Chambray Wenona - Named Clothing

The shirtdress. Big Fan. And the sleeves on this Wenona shirtdress immediately sold me on the pattern.

I once again used Robert Kaufman's chambray fabric but in two colour-ways: olive & blue

I don't think the two colours go together perfectly but I do appreciate that they are the exact same fabrics - same weight, same pattern, same feel.  

Since the fabric is an olive green I opted to use a green tinted marble buttons and I think they go really well against the fabric, they are more muted than a whiter shade.

The back has a button the collar and a pleat on the back bodice - both are really cute details.

The button plackets on this pattern a teeny tiny so if I make it again I'd change those up because I don't like that they are simple turn and stitch because as you can see in the photo if I bend my wrist at all the inside shows and you can see the serged seams.

From the back yoke up the pattern is drafted beautifully. From the boob area down - it's a sack. There are no darts and from the arm scyth to hem line the pattern angles out progressively into a trapeze. NOT flattering at all. To fix the parachute feel of this dress I added elastic to the back waistline only, it helped with the shape, but I don't like the look of it so I only wear it with a belt to hide the elasticated back.

The next version I make will be blended with the Deer&Doe Bruyere shirt from the arm scythe down. This will enable me to keep the details I love about the Wenone: Sleeves, pointed collar, back yoke but merge it with the things I love about the Bruyere: fitted bust and waist, and appropriately shaped skirt/hem circumference. 

Details

Pattern: Named Clothing Wenona Shirt Dress

Size: 38

Fabric: Robert Kaufman Chambray

Alterations: 

• Added elastic to the back bodice waistline to take in the gazillion extra inches of ease this pattern includes in the design.