These two great shirt fabrics from Minerva Crafts screamed ‘shirt’ for my work summer wardrobe. And their colours are strong enough to contrast against the purple fabric. But I love a good shirt and a good shirtmaker dress. So that’s what I did.
Classic shirt using Pattern Magic collar
January is one of our hottest months in Australia. It’s holiday time for lots of people until after Australia Day (26 January).
If you work in an office, the aircon can be icy but you’ll get a warm blast of heat as you leave the office at the end of the day.
The fabric is a stretch sateen and when I prewashed it, I thought the pink/red colour would run into the white background and it didn’t. Hurrah. This fabric is also easy to manipulate where the pattern has easing.
I wanted to make a white shirt with a twist so the fabric is kinda white but the collar (with two distinct impressions) is from Pattern Magic. My Pattern Magic collar post is here.
This shirt (Butterick 5538) was adjusted for me at a workshop but I took more volume out of the side back piece because the shirt felt a bit too loose on the previous versions. It sits much closer to me without pulling lines. The centre back panel needs a sway back adjustment.
I did a test collar construction last week, just to refresh my memory and make sure I didn’t waste this fabric from Minerva.
Because this fabric is a bit heavy, the collar looks like a double collar, which it is. It just doesn’t sit up as I wanted.
Using a satin bias tape finished the collar constructions nicely. I love how the french seams give this shirt a beautiful finish.
Check out the buttons Vicki chose for this shirt. Thanks Vicki.
I used tiny white buttons on the cuffs from my stash.
This works well with my Minerva trousers and jacket. If this was a summer weekend blouse, I wouldn’t have included the sleeves, but for work, sleeves are a must.
Shirtmaker dress
This classic, dark paisley print was meant for a second shirt but because the paisley is large and I’m short, I thought the fabric and I would look better if this was a shirtmaker dress.
This fabric is a light weight cotton, washes easily and irons so well. Another good choice. I love a well ironed dress. And the dark print hides creases too.
This pattern (New look 6214) has a two-piece collar and this fabric was lovely to work with. This is the third time I’ve made this dress so all the adjustments were already done last year.
Vicky was the ‘button master’ for this dress. And as I changed my mind (women’s perogative), I used self cover buttons on the skirt.
I’ve used a bias tape to finish the waist seaming.
The same bias tape is used as piping on the sleeve. And I made a belt with it too.
French seams were used throughout the rest of the dress.
It’s great to wear and I can pair this with my Minerva jacket.
Does this all match too much?
I love my Minerva summer work collection – trousers, jacket, knit top, blouse, dress and skirt. I got the skirt fabric from the left over jacket piece.
Hop over to Minerva Crafts and see what fabrics catch your eye for your own summer collection.
velosews.com 
The spot shirt is fun and light; and the paisley is glorious with the teal and mulberry tones. As always, a superb finish.
LikeLike
OMGosh. What a fantastic mini collection. I really like your polka-dot shirt and shirt-dress. Everything coordinates and fits well. Way to go!
LikeLike
That is a gorgeous collection. So smart. Love the purple (of course) and the dress and jacket looks as sophisticated as the trouser and jacket. Love the double collar.
LikeLike
Wow your summer wardrobe is looking fantastic and so glad it is colourful. Good choice for the shirtmaker dress!
LikeLike
You are so well coordinated!
I had never heard of Australia Day before and now I've heard it mentioned 2 days in a row!
LikeLike
I don't know whether I like the shirtdress or the blouse better! Both lovely with perfect fabric choices.
LikeLike
This is one amazing collection of clothes. You did a great job with all the garments – both fabric choices and pattern choices. Great, great job.
LikeLike
Every piece is so nice and the colors are exciting! Such a smart collection.
LikeLike
So brave to wear those colours 🙂 They look good together and really suit you. Love the dress best of all. All beautifully made.
LikeLike
This is such a beautiful coordinated collection. I love every piece and its so practical too. You won't have trouble finding an outfit to wear to work with all these to choose from. I really love the colours too.
LikeLike
Excellent collection! I love the fabric you chose for the shirt dress. Sock lovely colours!
LikeLike
that is a great looking collection; so colourful 🙂
LikeLike
Really lovely collection Maria! The pattern magic collar works so well too.
LikeLike
You stylemeister! What a great looking collection….I'm off to look at Mirnerva paisleys…that shirt dress looks very useful!
LikeLike
Oh wow I love it. I bought a purple suit from a dress agency and have been a little nervous of wearing those purple pants, but yours look great so maybe I will be a bit braver now
LikeLike
OMG!! I have a pair of pumps that match your polka dot shirt!
The shirt dress is to die for. Lovely!
LikeLike
What gorgeous outfits! I love that all the pieces coordinate. Thw shirt dress and fabric for it, is my favourite. Love the piping and covered buttons too.
LikeLike
I love the whole thing! I love the purple. I don't think it's too much at all. And I love the way you've combined everything.
LikeLike
I love the polka dot shirt, very pretty!
LikeLike
Great fabrics and I really love that dress.
LikeLike
All your garments are wonderful. i just love the look of the double collar – will have to check out your other post! And the mix and match – what a great co-ordinated wardrobe you must have! Cheers, Karen
LikeLike
What a fantastically coordinated little collection. The shirt dress is my absolute favourite. It's gorgeous in every way!
LikeLike
That's quite a spiffy wardrobe you've got yourself there, Maria! I don't think it's too matchy-matchy at all, and all of your pieces go together brilliantly. So clever
LikeLike
The shirtdress has such great fit and style on you. That crisp definition of the collar looks amazing on you. I love the idea of the double collar–I hope you find the right crisp fabric that will stand up and really show it off–I think as a style you'd pull it off swimmingly.
LikeLike