My aunt once had her “colors done” at a local beauty counter. She was a “spring” and often enjoyed tell my sister and I how good coral and light blues looked on her while we all giggled. I haven’t had my “colors done,” but if I did I think I would be an “autumn.” The color pallette of this Lady McElroy Chaffinch Bough Cotton Poplin Dress Fabric incorporates all of my ideal colors; navy blue, army green, teal, and coral. But I wouldn’t wear it only in the fall. In fact, this fabric has inspired a mini, sewn capsule concept for my next few makes.

Selecting a pattern to pair with this beautiful fabric was a bit difficult, (thanks everyone who voted for the shirtdress on my Instagram pole!) but I’m glad I chose to make McCall’s M6696 shirtdress in view A. The sleeveless option allowed for slightly less of the busy print on my small frame and the pleated skirt helped to break up the vibrant floral pattern.

I was initially intimidated by the idea of making a shirtdress with the collar, collar stand, and all the buttons, but I absolutely shouldn’t have been. I started by tissue fitting the pattern and was surprised I didn’t need to make any changes; the straight size 10 was a perfect fit. I held my breath and cut into this gorgeous fabric!

The dress wasn’t overly complicated to sew, took less time than I originally estimated, and most of the instructions were very clear and helpful. In fact, the instructions for the collar and collar stand insertion were the easiest I have ever tried and I will definitely be using that method again on collared shirts and dresses in the future. I deviated from the pattern instructions when I used Lisa Comfort’s “How to Sew a Shirt Yoke” instructional video to ensure that all the yoke seams were inside and I didn’t have to do any hand sewing. I also used Professor Pincushion’s “How to Sew a Bias Tape Finish” tutorial to assist with the application of bias tape armholes.

This patterned did call for a moderate amount of hand sewing. I needed to hand stitch the interior waistband, buttonstands, and collar stand. I didn’t mind the hand sewing and it gave me an opportunity to catch up on my shows, although it may be a deterrent for some sewists. I really like how polished this dress looks now that it’s finished.

I will absolutely make this pattern again, although when I do I will remove the back gathers. With the body of this fabric the gathers cause the back piece to stand away from my body after wearing the dress for a while. I want to ensure that I have a full range of motion, so I may try to pleat the extra fabric instead of removing it completely.

To see the rest of my coordinating makes, make sure to follow me at www.sewhelpmebyMarissa.blogspot.com and on Instragram @Sew_Help_Me.

Time estimated: 16 hours
Size: 10
Fabric used: 2 ½ yards of Lady McElroy Chaffinch Bough Fabric (100% cotton)
Care instructions: machine was cold, line dry
Pattern use: M6696

Cost to make:
Pattern: $19 value
Fabric: $37 value
*thread, buttons, and interfacing from my stash
TOTAL: $56 value

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