My Most Worn Shirtdress | Simplicity 8014

[@MMMM-ns2tg]

Dear Karen - life is too short not to wear those fabulous makes! Wear them! Get some solid chiffon colors black, green etc and make some long narrow scarves. Wear around your neck and let them fall vertically down the front. That will provide a vertical line through the busy pattern and bring focus back to your face. Wear the dresses. Wear them with pride! They are haute couture and bespoke!

[@cookeka]

Hello, you brought a lovely smile to my face. Thank you for words of encouragement. I love to read the comments and gain feedback, which helps to build or develop existing knowledge. Thank you🙂

[@jankerslake5813]

Every single one of those dresses look truly superb and really suit you. Wear your beautiful creations with pride and your head held high. You’re a very talented lady. 👍

[@jeanmurray5539]

Karen, These dresses are beautiful. What a wonderful collection. Wear your animal print dress it’s beautiful and it’s not too busy it’s gorgeous. Had you thought about the other version on the pattern? You select such great fabric. Another wonderful video. Thanks for sharing.❤❤❤

[@cookeka]

Hello Jean, yes, most feedback has been for me to give the animal print dress a try. I will slowly incorporate it in my weekly attire 😀 I have tried the two others, not the longer version and love them too. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@gmurray3616]

Karon, as usual your sewing is impeccable with your French seams and your selection of fabric is great. I agree with the others, go ahead and wear the animal print, it is beautiful. Have you considered making the dress two-toned ? Continue sewing these beautiful outfits, matter-of-fact you have encouraged me to get busy sewing my HUGH stash of fabric.

[@cookeka]

Hello, I appreciate your feedback. Thank you for the encouragement. I am happy you are inspired, and yes, I will give the animal print dress a try😀 The weekly encouragement and positive feedback helps to build our sewing community.

[@CajunRose]

These are so beautifully made. I really appreciate you showing how you use bias tape and French seems on the interior of them. I love that they can be used for a day out with family or friends and professional occasions.

[@cookeka]

Yes, I appreciate you watching. The pattern is very versatile and is a good option for numerous occasions. Thank you

[@sandrasimpkins2108]

All the dresses are lovely 😍 I have that pattern but haven't made it yet. Now, I'm excited to make it!!! Thank you for sharing ❤👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@cookeka]

Hello Sandra , awesome. I am happy you were inspired to create, and thank you for watching .

[@patriciaw8879]

No Karon t The animal print is beautiful. It looks good on you too.

[@cookeka]

Hello Patricia , I might give it a second chance, but I think it's intimidating 😀 Thanks for your feedback😀

[@MissDebi]

Your work is gorgeous!! I don't think I even need my serger anymore. ❤

[@cookeka]

Hello Deb... I appreciate your kindness. Your serger is an asset to the craft as it helps to create lovely seam finishes. I choose to sew without it as I have often fought with mine.😀

[@saundrayork767]

my Dear, that animal print is to die for gorgeous! And you did a professional-quality job sewing it. Wear it to work and be proud! P.S.--I'll have to go buy that pattern; thanks for showing it!!

[@cookeka]

Hello, you made me smile a bit. Thank you. I appreciate the encouragement . Yes, you need to buy that pattern. 🙂

[@TikaOlivere]

I love how clean the French seams are.

[@cookeka]

Hi Tika, thank you.

[@deidrabenson361]

Hi Karon! Great job as usual, I loved all of them! The orange and white one was my favorite as well, what a beautiful dress! ❤️❤️❤️

[@cookeka]

Deidra, yes, that orange dress has a nice finish. Thank you for your support and feedback😀

[@laurasuea.4054]

Hi Karon. I love your dresses. I have that pattern but never made it. It looks so wonderful on you. I think I'll give it a go. Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@cookeka]

Hello Laura, thank you. Yes, the images on the package were not helpful, but it's a great pattern. Please give it a shot. Happy sewing.

[@lucumilady1398]

Hi Karon, thank you for sharing you BEAUTIFUL dresses with us. I can’t believe that you haven’t worn EACH ONE of them. I especially LOVE both number 5 (animal print) & number 6; that orange and white is EVERYTHING! Absolute favorite for sure, wear it everywhere! Although a newish sewer, I’m gonna try that pattern. 🤞🏿

[@cookeka]

Hello, I am sure you will do fine with this pattern. Give it a try and let me know how it turns. Thank you for watching

[@susananpatterson9043]

You sew so beautifully. I love how you make sure it’s beautiful inside as well. I have been sewing for years now and I know it’s work😊

[@cookeka]

Hello Susana, yes, it's more time-consuming, but it's a happy feeling once I see the outcome. Thank you so much.

