Review: McCall's 6885 | A Leather-trimmed Chambray Shirt Dress!

I love shirt dresses.  I think they are so easy-breezy. And I needed to add a couple to my wardrobe.  The first is one in denim.  I wanted to make this one first before the weather gets too warm to really enjoy it.

For my pattern, I went with McCall's 6885.  I cut view D.  The description is:  Semi-fitted, pullover dresses have collar, collar/front bands, front pleat and narrow hem. D: pockets, tie ends and long sleeves with button tab. Shaped hemline and rolled sleeves D: wrong side shows.  I added a few modifications.

My inspiration for details came from this Michael Kors dress.

I cut the size 14, and I added an inch at the waist and 2 inches to the hem.  I modified the back by adding a yoke.  This is my standard modification to most shirt patterns.  This pattern is drafted pretty well.  I've made A LOT shirts over the years and can practically make one in my sleep.  But I did glance over the instructions for the placket.  And the front placket is sewn exactly like a sleeve placket.  Pretty simple.

I also drafted pockets with an inverted pleat and pocket flaps.  I added a leather trim to the left-side of front band only.  Because it would only show on that side when the dress is unbuttoned. 

And the sleeve tabs are also leather.

I omitted the ties that came with the pattern.  And I also opted not to make a self-belt like my inspiration.  I'm going to probably add a different belt everytime I wear this.  And I also love the shaped hemline.  The sleeves are meant to be rolled up at all times.  If you make this pattern and you'd like the option of being able to wear the sleeves down, just take a sleeve pattern from another McCall's shirt so that you can have a cuff.

I really love the leather details and the snap closures.  The silver hardware gives the dress a pop that buttons just wouldn't do.  And I love this fabric.  However I'm sad to say that it's sold out on the Mood Fabrics.com site.  I wanted to buy more for another project.  But here are some options that I think would work for a similar project that requires a lightweight denim:  option 1, option 2 and option 3.  And be sure to always swatch first!