Hawthorn Dress: DIY (Colette Patterns)
Shoes: Comfortview
So here’s the thing about boobs. They make buttoned-up things a pain in the ass. So shirt dresses are a big old “no”. If they fit the bust they’re boxy in the shoulders. Fit the shoulders? Good luck getting those buttons done up. Add short-waisted to the mix and it just becomes a recipe for wardrobe disaster.
Towards the end of last year I dropped by Stitch 56 to meet Sarai Mitnick, the founder of my favourite pattern company Colette, during her visit to Australia. I accidentally (not really) forgot to take any of my much-loved patterns along to be signed, so “had” to buy a new one, and the Hawthorn shirt dress pattern caught my eye immediately.
It’s a little more advanced than my usual sewing projects, but the comprehensive instruction booklet that comes with all Colette patterns coached me through step-by-step and I was totally delighted to see it coming together.
I had to tweak the pattern a little as I was sewing – shortening the waist and bringing the sides in a little – but it was easy to do in the fitting process. I think if (when!) I make the pattern again with the sleeves I’ll have to do a proper, legit, Full Bust Adjustment.
The dress has a lovely semi-circle skirt that provides fullness without extra bulk. The bodice is darted at the waist for a streamlined look, and the small, high collar gives that classic shirt dress look without the extra volume around the bust.
Because I was a bit nervous about the pattern I started with a budget-friendly textured slub cotton that looks almost identical to the linen dress pictured in the marketing for the original pattern.
I deliberated over the buttons for more time than I care to admit, but in the end decided to indulge my penchant for whimsy and go with pretty little white hearts.
The result was better than I could have hoped for: A beautifully fitting shirt dress that has a classic 1950’s elegance, but is comfortable and breezy to wear on hot summer days.
Get out! No way! You made this? Go you!! This dress is amazing!! I wish I had advanced enough (or enough confidence) skills to make a dress like this. I love it!
OMG I looooove it. Hearts were the perfect choice. I have a thing for shirt dresses, I still cling to my Aqua Calvin Klein. I have a McCalls pattern waiting for me to get a little better at this whole sewing gig… then I’ll be the one obsessing over buttons lol.
Bought my first three Colette patterns last week (Crepe, Phoebe, Violet) and a sewing machine is on its way from Spotlight… am going to venture into the world of dressmaking… Thanks for blogging about Colette, without reading about them here I wouldn’t have known about them.
Lilly! this is fantastic!! 😀 Your sewing skills are really getting up there. Well done! And I love the heart buttons. They’re perfect.
Stunning! The shape is great on you. I also adored the original fabric choice!
I absolutely love this dress (and your blog, ohmygoodness!) I think your button choice and the fabric are spot on. Question – I’m also very short waisted, is there a resource you’ve used to alter your patterns?
I love the collar! and the buttons are just the best 🙂 I’ll be adding this pattern to my wish list, thanks!
Cool (and looks like it’s literally cool) dress <3
This looks great! The collar is so neat – I’m very envious of your sewing skills 🙂 love the colour on you as well.
Super super cute & such a fab colour on you. Well done Lilly! 🙂
Adore. Fantastic job. I’m totally at a loss with a needle and thread-so well done you!
Great dress! I share your pain with shirt dresses – I love them and think they are totally elegant and stylish when worn right. I share some of your proportions with swimmers’ shoulders, small waist and a 10FF bust. I got a great stretch-cotton shirt dress from Leona Edmiston nearly 10 years ago and it is the only one to ever fit well. It is nearly dead now from overuse, so I might have to follow your lead, borrow my mum’s sewing machine and have a go at making my own!
I think we need another Frockapalooza!!!
I think my favourite thing about your shirt dress is the buttons, it gives it such a fun twist!
xx Belle
Thanks Belle 🙂 Me too! I think I made the right decision to go the hearts!