A Not-So-Classic Shirtwaist Dress

I find it very difficult to resist a floral print.  And having a large amount of yardage of one of said floral prints is my idea of sewing heaven because there are no limits to the kind of dress that I can make.

Add to that an interesting pattern design, and it's definitely getting added to the list of projects that I want to make sooner rather than later.

There was a slight issue with the pattern instructions for McCalls 8556, but thankfully I figured out the problem before I had stitched both cuffs into place so there was a minimal amount of seam ripping to be done.

I was also happy to discover that it is possible to make this garment with fabrics that are narrower than 60" wide.

Will I be making this pattern again?  I'm not entirely certain at this point, but if I happened upon enough yardage of some wonderful print, I wouldn't put it past me.

There is just something about a complex design that keeps me coming back for more.  I love something a bit more challenging to keep me interested during the sewing process instead of zoning out with a basic pattern.  Why are there so many entry-level patterns being released when they are all basically the same?

This particular style doesn't require much in the way of fit other than the waistband so I suppose that part of the process is beginner friendly.

The easy fit through the rest of the garment makes this a very easy to wear dress and I have already worn it at least four times since I finished it in September. 

That doesn't happy very often for me, so it is safe to say that I am happy with how this turned out.

The pattern is probably a bit much for a true beginner (especially with the typos in the instruction sheet) but I would still recommend this as an interesting take on the standard shirtwaist dress.  I am really hoping that the Big4 continues to release more complex designs.  There are definitely some of us out here that want to be challenged by our sewing projects!

Dress:  Made by me, McCalls 8556
Shoes:  ReMix "Miranda"
Earrings:  Nicky Butler