Sewing Inspiration for

[@StephanieCanada]

I can't wait to give this a go! But I will probably use one of my own vintage patterns from my (not so small) stash.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Totally! Any era is great! I just wanted to make sure there were options so everyone could feel included.

[@jayneterry8701]

​@@ashleymainmakesI made notes of the companies as iv just sewn with the big 4 + Burda for so long!

[@annettebroomhall8617]

My high school uniform was a shirtwaist, small green and off white squares, like a tiny gingham, with white cuffs. It had a six gored skirt with the button placard opening to just below the waist. Loved it. Will now have to make it, thanks Ashley. Lordy that makes me feel old though, it was around 47 years ago

[@ashleymainmakes]

It sounds actually nice for a uniform!

[@bellemeri8155]

Regarding the Scout Dress... as someone who is both plus size and long-waisted, it's an easy pattern to adjust to fit different body types. It is a fabric hog - 7 yards if you make it as is - but Gertie does give instructions on how to make a rectangular/drindl style skirt for it on her blog. Personally, I made it a more late 30s/early 40s style dress by drafting a flared A-line skirt which reduced the needed fabric a lot.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Yes I have definitely thought about doing this, even just like pleats or something. Thats good to know the fitting isnt too bad.

[@bellemeri8155]

@@ashleymainmakes As the pattern is currently designed, it's a pleated circle skirt. I did an ungathered/not pleated flared skirt which took roughly five yards of fabric. I've cut it with a rectangular skirt which, for me, was six yards, but then I'm tall, plus-sized, and like longish skirts. It's very easy to fit. Took me about two hours in paperwork and one test muslin.... and I know I got lucky with the test muslin. So, it's easy to work with... so far most of her patterns I have acquired are easy to adjust the fit.

[@shauni191]

I'm late to the party but I can't wait to see everyone's amazing shirt dresses! They're 100% flattering on everyone imo

[@ashleymainmakes]

Not late to the party at all!

[@deborahosorio553]

Mood Fabrics has a free pattern for the Rosalie shirt dress that goes up to a size 32. I might try this one.

[@sewvintagebysunraedoll]

Glad to hear your excited for Fall sewing again ✂️-I am not on instagram anymore buddy, so glad to see you gals announcing something over here on KZbin! 🎉

[@ashleymainmakes]

I wondered! I hadnt seen you in awhile.

[@beatriceotter8718]

The thing about shirtwaist dresses is that if you have a shirt pattern you like and a skirt pattern you like you can totally put them together and make them into a dress.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Oh 100%!

[@historicallyfashioned]

I guess this is the perfect time to make that Scout dress I’ve been planning.

[@ashleymainmakes]

For sure!

[@sewvintageglamwithunadoyle2775]

Me too! I’ve got it in my Autumn/Winter capsule sewing plans so this is perfect timing. :-)

[@katieyamaguchi533]

Such a good round up! Shirt dresses still scare me, even though I love the style. Can't wait for September!

[@ashleymainmakes]

Me too!!

[@cindycash1772]

This looks like fun challenge... the first 2 I thought of n have was the Reese by Made for Mermaids n the Harrison by Cashmerette... I made quite a few Harrisons last fall in flannel... might be cozy in flannel as s shirtdress too...

[@ChronoNecroGamer777]

Amazing Video and I can't wait to see the finished product! 💘💘

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

Really excited I have so many shirt dresses planned! And hopefully I’ll get off my bum and film them

[@ashleymainmakes]

Yes we will see how much I get through

[@mindymakes8178]

One of my favorite patterns is from Winter Wear Designs. It is the "Trendy tank" sleeveless, v-neck knit tank top. I do have to add a bust dart that radiates down from the lower front armhole, otherwise it fit me perfectly the first time I made it. (My measurements are full bust 52, w 50, spare tire 54" now). I am hoping I can participate in #ShirtWasteSeptember !

[@jennlea.b]

Thank you for this! I had decided on the Scout dress (which has been on my list for ages) but now I am rethinking that. So many great options! Some I had never seen! I am in the camp that shirt dresses look beautiful on all bodies and look forward to seeing everyone’s makes.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Me too! Im glad to hear you are participating!

[@SeamStressedRuth]

Such a great idea for a sewing challenge! Thanks for sharing this roundup of dresses, you can't beat a good shirt dress 🥰

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thanks! Im really excited about it!

[@meowzerzzz]

I'm thinking about trying 😀

[@ashleymainmakes]

Excellent! ❤️

[@thecalicoheart7946]

Please may I draw your attention to Simplicity pattern K8879, the ‘Origami’ dress? I will let yourself and others debate whether this should be classed as a ‘shirtwaist’ dress, but the general silhouette is not dissimilar to the Sew Over It ‘Penny’ dress. As a mid/plus-size figure at this time, the Simplicity pattern works well for me and looks nice, so I thought I’d jump on in and recommend this pattern.😀 (Simplicity K8879: Grown-on sleeves, no darts, no collar, button-down front, gathered skirt, tie front, nice double-layer design at front. My go-to work dress pattern for summer because it complies with the workplace dress code!) Thank you for all you share. 😊💝

[@Kakkydidit]

Great pattern round up! I planned to make one this past year and did not. I'll have to finish WIPs before I get to it, but now I feel like revisiting my pattern choices. There are several I really like! - Kelly

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thanks! I am glad there are some good options!

