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KALLE SHIRTDRESS
Every once in a while I see an inspiration piece that makes my heart sing. I ran across a photo of a lady wearing a maxi-length button down shirt on Instagram and saved it immediately. The Kalle Shirtdress is my version of that inspiration piece. Continue reading for all the details.
If you were at my Tea Time Live event last month on YouTube, then you saw me wear the dress with a pink fascinator hat during the Livestream. We had so much fun and I can’t wait for the next one. If you missed it, you can watch the REPLAY HERE.
PATTERN INFORMATION
The Kalle Shirt & Dress Pattern is by Closet Core Patterns. It’s a loose fitting design with interchangeable options for the collar, hem, and button plackets.
- View A: Cropped shirt with wide hem facing
- View B: Tunic Length
- View C: Shirtdress with high-low hem
The pattern is currently available on the Closet Core Patterns website with pdf & print options for sizes 0-20. It’s available in pdf only for sizes 14-32. The company rates the pattern as Intermediate, and I agree. I do not recommend this pattern for beginners.
The pattern instructions are straightforward and easy to follow if you have experience. There are eleven pattern pieces required for each view.
I purchased the PDF Sleeve Expansion Pattern because I wanted long sleeves for my dress. I did make a mistake on my sleeve though, so I omitted the button placket and just added a cuff.
Inside the Garment
Now, let’s take a look at the inside of the dress. I used extra care in sewing this garment because I didn’t want to mess up my beautiful fabric.
I used my Baby Lock Soprano to sew French seams because I wanted a very clean, polished finish on the inside.
I also used the Soprano to sew the hems. You can choose which hem option you want. Since my fabric looks the same on both sides, I opted for the bias binding hem finish. If the fabric had an obvious wrong side, I would have chosen the wide facing option. And that’s because you can see the inside of the garment at the hem while wearing the dress or shirt. That’s not a problem, but for this dress I wanted everything to look exquisite.
Fabric Options
The fabric suggestions call for light to medium weight wovens and shirtings, such as poplin, chambray, tencel, linen, rayon challis, crepe de chine, voile and flannel.
I purchased this beautiful Viscose Linen from Core Fabrics, who is the sister company to Closet Core Patterns. The drape on this fabric is absolutely luxurious. It’s perfect for the dress. Use the code: ANITAD10 for a 10% discount on your purchase from Core Fabrics (one-time use).
Alterations Information
Before cutting into my fashion fabric, I sewed up a muslin to check the fit. I cut a size 12 according to the listed finished garment measurements and it’s a great fit.
I added 21” at the lengthen/shorten line to get my desired length. But I ended up cutting away about 6″ of that length after I sewed the dress together. I totally forgot that my dress form is taller than me and I need t adjust the height. The mechanism is really tight and I just haven’t made the time to mess around with it.
I added a bit more length to the front piece because I wanted to reduce the high-low hem difference. After making the pattern length adjustment, I ended up trimming off that 1/4″ difference at the hem that you see on the front piece.
Notions Information
The pattern calls for lightweight fusible interfacing and ½” buttons. The dress calls for 9 buttons for the front button placket. However, I used 14 for my dress because I lengthened it.
My Plans for the Garment
The dress can be worn almost anywhere depending on how you style it. I’ll be wearing it out to dinner, to visit with friends, and anywhere I want to look cute and be comfortable at the same time.
Styling Options
Let’s take a look at a few styling options for the Kalle Shirtdress. You can dress it up or keep it sweet and casual for just lounging around the house. It’s that comfortable.
Styling Option #1
I styled it with a pair of high heels and a clutch purse to dress it up.
Styling Option #2
Here, it’s styled with a pair of jeans and camisole for those days when you want to dress in layers for temperature changes.
Styling Option #3
For cooler months it would look nice with a neck scarf, boots, or even a turtleneck underneath. I think this would look better with a chainlink belt. The black belt here may be too heavy. What do you think? It would also look fine without a belt.
Styling Option #4
Of course you can take it on a nice casual visit with flip flops and a straw hat. This would be perfect for shopping at the Farmers Market.
How would you wear the garment?
Would you sew this dress or top? Do you have the pattern? How would you style it? Talk to me in the comments. I would love to hear from you
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Fabric Option 1
- Learn to SEW
- Tea Time Live Replay
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.).)
