PATTERN REVIEW: Zina Shirt Dress in Midweight Shadow Gray Linen
ZINA Shirt Dress made with Midweight SHADOW GHRAY Linen
I have always wanted to make a shirt dress but had always been very intimidated to give it a try. The collar and buttonholes were enough to deter me. Having successfully made a few other FS patterns, I felt up to the challenge. The instructions you get with the patterns are unmatched. I felt ready to take on this project. Not to mention it is the perfect time of year to have a linen shirt dress in rotation.
ZINA Shirt Dress made with Midweight SHADOW GHRAY Linen
To make the Zina shirtdress pattern, I chose the SHADOW GREY linen in 5.3Oz because it’s so summery and compliments various tones already in my closet. The weight of this linen is perfect for fall transitioning and layering. Before I started this project, I took my time to read the instructions, prepare all my pattern pieces by steps in order for the project to be less intimidating. I’ll be honest because the collar and buttonhole were what I worried about doing successfully I did those first. I made a test collar and spent a few hours practising buttonholes. I have made buttonholes in the past, but only doing one or two on garments. Not more than 10 that needed to be spaced out correctly.
The instructions for the pattern are so easy to follow and I appreciate how detailed each picture is and you can see the pattern in the exact direction in which your sewing should be done. I decided to sew on four pockets, two at the top and two at the bottom for a slight construction dress feel. The other thing I did was make the dress 2 sizes up. I personally like a looser fit on all my shirts for layering and versatility in styling. Midway through this project, I was so excited to find how enjoyable it was to sew this dress. I would make it in other colors as well.
ZINA Shirt Dress made with Midweight SHADOW GHRAY Linen
The dress totally inspired this shoot, something tropical with vacation vibes literally came to mind. I styled this dress cinching the waist and pulling the top part up slightly, so the dress overlapped over the skirt part. It gave it a dressier and chicer look. That is the best part of shirtdresses in my opinion. It’s how easily its moldable to your needs.
If you want to make a shirtdress, I highly recommend this pattern. It makes it so easy and would work well for a beginner. I’m thinking of making this again in a shorter length soon. I’m definitely even more excited for how far this pattern can stretch with options.
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5 Comments
Julie Earl
Wow! Beautiful! And the dress is Lovely, too 🙂 The color is so stunning against your skin. Thank you for sharing this project and the changes you made. I too, am intimidated by the buttonholes. Your story gave me courage to try it! Julie
A B
Beautiful!!!
Beautifully sewn, buttonholes, collar and all! Thank you for sharing your experience, insights, and inspirations! Might be getting this pattern, need to find out if it has adjustments for Petite Sizing. I would like to make a rounded neckline, soft collar, and perhaps taper in at waistline a bit. Will see. Thank you again for sharing, Looks Absolutely Stunning!!!
Hannah Sadar
You look amazing. Photoshoot looks like a model from a magazine, it makes me want to go on vacation, and wear linen dresses 🙂
I too, am curious which weight linen you used, because the weight of your dress looks perfect.
(In the past, I have made mistakes picking the right weight for a project, so now I want to copy what others did when it turned out right!)
Lesia McQuade
Very chic and yet so comfortable looking. Thank you for sharing all your tips especially making the dress 2 sizes up. You did a fine job on the collar, button holes, and top stitching. The collar lays so nice. Your photo shoot is high quality. Oh, so many patterns and only 24 hours in a day. I am definitely adding this dress to my list. Masha, I so enjoy all the articles you post. I look forward to reading your post first thing each morning with my first cup of Joe!
Simone Kereit
Gorgeous dress and the color is perfect!
But did you use the L019 at 5.3oz ( I think that’s what it looks like) or truly the heavyweight 4C22 which is 7.1oz? The link goes to the heavy weight rustic linen, but you mentioned the 5.3 oz as well?