[@nadiasews]

Love this idea! Thanks for reviewing all the patterns, some of them are super cute!

[@ashleymainmakes]

You are so welcome!

[@lyamainu]

Still a new sewist, but I’ve been dreaming of a yellow gingham shirt dress, and I’m thinking I might try it!

[@ashleymainmakes]

Give it a go! It is definitely a good stretch project with the buttons and collars but everything else is pretty straight forward if you have made a dress before.

[@susanpilling8849]

I'm currently making wearable mock ups of the Harrison shirt and the Atelier Jupe, Frida blouse (only goes up to a UK size 24). I have 3m of a chambray type bamboo fabric which is woad dyed and I've been looking for a suitable project. I think I feel a pattern hack coming on. Thunderstorm here at the moment! 😊🪡🧵

[@ashleymainmakes]

Ooo sounds excellent!!

[@QOTCPcf]

I'm plus sized and

[@ashleymainmakes]

Totally a great use for quilting cotton!

[@vanessajohnson1944]

Simplicity 9102 is a pattern i have annd will make this month...warm up!! Fabric ordered from Mood for September. And a mock up for the top needs to happen, too! Busy bee..😁

[@ashleymainmakes]

Definitely! Its very busy over here I will tell you!

[@AcornDaisySews]

Lovely video with great ideas. The Tilly and the buttons Lyra dress might work as well.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Im sure I missed a whole bunch. I am probably going to need to do a part 2 next year

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

Oh I’ve made a Nicole… that sleeve is narrow heads up and yes let’s make that kelly!

[@ashleymainmakes]

Good to know! I am getting my mockup ready as we speak!

[@tlj1951]

what is the pattern you are wearing please ? the green looks great on you !!!

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thanks! Its the rita dress. Using the Rita blouse from charm patterns. Its one of my favourites!

[@dacrayzblaze1]

I've sewn the Waikerie dress/blouse twice. The band and pocket application is actually really tricky.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Good to know!

[@susandreyer9019]

My plan is to make #Butterick3696 from the 1980’s and add the dress from the Cashmerette #foxhilldress

[@kimberlycherrine-bell5371]

Don't know if it fits the 60" hip requirement..but with a full skirt it should..Folkwear Patterns 1940's Shirtwaist dress pattern is a nice option..be careful buying it used the older ones don't have larger sizes..but their newer versions go to a 3XL

[@ashleymainmakes]

I hadnt heard of that before. I went to go have a look but I couldnt find it. It sounds good :p. Maybe you can dm me a link?

[@kimberlycherrine-bell5371]

@@ashleymainmakes Got the wrong pattern company..I should not post when I am tired..That should be the Folkwear Pattern Company

[@gammayin3245]

I have a Simplicity 8384 that counts - it has a stand collar and buttons down to the waist - the back is elasticized. Also I have enough medium blue chambray to make it in. But this one is after another project I'm doing for summer. Sounds like fun! But then I only subscribe to KZbin - am not on Instagram. Should I send a pic of the finished dress on my own KZbin channel?

[@ashleymainmakes]

You totally can if you would like! Im not toally sure how that works but I am going to be looking at the tags over here too. You could also email me at [e-mail]

[@kathleennewbern480]

Would the Hughes Dress from Friday Pattern Co qualify as a shirtwaist? I couldn’t tell what characteristics distinguish a shirtwaist dress from a dress.

[@ashleymainmakes]

For my criteria, I was basically saying something with button and some suggestion of a collar. But its a very loose challenge, I am not going to disqualify anyone. Its just for fun :)

[@cindywinkler4172]

Where do you get A0 printing done?

[@ashleymainmakes]

Since I moved I have been getting it done by Rick Rack Textiles. Before that in the US I was getting it done at The Plotted Pattern

[@leeannlott1800]

I guess you know that Stephanie Canada issued a challenge of a sundress made from mens button up shirts. About 1 month ago.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Yep! She may or may not be one of the friends I spoke of 😉

[@catherineleslie-faye4302]

I have some shirts I haven't fitted to my size, and also have plenty of fabric... so why not make some shirtdresses from them, eh?

[@ashleymainmakes]

Sounds perfect!

[@arleneoden6945]

Is your sewing machine a "Rocketeer ?" I have 2. Great minds think alike? ❤

[@ashleymainmakes]

Yes it is! I have a couple different ones

[@Sabatuar]

Suppose that's the sign to make the shirtdress I've had a pattern and fabric for for ages...

[@ashleymainmakes]

Excellent!

[@marieanne2680]

Style Arc has some really nice shirtwaist dresses as well and lots of plus size patterns.

[@ashleymainmakes]

I totally forgot to look there! I feel like I need a part 2

[@glendastaples9536]

I picked up today at Joann, Lydia Naomi know ME #ME2068. Thanks for all the other ideas, enjoyed the video.

[@ashleymainmakes]

Thank you for participating!