Frances Shirt Dress by Sewciety Patterns in Corduroy and Cotton with Fabric Buttons
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A few months ago I tested the Frances Shirt Dress pattern by Sewciety Patterns. This was the first time I’d had the opportunity to test a pattern and it was an interesting experience.
First I read through the instructions, marked a few typos, and then had to remind myself that I must follow the instructions instead of regarding them as ‘just guidelines’! I also had to remind myself to make it up without any pattern mashing or extreme alterations.
I did the version with three quarter length sleeves and the circular skirt. The pattern goes together very well. We had some hiccups with the collar and cuffs, but that is what testing is for! I did not have to lengthen the bodice on this pattern. On most commercial patterns I have to add an inch or two.
For the bodice I used a teal corduroy, and the skirt is a bright cotton print. I chose two fabrics because I am trying not to buy fabric at the moment. This pattern (with the full skirt option) required 6 yards. The largest single length I had was about 4 yards, so I got creative!
I also got creative with the buttons. Instead of going out and buying buttons (since I didn’t have enough of any one type), I made fabric buttons using the medieval method which I learned for my 14th century hood and cotehardie! I’m really pleased with how they look and I love that they used up fabric scraps.
Overall I am very pleased with how this dress came out. Next time I might shorten the sleeves slightly, but otherwise it fits well and went together easily.
Frances Shirt Dress by Pattern Sewciety
Dress with sleeve and skirt options, and pockets!
Difficulty
Intermediate – You are happy wearing the things you make. You can put in a zip and do buttonholes. You have used more fussy fabric such as satin, faux fur, or floppy/silky fabrics.
Fabric and Trim
Main 1: Teal corduroy
Main 2: Orange and pink cotton print
Trim: Fabric buttons
Instructions
The instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Alterations
None – since this was a pattern test I followed the pattern as closely as possible.
Conclusions
This is a lovely classic style which goes together easily. I definitely plan to make it again.
Love the simplicity! So glad you chose to share your passion and talents with those of us who need the knowledge!
Thank you! I do love simple things. Sometimes less is more.
You’re so talented! I love the cloth buttons such a nice touch really makes the dress looked finished, thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Thank you! I was worried they might not look right, but I’m so glad I chanced it.
Great job. I miss sewing I still do it for costumes but it gets so expensive. But so fun to be able to do creative stuff.
Oh gosh, it does get expensive. This is why I’m trying to sew through my stash!
WHAT A CUTE DRESS. I love that it is so simple.
Thank you! I love it too!
I wish I could sew. That’s a great dress!!!!
Thank you! It’s never too late to learn…
I especially LOVE the skirt on the dress. Unfortunately, I can’t sew. My mother-in-law tried to teach me over 30 years ago and she got so impatient with me she took the dress and finished it herself! lol
Oh how funny! Did you get to wear it at least?
I love the fabric for the skirt! It is adorable, and it looks lovely on you!
Isn’t it lovely! I got it super cheap on the clearance table too!
I love the fullness of the skirt. So floaty! I love it and you did a great job of sewing!
Thank you! It’s almost a full circle.
What a classic retro-style skirt! Love your material. Would make a great option for fussy cutting 🙂
Ooh it would. And I have some scraps….
This is adorable! I love that it has pockets!
Always pockets! The deeper the better!
Those are fun colors! So Awesome!
I wanted something nice and bright for spring. 🙂
Wow! I wish I had your talents! I love that you added pockets! I cant’t go without a pocket =)
Right?!? Pockets in all the things!
Adorable. I can’t even sew a button on. I’m so impressed!!!
Thank you! It’s never too late to learn…. 😉
Cute dress! Nice work.
Thank you! This was a fun project.
Cute dress! I love your fabric choices and decisions about putting the two fabrics together! Very nicely made!
Thank you! It was nice to have the challenge of choosing two fabrics.
How adorable! You are very talented, Great job!
Thank you! It’s fun to do,
This is so super cute! Good job!
Thank you!
Oh, I wish I could sew! This is adorable and it’s a style I love. It would be perfect for me with no sleeves for the summer.
I am thinking of doing one with no sleeves – super comfy and cool.
You did an amazing job and the dress looks wonderful! I also love your little helper. I’ve always admired people who can make their own clothes. Not something I’ve ever taken on myself.
Isn’t she sweet! Just making sure my fabric doesn’t suddenly fly away!
I’m not one to sew, but I love how this turned out! Great work!
Thank you!
I love to sew and it’s so helpful to see your post. The shirt dress looks great!
Thank you! Let me know if you try this one!
I learned to sew from my mom in 4th grade onward. I LOVE sewing. I have 7 kids here and very little time to sew. I miss it SOOO much!!!
Oh no! Hopefully you can start again once they are a bit older.
Such a cute dress!!! I haven’t made myself clothes for decades. I have two quilts to get done this summer for my nieces’ children.
I am in awe of people who can quilt! Good for you!
Absolutely love it! Looks simple yet elegant. I wish I could fond time to sew again. Maybe some day. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you . Sometimes simple is best!
Such a cute dress! I love the two different fabrics. It really adds interest to the dress. And how fun that you got to test a pattern. I’ll bet it’s not your last time to do so.
I hope it’s not the last time. I really enjoyed it!
What a cute dress! Great job! I can’t even sew on a button!
Thank you!
OMG, that is awesome! I love the combination you used! Many kudos for your talents in creating clothes as well! I tried to make a dress for my little sister once and got her stuck inside of it! 😅
Thank you! This was a fun challenge.
Its one thing to sew.. it’s a whole other to create a pattern! Love this!
Seriously! I was delighted to be part of the testing for this one.
Wow! I’ve tried so many times to just sit down and sew since I love it and actually know how to. I just don’t have the patience! What a beautiful outfit you made!
Thank you!