Why Simplicity 8546 Can Be The Perfect Shirtdress

It may seem early for some of you, but Easter and Mother’s Day (here in the US) will be here before you know it! So, today I’m going to tell you why Simplicity 8546 can be the perfect shirtdress. It’s flattering and easy to make and very comfortable to wear. This is a versatile pattern so let me break down the details.

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Simplicity 8546 perfect shirtdress front belted — Simplicity 8546

Pattern Details

There are variations for length, sleeve, collar and cut out (cold shoulder) on the pattern. I did make this in the longer version to make the maxi dress. I had actually made this in the Fall of 2022 with this GORGEOUS fabric I was gifted by Minerva Fabrics. Inseam pockets are included in the dress as well.

There is a back yoke and pleat the adds some style and helps with ease of wear as well.

Be aware that the pattern does call for a lot of buttons. I have some resources below that will help you in marking and sewing those buttonholes.

This Dress

The reason I say that Simplicity 8546 can be the perfect shirtdress is because of the versatility. As I mentioned above, those spring holidays are coming soon and many people like to wear a comfortable yet feminine dress. I’m telling you now so that you have time to gather your fabric and supplies to make this one.

Because the fabric is so bold, it’s best to use a pattern that has few style lines and details. That way you make your fabric the star of the show. This particular fabric is a viscose challis that is exclusive to Minerva. It is soft, breathable and washes and dries extremely well. Here is another Minerva exclusive fabric that I used for a different project.

Simplicity 8546 perfect shirtdress back belted

Pattern Changes

The only change I made to this pattern was to close the slit on the sides. On the pattern envelope, the dress is worn as a duster, unbuttoned. I simply closed up the slits and wear this as a maxi dress.

Why Simplicity 8546 Can Be The Perfect Shirtdress

Stylish: This is such a versatile pattern that has many variations. You can certainly find one you like.

Easy: This pattern is pretty quick and easy to put together. The thing that may take the longest is all the buttons and buttonholes that are a part of the front.

Comfortable to wear: In the pictures, I show this both belted and unbelted. There is no belt included in the pattern, but that is easy to remedy if you choose.

Be bold: A bold, colorful fabric is a great springtime option.

All of these items below will help you with this pattern or any pattern that involves making lots of buttonholes!

Simplicity 8546 Buttonhole guage Chalk pencils

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Knit Dress With McCall’s 7561

This is my latest make. I was gifted this fabric by Minerva Fabrics. It’s a loop back French terry stretch knit. It is perfect for sewing this knit dress with McCall’s 7561 pattern. Although this is a beginner sewing pattern, it did present come challenges.

The Pattern

The pattern is from 2017 and is described as a close-fitting, pullover dress with back, sleeve, neckline and length variations. It’s a nice, basic pattern that has a lot of potential. But I did have several issues with it. First and foremost, there are no measurements on the pattern pieces or on the pattern envelope. Even a beginner will need to know what size the finished garment is supposed to be.

The Changes

With that in mind, I chose to go with the large, but do alterations. I found the bodice length to be incredibly short (by 3″-4″). Because of the short bodice, I added 4″ (although I could have gone with 3″).

Since I was making View A/B, I made the length of the dress 5″ longer. To me, that was perfect!

Although I graded to a wider waist, I think I should have added more. That probably would eliminate the puckering at the waist along the back.

For the sleeves, I used the lengthen/shorten line as my sleeve length.

While the instructions call for simply turning under the neckline, I added a neck band. This gives it a nicer finish and made it just a bit higher.

Overall, I do feel this is a cute pattern. Personally, I prefer the Moneta dress I made a couple of years ago. I did have to make many of the same adjustments to that pattern as I did to this. I would definitely refine the alterations the next time.

The Fabric

The fabric is exclusive to Minerva. It is very comfortable, soft and easy to sew. This is a medium weight knit with good stretch and recovery.

Until next time…

McCall’s 7561

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Making A Classic Little Black Dress

I want to share making a classic little black dress with you. I haven’t made anything like this in ages, so I was happy to add something that I really needed to my wardrobe. For this project, I pulled out a pattern I’ve had in my stash for quite some time – Simplicity 1417.

This is a pattern from 2014, so it’s not terribly old (in my opinion). But the style is so classic that this can be made anytime.

The Pattern For The Little Black Dress

Simplicity 1417 is an OOP pattern that is one from their Amazing Fit line. It features princess seams, a slightly flared peplum, a waist seam, and pattern pieces for B, C, D cups. The point of these pattern details is to give the wearer some shaping and fit options.

There are also some sleeve options with a sleeveless, tulip sleeve, and cap sleeve. I made the cap sleeve option which is View B (and the one on the pattern envelope). This is the perfect pattern for making a classic little black dress.

Instructions are detailed for those who need extra fit advice or help. 1″ side seam allowances make fitting the dress an easy process.

My Dress

I used a linen rayon blend that I bought from Fabric dot com (it’s an Amazon company). There were no fit issues with mine, so it was an easy process. I did not make a muslin first because I really felt confident that I could get a great fit.

The main difference with min is that I attached to peplum to the outside of the garment, rather than attaching it in the seams (which is how it’s supposed to be done). Instructions call for the peplum to be lined, which is unnecessary. I do recommend that you read through the instructions first to be aware of the process.

Here is the YouTube video I did on this particular dress:

By the way, you should follow me on YouTube as well 😉.

This is definitely something I am so glad I made. I believe I can get a lot of use out of this dress.

Here are some other recent dresses I’ve made.

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