Anybody else ready for winter to end? Even if you're not in the northern parts of the United States, it's been remarkably cold this year. Snow in New Orleans Florida even! Personally, I haven't seen the grass since December and I'm quite tired of shoveling. Perhaps that's why I'm in the mood for some good spring dresses.
After the debate over what constitutes a sundress that happened last summer, we've decided to sidestep that look for something a bit more classic - the popover dress. The what, you ask? Basically it's a shirtdress that only has a few buttons at the top, so that it has to be "popped over" the head. It's an incredibly versatile style that combines the tailored look of a shirt dress with the comfort and ease of a shift. And we think so simplicity in style is ideal for the upcoming months.
Inspired by traditional shirting, we turned to cottons and linens for these boxes, in denim blues, bright reds, and dreamy white. As easy to wear as they are to sew, these fabrics are some of our faves so far this year!
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Kalle Shirtdress from Closet Core Patterns
If you're looking to dip your toe into shirt-making, this is the pattern for you. The loose shape of the dress makes it easy to fit and the dolman sleeves mean you don't have to worry about tackling set in sleeves. And we love the style of the Kalle Shirt Dress! The rounded hem adds a really unique element, and with options ranging from cropped shirt to full dress, you have a pattern you'll want to use again and again.
And now the fabrics!
- White Jubilee Crinkle Cotton - We can't stop using this crinkle cotton, and really, there's no reason to. It's a wonder-fabric! With a soft hand and lightly crepe texture, this fabric is a step above your typical shirting fabric. And in a bright white, it will pair beautifully with practically everything. A wonderfully versatile top or dress!
- Cobalt Block Print Indian Cotton - This lightweight cotton is all about the print. An Indian block print, the pattern features white circles on a cream background that fall somewhere between a floral and a tile repeat. The fabric itself is quite lightweight, making it perfect for the top or tunic options, and will be a much beloved addition to your spring and summer wardrobe!
- Red Japanese Cotton Chambray - Chambray is a no brainer for this pattern - it's even used in the style photos! But we decided to go for an unexpected color in this soft red cotton. The chambray weave gives it a heathered look, and the japanese cotton makes it light and breathable. All of this combines to be a brilliant choice for a summer dress.
SHOP THE SEW ESSENTIAL BOX >>
Sew Select Box: Niven Dress from Merchant & Mills
Every time we check out the Merchant and Mills patterns, we find something new to love. This time it's a placketed dress that combines a mandarin collar with a front bib for a look that feels both old world and modern. With classic shirting elements like a back yoke and cuffed sleeves, the dress showcases tailored elements while still being easy to wear. We are in love!
Here are the fabric options!
- Jardin Red Block Print Indian Cotton - Like the block print in our Sew Essential Box, this cotton comes from India and is printed with small pink florals, highlighted on a dark cream block. The rest of the fabric is a vibrant, warm red that will brighten up your spring wardrobe. The cotton is almost tissue weight and soft, and will sew up so nicely for this placket and collar. A fantastic option!
- White Cotton Poplin Shirting - With a silky, dry hand and a heavier weight, this fabric is supple and wearable, solidly medium weight for those chillier spring days. Lightly brushed for softness, this is about as classic as you can get for a shirt, and we dare you to run out of ways to wear it. And absolute wardrobe necessity!
- Vice Versa Printed Cotton Chambray - Who doesn't love a chambray? Mimicking denim, it has all the look of a work-a-day fabric, but with tons of softness and drape. Add to it a delightful print that reminds us of confetti and you have a shirt or dress that is playful and unusual. A distinct (and lovely!) option!
SHOP THE SEW SELECT BOX >>
Sew Indulgent Box: Loviisa Denim Dress from Named Clothing
Designed specifically as a denim dress, this pattern utilizes several jeans elements for a unique and stunning dress. An oversized placket that uses jean tacks instead of buttons, a chunky collar, and angled chest pockets nod to its more famous denim cousin, while an A-line shape and above the knee length keep the look feminine and chic. With volume and shape, this dress is a statement unto itself, without any shouting involved.
Here are the fabrics!
- Soft Washed Dark Indigo 7 oz Denim - The Loviisa Dress is designed for denim, so obviously we had to find a good one. On the lighter side for denim, this fabric has a nice suppleness to it, making it a great option for this dress. The indigo wash is classic and will lend itself beautifully to topstitching detail. Plus, like any good denim, it will age beautifully with wear, a testament to your sewing skills!
- Tayberry Washed Linen - This color!!! A deep, berry red linen, evoking fresh strawberries and stone fruit, is washed for incredibly softness and delicate texture. Medium weight with a soft but fuller drape, it's the perfect fabric fort thi dress. Completely opaque and eminently breathable (like all linen), it will be a brightly colored addition to your repertoire!
- White Heavyweight Linen Twill - Soft and delicately textured, this fabric has a fuller drape and twill weave that lends itself so nicely to this "denim" dress design. With the feel of linen and the behavior of denim, we coudn't ask for more. And because it's on the heavier side, this linen mostly opaque, despite it's white color. How cool is that?
SHOP THE SEW INDULGENT BOX >>
If you would like to enter the sundress debate, we're reviving our Tiered Dress Boxes from (gasp) four years ago! These dresses have a bohemian feel and are as floaty and twirly as can be. No matter which box you choose this month, you'll end up with a wonderful spring dress that will herald a return to warm weather. And it's about time!
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
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