Dress to Shirt Story

It’s February and it has been mild in Minnesota. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to this romantic Liberty print that I purchased a while back from The Fabric Store- or maybe it is lingering Valentine’s day sentiments. In any case, even though it is still winter, the floral print on a black background means I can easily pair it with cold weather separates. I had just enough fabric to make a blouse or top. I perused my button down shirt patterns, but got sidetracked and went down a different path landing on McCalls 7242 dress pattern which I had not made previously- but have admired from afar. See Lori’s version here and Erica’s summery version here

Going from dress to blouse is a super easy pattern hacking project. So this is a short story- but hey, it’s a short month.

I have waxed poetic over the virtues of Liberty cotton lawn previously, but let’s count the ways again. I admit Liberty fabric is pricey- but for print and fiber quality- it is worth a splurge. Liberty lawn is made using fine, high-thread count yarns- (think high thread count sheets for comparison). Higher thread count means a finer and silkier feel. For the sewist, high thread count also means that the fabric never wobbles (so it’s a breeze to cut out) and the edges stay sharp- read -no fraying. It is also particularly easy to construct French seams and narrow hems- which are essential on a button down for smooth wearability on the insides. While woven cotton lawn isn’t as comfy as your t-shirt- it is the next best silky comfortable thing- it just doesn’t have stretch.

Happily, this pattern is well cut, and not constricting at all- so you don’t need any stretch. I like the neckline and simple front. I simply added length to the front and back pattern pieces which I did by simply lining up another button down blouse pattern I had on hand to measure length of front and back. This was a super quick make as there is no banded front. I used French Fuse for the collar and front facings and for the cuffs. You will notice I didn’t have enough fabric to line the back yoke, so I used a very lightweight black pima cotton I had on hand. It looks sharp inside.