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Simplicty 8014 - Rain Cloud Shirtdress!

I'm back with a new dress! 

Like I said, I have been super lazy and using commercial patterns for about a year now. This one is a shirtdress by Simplicity -- pattern number 8014.

I did a mix of multiple views to create my perfect shirtdress. I technically cut a View C but used the collar in View A and D. I think I made my cuffed sleeve and sleeve tabs differently than the pattern asked me to do, but I do what I want. Haha. 

Best of all, this dress already had a pocket bag pattern! Many times, I will create my own if there is enough room in the skirt portion.

I also had to change the grainline of the yoke on my pattern (ie. cut it the opposite direction). Normally, you would cut your back yoke on a shirt or shirtdress on a crosswise grain because it prevents stretching out and gives your garment more stiffness/structure. 

Well, that simply wasn't going to work with a one-way print! I would never hear the end of how I "cut it wrong" by anyone while I was wearing it.


Ta daaa!!! I cut a size 10 and really didn't have to make any adjustments except to hem length (of course). I probably took off only 2 inches or so and hemmed it with a 1 inch hem like I do on most hems.

This pattern has a LOT of pieces but I feel like that's typical with shirtdresses. It wasn't complicated, just a lot of steps. If you're someone who wants a quick sew, this pattern probably isn't for you. I sew very quickly, but this one took me a little longer. 

Let's talk about the PRINT!


It's these super cute smiling rain clouds!!! 


I saw this fabric and instantly knew I had to have it. I ended up with the last 3-ish yards of it from fabric.com! The print is by Riley Blake and called "Greatest Adventure" by Cinderberry Stitches. 

I like how the fabric is a PERFECT weight for a shirtdress. It was the exact weight I had been hoping for -- a thicker cotton that almost feels like a denim but.... not. Amazing! 



I'm so excited to have a go-to shirtdress pattern now in my wardrobe! I absolutely love shirtdresses and I never find good ones at retail stores. Now... look out for more shirtdresses! 

Next, I am working on McCall's "Learn to Sew" capelet (although I am WAY past the "learn to sew" stage.) I have created a lining for it since it didn't come with one. That's one of my biggest pet peeves! I cannot wear a jacket of any sort with NO LINING. I made a super awesome lining in my Burda jacket last year and the wool Burda coat the year or so before that. It made and it is a thousand times better than if I had just made it without one. 

Coats/jackets are actually my favorite things to sew and I am looking forward to the way this next one is going to go together!

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