This Post Has 37 Comments
Hi Miss Anita! I love the dress & the fabric. There’s something about a shirt dress that fascinates. WhiIe don’t have this pattern, I do have another one. I like the flip-flops & hat option & definitely a belt!
Thank you again for inspiration.
Hi Anita! I like the shirt styled with the jeans, so chic, so you!
Thank you so much, Gwendolyn! I love the casual look too.
I love the dress and would pick styling one and two but you always look fabulous in everything. I am a beginner and look forward to when I can make something this good.
Hi Agatha! You will get there, just keep sewing.
Sis, you are rocking that shirt dress. I LOVE it!!! I may try this. I have a shirt pattern, but I would have to extend the hem. I hate I missed the tea LIVE. I had to watch the replay. I had death in my family, so I was attending my cousin Homegoing Celebration. Four back-to-back deaths on each side of my family two weeks apart. My Lord, but I keep going and continue to trust God. Sewing keeps me busy, and I feel so relaxed when I sew. You are such an inspiration. You have given me so many tips on sewing, and trust me, I use each and every one of your tips when sewing, if needed. Keep up the good work!! You are AWESOME!!!!!
Oh Sheila, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m glad you hear you are holding onto your faith in God to carry you through. Yes, sewing is a true blessing, a gift. Have fun sewing your shirtdress.
I love this shirtdress, I loved it all the ways you styled it. Great work!!
Thank you Leticia!
I agree With Lorraine…Anita, you look great in all your pattern choices. Kim O.
Thank you so much, Kim!
Loving the shirt dress. You look beautiful in all the styles. My favorites are when you wear it open with the jeans and when you use the belt.
Thank you Vanessa! I like it with the jeans too. So cute and comfortable.
I love it Anita! You always look good in whatever you make.
Thank you Lorraine!
I love, love, love this shirtdress. Styling option #2 is my favorite. I like a “good-fitting “pair of jeans and high heels. You look terrific, Anita. Great job!
Hey Ramona! Thank you so much. I really like it with the jeans too. So stylish and still comfortable.
P.S. You mentioned this is an intermediate level pattern. After you finish the nex beginner’s level, you might want to consider teaching intermediates. Just a thought!
I hear you, De. You’re not the only one to ask for an intermediate course. It’s something I’m considering.
You are right – cute and comfortable! I want a tunic with matching slacks, a coordinating top and silver jewelry – maybe a coordinating hat. The outfit would be fun to wear shopping and lunching with friends. The weather here is starting to change – really cool in the mornings but warming up by early afternoon. I would be dressed comfortably for the temperature as well as the activity. Thanks for finding this pattern and showing it so well. Another winner!!
Ooohhh, De, I like your styling ideas. That sounds like a really cute outfit.
Love your outfit
Thank you
Love the styling option #3 as a duster.
Thank you! That seems to be a favorite, so far.
Hi Anita, I love the color. My options are #1 & #4. This dress really looks comfortable. Simply beautiful!!!
Thank you, Rosalind! It’s incredibly comfortable.
Hi Miss Anita! I cannot choose between them, they’re all fabulously styled as usual. I will also be “attempting “ the long version like you. Actually option #1 is calling my name.
Hi Judith! Yaaaayyy!!! Have fun sewing your shirtdress. It’s a beautiful garment.
I love this! I especially love the color and the dress styled as a duster. Where did you get the lovely fabric for the camisole you’re wearing (assuming you made it)?
Hi Nikki! Thank you so much. I purchased the fabric years ago at the Michael Levine Loft before they closed the department.
Hi Ms Anita! I love this shirt dress, especially the layered look, as well as with the belt! Beautiful! I’ll definitely be attempting this dress!! Blessings.
Thank you, Gail! Have fun making your dress.
Hi Anita!! I will be making the ‘long’ version of this dress like you did. I have a wedding to attend in November. I will be accessorizing with a diamond necklace, diamond earrings and a diamond tennis bracelet. Will be wearing nude heeled pumps and nude evening bag. I LOVE THIS DRESS!!!!!! and I’ve already checked out the fabrics at Core Fabrics !!
I love the dress!
Thank you, Wanda!
Oh, Ann!!! That sounds wonderful. Oh my goodness, you’re gonna look so beautiful and be very comfortable. Have fun making your dress for the wedding. Make sure you use the code ANITAD10 to get 10% off your purchase at Core Fabrics.