The coldest season in Japan is coming. I made my dress and shirt using warm winter fabric.
I used McCall's 7470. I didn't have a basic shirt pattern, I loved this pattern at first sight, so I bought it in a snap. I am glad that I bought it now. This pattern has a shirt version as well as medium and long length dress versions. I made my shirt (view A) and medium length dress (view C) from it.
I used a plaid flannel. I compared the plaid shirt which I made with my Calvin Klein shirt (size S: it's my normal size). I thought it was a lot LONGER than my normal shirt. I shortened the front (and back) of length by 1 1/2 inches and the side by 2 3/4 inches. I have a pear shaped body. The side seems shorter, it's easy to move and looks thinner, I think. I also shortened the sleeve length by 1 1/2 inches and raised the waist line by 1/2inches.
I used a plaid flannel. I compared the plaid shirt which I made with my Calvin Klein shirt (size S: it's my normal size). I thought it was a lot LONGER than my normal shirt. I shortened the front (and back) of length by 1 1/2 inches and the side by 2 3/4 inches. I have a pear shaped body. The side seems shorter, it's easy to move and looks thinner, I think. I also shortened the sleeve length by 1 1/2 inches and raised the waist line by 1/2inches.
This instructions said to make two button holes in each cuff, but I made only one button hole. I also shortened the distance between the buttons. I sewed seven buttons (the instructions said five buttons) to the front band.
I love the pleated chest pockets, but these are VERY big. When I attached the pockets to the bodice, then I thought something was wrong. The pockets and flaps are too large to sew to the bodice parts. I barely managed to sew them! Next time, I will cut these pocket and flap pieces smaller.
I made it with a soft corduroy cotton. I shortened the sleeve length by 1 1/2 inches and raised the waist line by 1/2 inches. I also shortened the distance between the buttons. I sewed nine buttons (the instructions said seven buttons) to the front band because I thought that seven buttons would not be enough. When I've bent my body, it's never shown my under wear due to increasing the buttons. I didn't make a waist belt, this time.
If you don't have a basic shirt and shirt dress pattern, I recommend this pattern. I really love it! I am planning another one using a printed corduroy. Maybe I will make a no sleeve version with a linen for summer next year.
Fabric: Shirt 60" 2 1/8yd. Dress 45" 3 1/4 yd.
Total time spent: 14 hours