A shirtdress for Summer

Loving the challenge on Instagram to sew a shirtdress for Summer #sewtogetherforsummer.  It’s one of those challenges that isn’t a challenge – as in I was going to do it anyway it just hurried me along a little. 

I’m always impressed how much effort some people put into these challenges – like buying things to do them. Personally I only take part in these things if I have the materials already or I was going to do it anyway. 

So from the lazy corner I give you McCalls 6696 which I’ve made 3 times already. Seems to be one of those patterns everyone has – and for a reason! It’s simple, classic and versatile without being too quirky and therefore niche.

For fabric I used an Ikea duvet from the bargain basin bucket. Yup I’m not even ashamed.  Mr King even bought it for me “just in case”. To date I’ve used this duvet to make 5 baby girl dresses, 2 Pillowcase dresses and the lining for Mini Me’s winter coat. 

This means I was running a little low on fabric for a shirtdress – hence why I’ve chosen the sleeveless option and the A-line skirt. I even dispatched the collar and did the pockets in contrasting colour. 

Who knew a £5 King size duvet could be such great value for money!

Only adjustments I made was to reduce the poofyness in the back – I pinched out 2 inches. Then I shortened the bodice to cope with my short arse status. I didn’t even have to narrow the shoulders – gotta love the big 4 pattern companies for standardisation between patterns.

And so ta dah!