich and varied hues of the fall colors that can be used:  the darker greens, burgundies, reds, red-oranges, purples, golds, browns that would work in patterns or solids.

I am hoping to get a dress done to wear for a "Pretty Dress Day"  before the weather gets too chilly.

Summer has been a very busy time and I have had little time to post the thoughts and ideas I had planned to put in  this time of year.  I will do some catching up in the near future, Lord willing.

I do want to mention an article from a blog I thought interesting and very succinctly put.  You can find it here:http://wwnh.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/1382-old-school-female-strategy/