Reeta Midi Shirt Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress

Hi, friends! I finished two dresses last weekend for my short trip. I used "Reeta Midi Shirt Dress" by Named Clothing.
Reeta Midi Shirt Dress


Liberty Shirt Dress
Rainy and humid season will arrive in Japan soon. I wanted to make an airy and quick- drying dress. Reeta Midi Shirt Dress is one of 2017 spring/summer patterns. I have made a shirt dress many times, this dress pattern was especially easy to make. I made two dresses from it because of it was easy and quick.



Reeta Midi Shirt DressReeta Midi Shirt Dress
I used Irish linen called " Moon-viewing linen" by the fabric shop (Moon-viewing is a kind of event in Japan). It is printed with a lot of moons and flowers. I loved this fabric at first sight❤ I cut a size 36 (small). This pattern had a pleated chest pocket pattern. However, I made the simple ones instead because I wanted them to match the printed bodices.

Reeta Midi Shirt Dress
I've made some clothes from Named Clothing patterns. I thought these patterns were shorter than other company's (Vogue, McCall's and Simplicity...) but Reeta Midi Shirt Dress is much longer than I expected! I checked the finished measurements of the dress length is 51 2/1 inches (130centimetres), and it was too long for me. Is that really a mid- length dress pattern? By the way, I am 5'4" and my maxi dress length is around 47 1/4 inches (120 centimetres). I shortened the dress length by 3 3/4 inches, raised the locations of the pockets by 2/4 inches and also raised the waist drawstring casing by one inch (because I wanted to tie a high waist leather belt).



Reeta Midi Shirt DressReeta Midi Shirt Dress

I love the oriental chic. This maxi dress goes well with Japanese flip flops. I think most of women like shoes (me too), I collect Japanese flop flaps too. Surprisingly, they suit jeans style.

To be honest, when I saw this pattern the first time, I thought it looked like an old woman's dress. My grand mother used wear a dress like this one too, ha ha. BUT I love this dress.


Liberty Shirt DressLiberty Shirt Dress
Moving on. I used liberty tana-lawn. I squeezed these patterns onto the fabric, so I only used 45" 2 3/8yd (this Liberty fabrics are created in Japan so they are narrower than those made in England). I sewed the collar before sewing the back yoke to the bodice. I thought these pockets were too big for a small dress, so I cut them smaller than the original pattern. I sewed the hem with yellow bias binding cover.

Liberty Shirt DressLiberty Shirt Dress
I shortened the dress length by 11 inches and the sleeve length by 2 2/4 inches. Also, I raised the locations of the pockets by 2/4 inches and lowered the waist drawstring casing by 3 2/4 inch. I didn't make side slits.

I went around some countryside towns last weekend and I enjoyed myself while wearing these dresses. They were comfortable to wear. If you haven't made a shirt dress before, I recommend it. Reeta Midi Shirt Dress is good for warm season. Wishing you happy summer!



Fabric: Linen 60" 3 1/8 yd, Liberty 45"  2 3/8yd.

Total Time Spent: 10 hours

46 comments

  1. Both dresses are lovely. And I love your pictures as it gives me a chance to see some scenery of Japan.

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    1. Thank you for visiting my blog, Beverly! I took these pictures at the temple and park. These areas are very beautiful.

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  2. Wow! Both dresses look so beautiful. The yellow bias binding gives a nice finish to the hem and sleeves. Your pictures are always so pretty.

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    1. Thank you so much, Olivia! I often make bias tapes using leftover fabrics. It's fun:)))

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  3. they both looks great and your photos and scenery are lovely too.

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment, Beth:)

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  4. I just love your dresses! and I've decided to make myself some :-) I've been admiring the Reeta pattern for a couple weeks. There's just something about it that makes it prettier than other shirt dresses I've done. Thks for posting!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment, Coco! Very pleased. If you make a Reeta dress, I would love to see it. You can make a nicer one:)

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  5. I'm 5'4" too! Nice to know you don't have to be tall to look great in this pattern. I love the pop of yellow at the hem in your granny version. Your Grandma must have been very chic!

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! This dress length was too long for me. I thought the model is about twice as tall and half as wide as I am, haha.

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  6. Both dresses have their own charm. I love the fabric of the first one, you matched the pockets so well at first I didn't even see them! *^v^* The length is great, although you could call it a maxi dress, not midi. ^^*~~ I like it both with a belt and high heels and without the belt and with Japanese flip-flops, two different styles. (I wish they had Japanese flip flops in my size in Japanese shops, my 40 size feet are too big!..... *^0^*)
    The second dress looks good with the yellow binding, very cheerful and girly. As usual, great job!
    I made some shirt dresses before, one of them I want to make again because the pattern was great but the fabric I used was terrible and it got worn out very quickly. The second one had a lovely fabric but the pattern wasn't great and I ended up with the dress unloved and unworn... I must figure out the way to change it and love it!

