Review: McCall's 7351 | Black Poplin Handkerchief Hem Shirt Dress!
11:30 AM
There's something about shirt dresses that just represent spring to me. Even though our weather is going back and forth, this past weekend was perfect for this black poplin shirt dress.
A good shirt dress is a classic wardrobe staple. And based on how many shirt dresses I've sewn over the years and a couple are still in my current wardrobe, they're a favorite of mine.
I wanted something this time that put a different spin on the classic dress. This one is McCall's 7351, view C. And my fabric is Jet Black Stretch Cotton Poplin from Mood Fabrics.com. I prewashed my fabric and pulled it straight from the dryer and smoothed it out with the iron prior to cutting. The fabric cuts, sews and presses beautifully.
This is one of those great patterns that has cup sizing -- meaning no FBA for me. I cut a straight size 14, with the D cup.
I lengthened the bodice by an inch, which is an alteration that I make to practically every single pattern I sew. And anyone with a substantial sized bust knows the feeling of getting a great bodice fit on a button up top with no gaping and pulling. So kudos to the cup sized pattern and this amazing poplin with it's slight give. I plan to make this again in a bright white, and when I do I'll lower those pockets probably about .5"-.75" inches.
Since my fabric is lightweight, I needed a comparable interfacing. I used Black Weft Fusible Interfacing. It is the perfect weight for the front bands and the collar.
I sewed the skirt straight from the envelope. I like the length as it is.
This poplin drapes beautifully. And just like with any bias cut, I allowed the dress to hang for 24 hours. Even though stretching can still occur in bias cuts, this handkerchief hem will hide any unevenness.
I am pretty impressed with this fabric. There was minimal wrinkling even after riding in a car.
I can tell you now, this dress will be in high rotation this season. I love the simple and quick style and the versatility. Shoe options are endless and all I have to do is add a great belt for waist-cinching style!
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9 comments
I'm not normally a fan of handkerchief skirts but this is really cute on you !
ReplyDeleteFrankie
http://knitwits-owls.blogspot.co.uk
That’s one of the reasons I pick things that are kind of odd — so I won’t look like everyone else! Thanks Frankie!
DeleteThis dress is perfection!!!! I have been looking at shirtwaist dress patterns and actually saw this one and dismissed it because I'm too boring for a handkerchief hem. (lol)
ReplyDeleteBut seeing it on you, now I want to rock it too. It looks glorious on you! Thanks for making it!
I doubt you could be too boring for this! I plan to wear it throughout the summer with flat sandals and slides! Thanks Kit!
DeletePretty dress and I'm understanding the love of a great shirtdress!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn!
DeleteIts beautiful and unique. Perfect. You always look put together. I am in love with the belt, do you mind sharing where it is from?
ReplyDeleteThank you Sanja. I bought it years ago, but I'm pretty sure I got it from Asos.com.
DeleteBeautiful, Erica! Love your blog! Can you tell us what brand of dress form that you're using?
ReplyDelete