Closet Case Files Kalle Shirtdress

I liked the look of the Kalle shirtdress when it was first released and loved Lauren's (Guthrie and Ghani) versions in her summer capsule wardrobe. But it was Beck's (I sew therefore I am) versions that cemented my need for it in my wardrobe! I am a total fan girl of Beck's and would happily wear her gorgeous wardrobe of me mades.

As usual before I make a garment I find blogs of it and take notes of their findings. It is mixed for the Kalle shirtdress, some say they have sized down and preferred the fit and look. While others have made the size as guided by their measurements.

I was unsure so decided to make a wearable toile with a soft brushed cotton and viscose mix I had from Minerva Crafts. I made a size 12 based on my chest measurement.

I've worn the dress a lot. It fits easily into my 'throw it on and head out the door mummy wardrobe', and while it's maybe not the most flattering dress for my figure sometimes I don't want to feel constricted by my clothes and just want comfortable easy to wear clothes that look good.

I liked it so much I pretty much made another straight away, in this lovely Atelier Brunette cotton lawn I was lucky enough to win from Sew Me Sunshine's give away.

As before I made a size 12, no alterations. Except, making the bias binding wider and taking more care when cutting it out. This is because on the first kalle dress it needs the hem turning up because I wasn't so careful with the bias binding, in my hurry to make it, that it has started to fray where I haven't caught all the unfinished edges.

This is the first Closet Case Pattern I have made and I loved all the detail in the garment! The collar, and placket and even the finish on the arms, and the curved hem (which is pretty perfect on my second) are beautiful details, which along with the French seams I did, make the dress the best finished item I have sewn.

I used the Closet Case Patterns sew along for more detail when it came to the burrito method of attaching the yokes, as it was the first time I have used this method and clarification when attaching the arm bands. Mainly because I'd be sewing late and tiredness was kicking in, and not wanting to make any mistakes that would require the seam ripper to be needed.

I can definitely see more of the Kalle in my future wardrobe, next I think it'll be the cropped shirt, or the Shirtdress again. I do love a shirtdress.

Thanks for stopping by and reading.

Rebecca