[@eileenmccarthy7392]

I love them all on you. Don't be afraid of the animal print because it looks classy on you. My favorite was the multi-color at the end that you photographed as a duster as well as a dress. The colors are great on you. I will be buying the pattern at the next Simplicity sale at Joann's.

[@cookeka]

Thank you for watching and sharing your feedback. I love this pattern and believe it's a versatile one.

[@MichelleTheHermit]

Thank you for the inspiration! I have this pattern and keep meaning to make it. ❤

[@cookeka]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@babeage]

LOVE these fabulous dresses. You look stunning in all of them. Be bold and wear that cheetah print!!! And that red fabric can’t keep up with your beautiful spirit. Totally pales in comparison to your light! Would love to see how you French seam your pockets and how you bias bind your pockets. Would you consider doing a tutorial? I’d love to see/learn from you as well. Go for it, Sis! Life’s way too short (I’m learning how to take up space and be bold too). Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@cookeka]

Hello, thank you for your kind comments and encouragement. I appreciate you watching, and I am happy it is helpful. I will keep that request in mind for the next time I have that project.

[@eileenmccarthy7392]

You finish your garments so beautifully.

[@cookeka]

I have had lots of practice during my trial and errors. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@granjan252]

Beautiful dresses, Karon, and excellent sewing skills. BTW, I especially love the orange dress!!

[@cookeka]

You and I both love that one Jan. Thank you for your kind comments. Happy sewing 🙂

[@sewchidesigns4]

Beautiful makes

[@cookeka]

Thank you so much🙂 I watch your channel and enjoy your vlog. Happy sewing!

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

What lovely dresses Karen! Not sure which is my favorite….maybe the fall one😊. Thank you for showing us the inside details, you do such neat work.

[@cookeka]

Donna, thanks for watching and providing encouragement. I am happy you like them 😀

[@angiem767]

your finish to the garments you make is excellent . I wish i could sew to that standard

[@cookeka]

Hello Angie, you are too kind. I appreciate your feedback and want you to know this all occurred over a period of time adjusting my sewing style to create the finishing I like. I am sure you can and will. Happy sewing.

[@ibelieveinpandas]

They are all so pretty and beautifully done! I have made it in corduroy for winter and I love it but had some fitting issues. It seems to pull to the back. I don't know if it's me or the pattern or if I did something wrong. I might buy a new copy and try again. I made a midi version and the skirt and pockets are great.

[@cookeka]

Hello, I had that issue with one but sized to a 14 top and was okay. I would agree, buy another and try again. I have two, the first was too small, and the second works well.

[@ibelieveinpandas]

@@cookeka thanks! I believe that might be it. I sized down too much probably. Thankfully the fabric has some stretch so I still wear it, but I will try going up a size or two., especially in the shoulder area.

[@isherwood4]

Your dresses are just lovely!!

[@cookeka]

Thank you so much!!

[@kathleencompton9006]

Love all your dresses. I'm going to get the pattern.

[@cookeka]

Hi Kathleen, that's awesome. It's a lovely pattern, thank you.

[@rubyjenkins1738]

Such inspiration! I think as I cut and sew a series of shirts and shirt dresses, I will binge (re) watch your videos. I have the pattern you showcased and several other shirt dress patterns. You have just edged this particular one to the top of the list. Thanks

[@cookeka]

Hi Ruby, thanks for your support. I am hoping you have a great sewing experience and enjoy the process. Happy sewing 🙂

[@vanessaknight7129]

Love all of your dresses

[@cookeka]

Thank you Vanessa!

[@fri5481]

I like the style when you have it open over a top and pair of trousers. I can realy onderstand your love of that pattern ❤. It just so versetail.❤😊

[@cookeka]

Thank you. I appreciate you watching.

[@marciahighsmith4820]

You sew so lovely. I will watch you to remind me how to keep the inside as pretty as the outside.

[@cookeka]

You are very kind. Thank you for watching, and happy sewing.🙂

[@suzanajames3278]

I love both the black & white animal print, the brown leopard print & the orange print are all beautiful! You should wear them both to work :) I have that pattern & look forward to making a dress with it.

[@cookeka]

Yes, please give the pattern a try. Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback.

