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 - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Reeta Midi Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaNPubg-mvMD2csy0uEtaGftetwvP8_99pJBf1Fq3wuRq495Sny0ekci-Qo11iCaEi4q1AzGhCSxBEi-NMWpYta9KbWMFOVcYoj59LsQ9Axov4eBxM7UUbAlWwBJpx_P2Uh46FUKIpqc/s1600/ReetaMidiShirtDress-3.jpg)
![Reeta Midi Shirt Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Liberty Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4efCLS0HpyHYzzsEBM-Dd1Wb54CDPpYldWUEjzbYle6-B5cLgZN217SgAmPBPxqZD8fG3gQs9ciaiCNITRGRZ3Uf64ev7Fclq9Ya0EOFUrZZi9rlUaMUIKwEQ7cR2kTCMwVU2C-ru0ko/s1600/ReetaMidiShirtDress-34.jpg)
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.
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 - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Reeta Midi Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22Zchy7VnJ8WV-fAbkZ3MOjBAbM6ta4Y_OnpDPSQST7foJH7ukiThu8WqaQ5BzRARYCixUKzbf50w0TtUEcNt_xpmUryQqT8GtqFgkF4YMefHfrDv_r4hgHjdS70vSI9ztYbk4Gn0phU/s1600/ReetaMidiShirtDress-4.jpg)
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 Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Reeta Midi Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSOjEYRmZTLinJeNpwCaDeSXXpHyhWcdglHzrZxqdyKpIilKDosFeWWq9E40ErqFY9A62JVykZ6w2tAQAZ0UeZsIoSmKN-gW1QtecYGbO1YkUqK_za_j4yQc0BnxopsBr2KjGIMIghM4/s1600/ReetaMidiShirtDress-2.jpg)
![Reeta Midi Shirt Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Reeta Midi Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcbujA5C0ydyRKm4TRuULYq7hfBVg1LsZqZQhdoEUfda7sg3p7I4pVMisJMI9ZhuGhvNRY0F4vb544CNGf834VFVJTSKo-9S4wCpjIlHdek01hCC0F6VqZUKbN-NqrEUSMGMJq7mD9eA/s1600/ReetaMidiShirtDress-35.jpg)
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.
![Reeta Midi Shirt Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Liberty Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGlFBKnvv6F6LXBLEjZsNQQjpFXpfhfBlKotCNuW8Vnj_0TriRWPw2hJX8kJUfZ3q8u7Szrs0soLOW2mTifY3yvC_r9Sx0jdYYepmmItZMLE0qLh0vb-juuuzc_ykUAuW-PElgqeX0Ig/s400/ReetaMidiShirtDress-21.jpg)
![Reeta Midi Shirt Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Liberty Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4hsFPubajCiFc2NUOB3jcOI_k8rEZFjODrMOEF6aqhpJ9WLnK8-ZT2OLZaib8AYQtTg-EZNXw4QsWpKwg0UKhPUXw9dlOkvlvpM7hW3xIcdjTQvXKIE06ERxJe517W5ZyDXNSdTvyv8/s400/ReetaMidiShirtDress-22.jpg)
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.
![Reeta Midi Shirt Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Liberty Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ojgFblj3z3OT-Poeub0w9B9yA6Onm08sDbgwoFy7et8vnjNKhU16Yxr1RZnj70pdgcMqsqf43WD4lr4M_XU0sDi4BxHJhixxroUFLFz56cgdxoot7WDoOl-NEGxiZzuiGKz5DO8ih38/s1600/ReetaMidiShirtDress-36.jpg)
![Reeta Midi Shirt Dress - Moonlight And Liberty Dress Liberty Shirt Dress](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynvN_P7JLQjhMKxnnlv9gXZAJgtvN4u813BQeCeyMPEHamPdzyRI4U8LYkqdwJYABHphBWGgLjtWuQmTNRq4neP767VjRgLD8NUcoZhSNbazLQJ4QnntOVnjBhRKLNVW_sPfdN56BByY/s1600/ReetaMidiShirtDress-15.jpg)
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
Both dresses are lovely. And I love your pictures as it gives me a chance to see some scenery of Japan.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog, Beverly! I took these pictures at the temple and park. These areas are very beautiful.
DeleteWow! Both dresses look so beautiful. The yellow bias binding gives a nice finish to the hem and sleeves. Your pictures are always so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Olivia! I often make bias tapes using leftover fabrics. It's fun:)))
Deletethey both looks great and your photos and scenery are lovely too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comment, Beth:)
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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:)
DeleteI'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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteBoth 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^*)
ReplyDeleteThe 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!
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(^.^)
DeleteI read the previous your posts on your blog, all of the works are great and elegant.
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.
ReplyDeleteRegarding 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! =)
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.
DeleteI agree with you. My Reeta dress length is too long as a midi-length dress but I love it now:)
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.
ReplyDeleteThank you for praising me, Diane. I agree, the moon-viewing linen is unusual and unique. I am really glad that I got it:)
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteYou 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteYour twin-girls are very cute. I recommend that you go to Nippori fabric town in Tokyo. This area is fabric heaven:)
Such pretty dresses and the fabrics you picked is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Faye! You are kind. Very pleased.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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!
DeleteBoth 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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!
DeleteWow, 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteBeautiful as always! love both of them!
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend! I am glad that you like them:)
DeleteBeautiful dress!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Dalwi!
DeleteBoth dresses are wonderful. They look very comfortable and perfect for hot humid days. I love the photos - Japan is very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much,Tomasa! Your comments are always encourage me:) I love these dresses- comfortable and airy to wear.
DeleteGorgeous 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!
ReplyDeleteThank you for praising me! I love your new dress too. I am glad that you like these pics;)
DeleteI love the fabric of your first dress, especially with that leather belt!
ReplyDeleteThank you Zoe for visiting my blog! This belt is one of my favorites:)
DeleteCute 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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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ReplyDeleteBoth 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.
ReplyDeleteThank 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:)
DeleteIt's av very nice pattern, and you wear it so well :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Ellen! I am pleased😺
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