What even is time these days? I purchased the fabric in 2016. I bought this pattern in 2015? The buttons? Gifted to me from France in 2005. I had everything but the buttons done in June of 2020 but couldn’t find the buttons in my sewing room that I’d had earmarked for this project until December. I had nowhere to wear this anyway, so it all worked out in the end.
Nakisha of Dressmaking Debacles made a shirtdress from this fabric a lifetime ago and it was exactly what I wanted to make with the same fabric. It just took me four years?
I chose 6891 over the Big Four standard, M6696 because of the open collar. I love 6696, but I didn’t really need a collar stand, because I would never wear it buttoned all the way up with my short neck. I also preferred the skirt here and smooth back. I went with the length of View C as that fits my proportions best.
Alterations: rising hem adjustment, 3″ total FBA (more than I needed), shorten waist 1.5″. I don’t think the waist is low, I just think mine is moving up 😉.
Next time: Bias tape finish instead of the facings.
This version was so successful that I cut out a second with the skirt from M6696 in an aviary print, shared earlier this year.
While I didn’t get to wear this over the summer… and maybe not really in Summer 2021, I did leave the waist larger. I found the original waist a little wide on me and the upper bodice too. I’ve got everything cinched here with a RTW belt. But I didn’t want to make a dress that wouldn’t fit a year or more later, so I left it a little oversize so there’s some room to breath.
Miss Celie's Pants 
Looks so ready for Spring. A great fit on you.
Oh, spring! If I can get myself together, I’d like a little cropped red cardi to wear with this too.
What a great dress! Looks great on you too 😊
Fabulous dress – I do hope you wear it often!
Perfect choice for you! A traditional collar always makes me feel dowdy with my short neck and no I wouldn’t button it up either. It’s a great summer dress for Baltimore or hopefully a vacation. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Looks great, and very cheery!
I’m always impressed by how thoughtfully you sew. I hadn’t considered the collar stand issue before. Shirtdresses make me so happy, but for me it is tricky to get long smooth lines like you’ve done!
Oh it looks great!
This is gorgeous – looks great on you!
Your dress looks so pretty. You can wear it on the first warm day of spring/summer. Something to look forward to!
I love this dress-the design just seems to me to be a tad classic retro-I made something that looked a little like this in the 70’s (yes, I’m old). And such fun fabric-pin-wheels or beach balls-whatever, it’s cool.
I’m so thrilled you found the buttons for this and finished it. It’s a great dress on you!
It looks great! I also love when a long-planned project gets completed. Though I was surprised there were no closeup photos of those buttons!