PATTERN REVIEW: Zina Shirt Dress in Midweight Linen
ZINA Shirt Dress made with FS OLIVE BRANCH Midweight Linen
I don’t know if I can adequately express how much I think everyone reading this needs to make a ZINA Shirt Dress. Maybe that sounds a little dramatic but wow, this was so fun to make and I think you can tell from my photos, how good I feel in this dress. A linen button-up shirt dress might be the best staple wardrobe pieces next to the little black dress and a great fitting jean. In my opinion, the Fabric-store designer of this pattern needs a round of applause.
ZINA Shirt Dress made with FS OLIVE BRANCH Midweight Linen
As an advanced sewist, I would say collars and cuffs are a step above beginner level sewing in most cases but I just don’t know that the pattern designer could have made it any more clear or fun to make these pieces. So if anything about jumping into this pattern scares you, let me help dispel those fears. I say jump in and give it a try. Every detail is laid out clearly and the pattern fit is correct.
ZINA Shirt Dress made with FS OLIVE BRANCH Midweight Linen
As always, linen is my go to fabric and I suggest choosing the neutral color you love the most to make this staple wardrobe piece easy to grab and go for any occasion. I look best in autumn tones so I went with OLIVE BRANCH Softened 5.3 oz. I also like rust colors so who knows, maybe a second shirt dress will happen soon as well. Dress this up with heels and jewellery, dress down with sneakers, or a warm pair of leggings in cooler temperatures. I don’t think you can go wrong styling the Zina dress.
ZINA Shirt Dress made with FS OLIVE BRANCH Midweight Linen
For sizing comparison, I made the 0-2 Zina Shirt Dress. I am 5’8” and 32B bust and I normally wear around an XS top or 2. The 5/8″ tortoise shell type buttons were found at JoAnn Fabrics but there are so many great notions shops online or in person to find the best button for you.
About Author
Alisha Cooke
Ma Ma Osa is a handmade clothing brand that offers heirloom quality garments and patterns, hand-made by a mother. We celebrate the cherished craft of sewing and seek to honor the art of slow fashion in all our practices as a brand.Leave a comment
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5 Comments
Shelley Zingerella
Alisha, this dress has caught my eye. Thank you for modeling it and encouraging us to make it. I have a question…since it sounds like you and I have about the same figure, I’m wondering about the length. I know it t would be good ? with leggings, but what about without? Would it be better, in YOUR opinion, having worn it, to make it a tad longer? A tad? Or, is it fine?
I know, I know! Everyone is different, but I’m wondering your opinion.
Kate Renwick
I love shirt dresses. Can anybody advise, is there a right or wrong way for placing buttonholes down the front? Horizontal or vertical? Does it matter?
Lauren Linen
Hello Kate, for a shirt, place your buttonholes vertically, so your shirt buttons don’t move horizontally while you are wearing it. Horizontal buttonholes work well in areas where you would need this movement like on jackets and coats.
carolyn jordan-white
I could be an an intermediate sewist. ?I made this in the shirt version in white (19 I’m forgetting the name of this linen) and I agree the instructions were nicely written. I love this shirt and plan to make another.
Jeri Fisher
This is beautiful on you! Love the color you chose too. This sounds like a wonderful pattern to give it a try. Thank you for your thoughts! Cheers!