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

11:00 AM

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!

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37 comments

  1. Oh my gosh. Love this! I would probably never have looked twice at this pattern (that sleeveless version is terrible!) but your dress has me green with envy. Your choice to use leather details, leather belt and silver snaps really take this project to the next level. What a great staple for the summer months!

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  2. That dress is awesome! I love the leather accents, you always think of something to make a garment look extra special Erica! x

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  3. This looks really good on you! I also love the shirtdress style!

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  4. I love the leather accents that you added to the button front placket and the sleeve! They really make the dress sing!

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  5. Oh, that is such a pretty dress. And the view in the background is just gorgeous.

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  6. I always love the modifications you make to patterns to give them that designer quality. Great shirtdress.

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  7. This is so beautiful.

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  8. I have been wanting to add some (real) leather to some garments but alway decide against because of not knowing how to clean the item. Any suggestions? Or did you use a faux leather?

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    1. That's something I always think about too when mixing fabric and leather. I used faux leather because I wanted to be able to toss this in the washer. Thanks LeeAnn!

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  9. This is awesome. You are cracking me up with the standing on your toes!

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    1. You have to know how to elongate your legs in flats! You just learned something new today! ;-) Thanks CMG!

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  10. I like your choice of silver snap detailing as it really complements the color of the denim and the leather accents.

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  11. I really LOVE this dress and what you did with it...but I have to say that I think that I like the straight hem of the Michael Kors inspiration dress better were I making this for myself. You have great gams though, and can totally rock that hem!

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  12. Love this dress, little details make all the difference. I bought some lightweight denim with a dress in mind, but I'm too slow, our summer is already here. Enjoy wearing your new dress while you still can!

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  13. Oh wow! It looks so crisp and cool and classic!

    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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  14. Erica, you did it again! This pattern looks fabulous on you. Well done!

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  15. Your dress is really nice. When it gets too hot outside to wear just save it for fall! I had a dress much like this before and it looked nice with a hip slung belt as well as at the waist.

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  16. O so fabulous! I love the leather accents. I can imagine it's something you'll get a huge amount of wear out of whilst always looking stylish!

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  17. Fabulous dress! I came across your blog looking for a shirt dress pattern! Thank you!

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  18. I have been a so called 'silent' follower of your blog since I discovered it last year. I love your always classy, and still very current fashion sense. Your garments are always beautifully made, but what I love most is your generosity in sharing your sewing processes. I always learn new tips and tricks from the info you share and it's helping me become a better sewer. You are such an inspiration especially to a somewhat novice home sewer like myself and I always look forward to seeing your gorgeous creations.

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  19. I love so many of the garments you sew. You are an inspiration and I think I will give this one a shot - I hope it comes out as beautiful as yours!

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