[@karenmattingly8527]

Karen, they all look absolutely fabulous on you! Such great workmanship!

[@cookeka]

Hi Karen, thank you so much. I appreciate you watching.

[@sharoncrawford6450]

Lovely dresses 👗! I have that pattern and haven’t tried it yet but looking at your versions gave me some ideas! Thanks 👗🧵🪡🥰

[@cookeka]

Hi Sharon, I am happy you were inspired to give it a try. Thank you for watching. Happy sewing.

[@sylvievicenza179]

Karon, These dresses are beautiful! The turquoise and red, The orange, the brown ones!!! I love the way you push yourself to do better and better.

[@cookeka]

Sylvie, thank you so much! I love them too and was happy to create them using the same pattern for a few. The fabric made the difference.

[@tonia-deegraveson1760]

Thank you for the inspiration i will now definitely have a try at this design- love your Autumn leaves pattern so will hunt down something similar ❤

[@cookeka]

You are welcome... thanks for watching. I the fabric too.

[@kina7128]

I think you would rock the look in that sassy zebra print dress( the first one) with a shocking pink handbag or even shoes. It will look stunning!

[@cookeka]

Hi Kina, you are so right. A pop of color with that dress would be lovely 😀

[@sewlovelywithgrace]

Karon, the zebra print cotton sateen dress is gorgeous! Wow! I love your first dress too! The animal print is not too busy. I love it! All these dresses are fabulous. Your absolute favorite is my favorite too! You need to open a boutique! Buy a bunch of that pattern to have on hand too.🥰

[@cookeka]

Awww, Grace you are too kind. I appreciate your kindness and support. It's a beautiful thing when we all can share our skills, encourage , and all learn from each other. Thank you for watching.

[@mphailey1]

Love,love, love all your dresses- such beautiful work!

[@cookeka]

Hello, you are very kind. I appreciate your time taken to watch and provide feedback. Thank you!!

[@vestidosparahonrar]

Such inspirational video…thank you

[@cookeka]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.

[@yolandagood1108]

HI Karon. I love making shirt dresses but I have always passed this pattern by. However, after seeing your beautiful collection from this pattern I plan to rush to nearest fabric store and purchase Simplicity 8014! (I guess it was the cover photo that didn't appeal to me).

[@cookeka]

Hello Yolanda, you are right. That illustration on the package is no encouragement to purchase, but any pattern with darts in the back often adds shape and fits me okay. Happy sewing.

[@moira7083]

Thanks Karen - I have looked at this pattern but the sketch suggests that the skirt is very full and this rather put me off as a day to day dress - but your versions just look lovely! It’s given me confidence to try it! Could you show us how you do the bias binding finish on you hems - that seems like a really good way to finish a full skirt!

[@cookeka]

Hello Moira, thank you! I love this pattern and am happy you have been encouraged by the pictures you saw. Happy sewing, and I will sew another soon that will include a video of the bias hemline.

[@kellygates6468]

Your dresses all look great! I made this pattern just a few weeks ago, View D in a dark denim just like the cover. I wear it with a raffia belt. I'm not really a dress wearer, I haven't worn a dress since 2015 but I was brave enough to wear it to church and then I did wear it to work. I love this dress and will defiantly make more.

[@cookeka]

Hi Kelly, that's awesome! I did start wearing dresses until I made my own when I started sewing. Dresses were never my style, but there is something about making your own and wearing with pride. Happy sewing, and I am also excited you will be making more.

[@zandra7966]

Great job!

[@cookeka]

Thank you!

[@masuahkokro8957]

Your dresses are beautiful

[@cookeka]

Masuah, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you!

[@ConkreteMan]

You have skills!!! I didn’t appreciate seam finishes until I started sewing and your French seams and bias tape treatments are a thing of beauty! Don’t let those other makes go to waste, they need to be shown too. That zebra print is going to look stunning!

[@cookeka]

Appreciate your kind words of encouragement. I am sure your work is also lovely. It all happened over a period of time. Thanks for watching.

[@ConkreteMan]

@@cookeka I’m steadily increasing my skillset and having works to look up to, like yours, helps me get better. Thank you.

[@Cynthia2v]

I love all your makes, and I agree with the others that the animal print is no too much. If you want to tone it down a bit, wear a black blazer or short cardigan over it. A chunky gold chain would look great with it. I will definitely check out this pattern. The orange print is so happy, a great wedding dress or church dress.

[@cookeka]

Hi Cynthia, thank you for your suggestions. Yes, the orange dress is a happy on. I appreciate your time. Thanks for watching.

