Saraste Shirt Dress

I just completed a Saraste Shirt Dress from Named Clothing’s book Breaking the Pattern. The Saraste is a semi-fitted shirt dress with a gathered skirt. It’s my second project from Breaking the Pattern (I made the Ruska knit dress) and I’m really fond of this collection of designs. They are simple yet full of interesting details and they fit me well.

For my Saraste, I chose to make the cuffed long-sleeved version. In case it helps some fellow sewists figuring out sizing and fit, I’ll share my measurements and adjustments. I’m 5’1, B 33”, W26”, H36”. For the Saraste, I cut a size 2. I shortened the bodice and the sleeves by 1 inch. I also took in a little bit at the centre back and about 1 inch at the sides. I kept the original length of the skirt because I wanted the shirt dress to fall a bit lower than on the model.

I used a gorgeous floral rayon from Ma Petite Mercerie which was a Christmas gift from my mom. Fabric gifts are my favourite and she knows me very well! I was afraid the busy floral would mute the beautiful lines of the pattern so I sewed green piping to the princess seams and the collar. I also couldn’t decide which thread colour to use (green, coral or black) so I ended up using them all in different areas which I think turned out pretty cool. It helps to show some details like the coral buttonholes and green buttons combo.

I loved making the Saraste shirt dress. I’m excited to wear it outside once the temperatures here in Wisconsin begin to rise. Until then, I’ll share a few inside pics in front my (unintentionally) matching wall 😉