Simplicity Vintage Shirt Dress S8014

I seem to have a great many shirt dress patterns in my collection. I always seem to be so undecided about what pattern to marry to what fabric I end up not doing anything!

Having bought a number of linen blends from Fabworks recently I took the plunge and made up Simplicity 8014.

I made up version C but with the collar

I made up the size 14 in accordance with my bust measurement. Because I'm a little thicker around the waist and hip than the pattern suggests I added in 5mm seam allowance in all these areas.

However, I took the extra allowance straight out again once trying it on, so this is a straight size 14.

In this perfectly weighted french navy linen cotton blend it looked a little matronly on me until I took 6 inches off the hem and raised the simple sleeve turn up by 2 inches.

I do like it very much but I think it has ended up as a dress I'd where for hot days at work as opposed to outside drinks at the pub, which is what I had in mind.

I think it's the sleeves that could do with a little modernising.

I found it a quick simple make but possibly because I have made so many shirts and blouses over the past year or so.

It now fits beautifully with plenty of ease to sit comfortably without distorting the dress across the buttons

Lots more images and details on my blog, here https://lovelucie.org/2022/07/05/simplicity-8014/

I seem to have a great many shirt dress patterns in my collection. I always seem to be so undecided about what pattern to marry to what fabric I end up not doing anything!

Having bought a number of linen blends from Fabworks recently I took the plunge and made up Simplicity 8014.

I made up version C but with the collar

I made up the size 14 in accordance with my bust measurement. Because I'm a little thicker around the waist and hip than the pattern suggests I added in 5mm seam allowance in all these areas.

However, I took the extra allowance straight out again once trying it on, so this is a straight size 14.

In this perfectly weighted french navy linen cotton blend it looked a little matronly on me until I took 6 inches off the hem and raised the simple sleeve turn up by 2 inches.

I do like it very much but I think it has ended up as a dress I'd where for hot days at work as opposed to outside drinks at the pub, which is what I had in mind.

I think it's the sleeves that could do with a little modernising.

I found it a quick simple make but possibly because I have made so many shirts and blouses over the past year or so.

It now fits beautifully with plenty of ease to sit comfortably without distorting the dress across the buttons

Lots more images and details on my blog, here https://lovelucie.org/2022/07/05/simplicity-8014/

This is my first time making this pattern and my first time sewing with fine corduroy - I’m really pleased with both!
I made version A but didn’t include the breast pockets and I added a leather belt instead of making the fabric one.
I didn’t need to make any adjustments to the fit though I made the size 16 and I usually wear a size 14. I’m 5ft 8in and the maxi length was perfect for me.
The pattern was easy to follow and I enjoyed making this dress! It’s so comfortable and feels lovely to wear - it moves really well! I’m already planning my next version......

This is the first time I've used this pattern, and it didn't disappoint! The sizing is fairly good - there is a bit of ease built into the dress, but I've found it to be just the right amount to give you enough space to move and be comfy in the dress. The only adjustments I made were to lengthen the dress (both above the waist and at the hem) which is pretty standard for me.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow - they don't hold your hand as much as some indie patterns would, but there was nothing that I struggled to understand, and I think my finished dress turned out nice and neat.
I'm pleased with the finished dress, and I'd definitely like to make another version - the full skirted views of this pattern look great so I'd like to give them a try.
More details on my blog: http://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.com/2019/01/simplicity-8014-pattern-review.html

What can I say? This is the fourth time I have used this pattern to make a shirt dress, the second time I have made view A/B and that doesn't include the three shirts I have also made using this pattern. This is truly TNT status for me! This version was made in a drapey animal print polyester crepe which I love, with some fitting alterations. The alterations included a full bust adjustment, a full bum adjustment and lowering the dart position. These are fairly standard fit alterations for me. I just love how dramatic and on trend this piece is. For more pictures and full details please visit my blog: https://sewmanju.com/