[@dagnolia6004]

that orange is Your Color. your skin glows!

[@cookeka]

Awww, that's very kind. I love orange. Both the fruit and the color as it reminds me of sunshine. Thank you.

[@alisonpugin3401]

The black and white one is stunning !

[@cookeka]

Hello Alison, I love a classic black and white and always wore that color until I discovered the happiness of color😀 Thanks for watching.

[@kgflcreations]

Hi Karon, I loved all the versions of S8014. I made this pattern too, but just once; I mixed view C & D. You need to wear the animal print dress, you looked gorgeous on the photo 😊😊😊

[@cookeka]

Hi, I'm happy you also had a chance to make it too. I plan to wear that dress now as encouragement was positive 🙂

[@crumpetsteaandsewing]

Beautiful dresses! They are all lovely!

[@cookeka]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@kerrymcilwaine]

Just found your channel and immediately love your style so I’ll work my way through all your vlogs. As soon as I saw your first dress, the black and white one, I thought you should put on the collar, add larger black buttons and wear it as a light coat over black separates, it would look very chic.

[@cookeka]

Hello, great suggestion, the black and white is a great classic look. I appreciate you watching and providing feedback - thank you!

[@SewLady]

These dresses are so beautiful, you need to be wearing them. They would make wonderful work dresses.

[@cookeka]

Thank you. They are now being worn to work🙂

[@maxinekershaw9756]

Most worn shirt dress 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 you look amazing in animal print and color…ma’am 😂 Keep it coming ❣️

[@cookeka]

Maxine, thank you! I will give the animal print a try. The reception/feedback was that it looks great. Thanks for watching and sharing your feedback. Happy sewing 🙂

[@daisyrose8412]

I think the animal print dress is beautiful. You really need to wear it. You will be surprised at the comments you will get.

[@cookeka]

Daisy, I will give it a try eventually. Thank you🙂

[@pearlinejones9693]

Please post a sew along for this pattern. I’ve been sewing off and on for many years but have not done French seams inside my garments nor used seam tape to the extent that you have. Your garments are so very pretty inside. I’ll be waiting for a sew along on how to do pretty insides of garments. Simply beautiful garments. ❤

[@cookeka]

Hello Pearline, thank you. I have done a sew-alomg on a shirt showing how I do my French seams. Hopefully, I will do another one soon. I appreciate your support.

[@rmorine6394]

I love every single version! For the animal print and your favorite coral one, I can see them with a neutral or cobalt blue blazer, to tone them done just a notch for work. The first black one is gorgeous! Maybe it just needs a wider black belt for balance? Or a colorful belt for a nice pop. It also could be great as a duster like the last one. I need to pull this pattern from my stash! Thanks as always for your inspiration.

[@cookeka]

Hello Morine... Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate you. Yes, please pull that pattern out😀

[@gingerwells8210]

I love this pattern also I’ve made 2 dresses so far

[@cookeka]

That's awesome, Ginger, so you definitely understand my 'tiny' obsession with the pattern 😀 Thank you for watching.

[@marleneciborowski4343]

You need to wear your beautiful creations and show them off!

[@cookeka]

Hi Marlene, I will start doing so. Thank you😀

[@plaidgirl107]

Hello Karen This is also my favorite dress pattern. I've made several but after your video I'm looking for prints

[@cookeka]

Hello Sandra, awesome. That means you are aware of the experience😀 Thanks for watching, and yes, please make another🙂

[@jeaninebilleaud5658]

Karen, love all your dresses and your workmanship is amazing! Enjoy seeing your color choices! You inspire! When you enclose the waist /bodice seams, is it sewn flat against dress ? Does stitching show on front side? JMB in south Louisiana

[@cookeka]

Hello JMB, thank you for watching and providing your feedback. I appreciate you. No, the waist seam when enclosed is not sewn down flat against the dress. It's just enclosed and pressed up to the bodice.

[@patriciabee4690]

When you sew the bound waist seam, do you sew it down to the dress above or below the waist seam? Also what width is the bias tape you are using? Do you make it your self? You have convinced me to French seam my dresses. Lovely interior. I have yet to make a collar that doesn’t look professional but it’s my goal. Love your dresses. I also find them polished, flattering and easy. As for a tried and true, I often turn to Love notion pattern Cadence.