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    1. Thank you for reading, Joanna:) I love your new jacket too:) I've never tried Sashiko embroidery but I would like to do(*^^*) I think most Japanese flip flops are smaller than standard sandals. You can wear a size 1 inch (2~3cm) shorter than the length of your foot and sandals. I usually buy my flip flops at Asakusa area in Tokyo because many Japanese flip flops stores are at there. You can find nice ones at the are(^.^)
      I read the previous your posts on your blog, all of the works are great and elegant.

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  7. I love your versions of this pattern! The belt you added to the Moon-Viewing dress is spectacular! And of course, the scenery in your photos is stunning.

    Regarding the length, Named actually drafts for a height of 5'8", so that's probably why this pattern came up too long for you. (I think McCall/Vogue/Butterick use a 5'6" standard, or thereabouts.) The Reeta looks very chic as a maxi dress though, especially with those lovely Japanese sandals! =)

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    1. Thank you Abbey for your kind words! I have read your review about Reeta dress and love your fabric choice. I really enjoyed reading that.
      I agree with you. My Reeta dress length is too long as a midi-length dress but I love it now:)

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  8. Both dresses suit you so well. I have a minor preference for the longer one simply because the fabric print is so unusual and I love the belt you used too. The midi length look fab with your Japanese flip flops.

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    1. Thank you for praising me, Diane. I agree, the moon-viewing linen is unusual and unique. I am really glad that I got it:)

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  9. I love these easy to wear dresses in summer - loosen the tie belt around the middle and they are nice and cool. Both are lovely - and look very of the moment, not granny chic at all. I like the wide belt as well - gives the feel of a kimono, which suits you nicely.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sarah. I am glad that hear from you. This black belt is one of my favorites:))) I agree with you, it goes well with an oriental style.

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  10. You are making a lot of clothes!! I love seeing all your new makes. These two dresses are lovely and I really like the fabrics you use. One of my daughter's dream trip (mine too) is to go to Japan. She loves all things Japanese and I would love to shop, shop, shop for fabric!

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    1. Thank you Shirley! Yes, I have my clothes a lot! Ha ha(^o^) but I often give them to my sister, she is as tall as I am.
      Your twin-girls are very cute. I recommend that you go to Nippori fabric town in Tokyo. This area is fabric heaven:)

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  11. Such pretty dresses and the fabrics you picked is perfect.

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    1. Thank you very much Faye! You are kind. Very pleased.

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  12. I really admire both of your dresses; they are both unique. The flattering midi length features beautiful fabric while the shorter length with the yellow binding really looks lovely on you. I have been reading your blog for a few months and am really impressed with your creativity and sewing skills! Thank you for making the effort to document your creative efforts.

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    1. Thank you for reading my blog, dagmar! I love this pattern and would like to make a shirt with Hawaiian fabric. I started my blog about two years ago. I enjoy communicating with other sewers. I am glad that you read my blog:) Have a lovely day!

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  13. Both dresses are very flattering on you! The midi dress fabric is stunning. I love the colors and the design. Adding the yellow biased trim to the shorter version was a nice addition. Great job as always with the sewing and the styling! The background scenery was lovely and nice to see!

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    1. Thank you for lovely comment, Linda! I really love Liberty tana-lawn(´∇`) This Liberty dress is good for summer. I am looking forward to seeing your next post. You always choose great patterns!

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  14. Wow, these are both lovely dresses for the season! They look so different in the different fabrics too. I really love the slits on the maxi length and the pops of yellow on the short version.

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth for your sweet comment! I am glad that you visit my blog:) I love both dresses too. I think this pattern is lovely and useful. I may make a Reeta dress again.

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  15. Beautiful as always! love both of them!

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    1. Thank you, my friend! I am glad that you like them:)

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  16. Both dresses are wonderful. They look very comfortable and perfect for hot humid days. I love the photos - Japan is very beautiful!

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    1. Thank you very much,Tomasa! Your comments are always encourage me:) I love these dresses- comfortable and airy to wear.

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  17. Anonymous6/18/2017

    Gorgeous dresses and that linen is beautiful! They will be so comfortable to wear and really elevate that pattern to stunning. I love your photos of Japan!

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    1. Thank you for praising me! I love your new dress too. I am glad that you like these pics;)

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  18. I love the fabric of your first dress, especially with that leather belt!

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    1. Thank you Zoe for visiting my blog! This belt is one of my favorites:)

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  19. Cute dresses! I've never tried the Named Clothing patterns. In fact, I've tried any patterns from the small independent companies. I should do it some day, since I see a lot of them sewn on the blogs.

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    1. Thank you, betty! Happy to hear from you. I really recommend Named Clothing patterns. I usually purchase their patterns on sale. I look forward to seeing your new project.

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  20. Anonymous7/27/2017

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  21. Both are super cute! I am in love with the fabric on that first one. I would have thought Liberty might be too light for a dress but it looks perfect. Maybe I will use my three yards of liberty I have been saving for a shirtdress, too.

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    1. Thank you for your compliment Justine! I am happy to hear from you. I LOVE Liberty fabric and collect a lot! If you make a Reeta shirt dress with Liberty, please post it on your blog:)

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  22. It's av very nice pattern, and you wear it so well :)

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    1. Thank you very much, Ellen! I am pleased😺

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