Monday, February 10, 2014

Seeking the Sublime Shift


Michelle Dockery in silk Miu Miu at the Venice Film Festival 2013.

These are the desired features for my ideal shift dress pattern:
    • boat-neck or shallow scoop
    • one piece, subtle flare
    • button closure, if any, eliminating the need for a zip
    • center back seam for shaping
    • full, ¾, or half length sleeves with some kind of wrist treatment, placket or gathering
    • long for possible belting or just above knee
New Look 6145 is the pattern I will use and possibly adapt to create my dress. Patternreview.com shows great reviews.


Here is the fabric for the very first one, a silky (but maybe too shiny) polyester gained from that wonderful DC, VA, MD swap. I'm not sure if it has enough body for what I have in mind. But luckily, no pattern matching can possibly be expected, right?


Here are a few examples I admire:


Clockwise from top left: Lobelia, Christine Phung, and J. Crew

So, are there any design options I should take advantage of like gathers at the yoke similar to the Miu Miu, gathered bishop sleeves (see both below), or the straight 3/4 sleeves of the pattern? Should I make it easy on myself* or shake it up a little?



Eileen Fisher shift dress with neckline, shoulder, and cuff details.

*Why start now, you ask?!

4 comments:

KimP said...

For this time of year, I like the 3/4 sleeves. Can't wait to see this one!

KimP said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linda T said...

A cute dress! Reminds me of what I loved to wear back in late 60's. I remember when the shifts made their first big splash. I still love them today!

bernieandi said...

I'm obsessed with finding the perfect shift too!
I think that was one of the best Michelle Dockery looks of all time (normally she wears a lot of black).

Hope you find something that fits your criteria. Shifts are so fun and easy to wear!