[@cookeka]

Hello Patricia, I use the standard bias tip even if I make my own. I sew the tape above the seem and iron up into the bodice. Learned from error that if I sewed it on the waist seam, it distorts the dress and creates an uncomfortable bulk. Thank you. I have not tried Love Notions but will. Appreciate your suggestion. Happy sewing, and keep going. We encourage and motivate each other.

[@marilynmetz226]

I have this pattern but have never used it! I'm inspired to do so now. I'm trying to figure out how you french seam a pocket.😊

[@cookeka]

Hello Marilyn... there might be tutorials out there. If not, I will do one in the future. Happy sewing.

[@mazubamwale4628]

What a beautiful collection. How long did it take you to make all those dresses. Karen you are an inspiration. Love your work ❤

[@cookeka]

Mazuba, these dresses have been made over the last year or so. I am happy you love my work. Thank you for watching.

[@cassandrawade460]

How do you use the bias tape to finish your waistline and hemline? I know how to use it on a neckline and side seems, but can’t figure out how you use it on the waistline. Could you film a tutorial? I love how beautiful your garments are on the inside, as well as the outside. Would love to see you demonstrate that technique. All of your garments are gorgeous! You have such a wonderful sense of style! I took a year away from sewing, due to frustrating fitting issues, but your videos are inspiring me to try again. Do you have any fitting tips you can share with us? Thank you so much!

[@cookeka]

Hi Cassandra, thank you for watching and sharing your feedback. I, too, had the same experience re fitting, but I did some reading and found info online from others having the same issues and tried to apply them to my needs. I still have some fitting issues re saw back adjustments. It can be frustrating, but keep practicing, and you will learn to adjust as you continue. I apply the bias tape to the hem the same way you would apply to the neckline. The waist is a bit different as I use the bias tape to enclose the Sean by opening and placing the waist edge into the tape and sewing closed.

[@cassandrawade460]

@@cookeka Once you enclosed the seam with the bias tape, do you tack it to your waistline in any way? Or do you cover the seam and sew the tape directly to the garment?

[@silk_n_vintage_etc2643]

Very nice insides. Have you made view D? The hemline appeals.

[@cookeka]

Hello, yes, I have made view D. That hemline is gorgeous. I included it in a previous video. Thank you.

[@lindafederer]

Your sewing is amazing! Yah girl strut that animal print, you deserve it! Are some of those dresses lined? As I can’t see the fabric.

[@cookeka]

Hello Linda. Thank you, no, they are not lined. It's cotton sateen and often have a white underside.

[@joysullivan9031]

lovely

[@cookeka]

Thank you.

[@patriciaw8879]

All man Karen I love them all

[@cookeka]

Thanks Patricia🙂

[@jennfrangi8176]

I would add a cardigan with the leopard print to quiet the look and add a red belt to the zebra Those dresses are gorgeous

[@cookeka]

Thank you for the tip. I appreciate it🙂

[@Dean56Bell]

Love all of the dresses! Where did you purchase the stripped fabric? 😊

[@cookeka]

Hey Audrey, I purchased it from Fabrics and Fabrics online. Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@samwebb-myslinski3842]

Wear it to work, it's not too busy, it looks nice on you. The lepard print dress

[@cookeka]

Thank you so much. The encouragement to wear it will cause me eventually wear it to work😀

[@cindycash1772]

Try washing the black n white zebra dress in regular coca-cola added to the clothes washer... its known to soften the stiffest denim... you may like the fabric better... hope it helps...

[@cookeka]

Hi Cindy, thank you for the tip.

[@jsd2457]

Hello wear the animal print. I think you will get lots of compliments.

[@cookeka]

Hello Janie, I will wear it. You guys have given lovely encouragement to do so.

[@lindakrol5376]

Is the sleeve and armhole well drafted? I may buy this one at Joannes today

[@cookeka]

I made no chances to the pattern, so I would say it is. It fits well.

[@utubemouse]

Animal prints can be their own neutral❤

[@cookeka]

Yes, I agree!

[@carolyndrawdy3416]

Do you line most of your shirt dresses?

[@cookeka]

No, I do not line my dresses, but I have lined two linen sundresses shown in another video.

[@carolynmurry5915]

Which pattern did you use for the white top on the dress form in this video?

[@cookeka]

I used Butterick 6686

[@mamahops]

Where do you get your buttons? Do you have to purchase a large amount at a time or can you purchase only the number of buttons that you need?

[@cookeka]

I buy buttons at Joann, and sometimes at Mood.com, and I purchase only what I need.