My latest idée fixe is to make a shirtdress out of this new Joel Dewberry fabric (Woodgrain in Vintage Yellow). (Faux bois idée fixe is probably the longest French phrase I can manage.)
I don’t know why — as with most of my dress-related brainstorms, it falls under the category of “it seemed like a good idea at the time”.
Not sure WHICH shirtdress pattern this will be matched up with — I dragged out several contenders the other night, of which Butterick 2237:
and Advance 8524:
are currently in the lead.
Wooden buttons, naturally! Maybe even little twig ones …
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
With french knot “nailheads” to accent the seams? Sorry, couldn’t resist. I’d vote for the first pattern.
I would use twiggy buttons; How fun with braided loops, I would like to see you pick the advance dress #2
This could work but you need some color contrast like a fire engine red cording so you don’t blend in with a plywood wall. But wooden buttons would be totally appropriate. Nice find!
i like view one in the advance pattern. but it’s not really a shirtdress then.
You know, with this wood grain fabric it might be fun to try a 1″ wide bias trim some where for a bit of a “wood work” look. Gosh, wouldn’t a “painting” with wood frames make cute patch pockets!
I admit that if I were to wear something in this fabric, I would want buttons that looked a bit like drawer pulls.
I’d go for Advance #2. There is something kind of structural about the neckline. And don’t you have measuring tape ribbon or fabric somewhere in your stash? I love Kat’s idea for drawer pull style buttons! Personally–I’d love to make a table cloth or place mat and napkins–or a slip cover!!–out of fabric like this.
leaf buttons
LOVE it
love this! I’m voting for view #1 in the Advance pattern.
Oh, sounds fun and I can’t wait to see it.
How ’bout curtains on a windowframe for pockets
I think it would look great with the collar in the Advance pattern.
What a great fabric! I can’t wait to see how it turns out. You need a skinny little belt in a contrasting color.
I love the drawer-pull buttons idea, lol… maybe have a large old drawer pull for a buckle on the belt?
Thanks for posting these patterns – Butterick 2237 is PERFECT for a knockoff of a dress I love from a company I can’t remember the name of. Imagine it in large blue and white gingham with a bright red sash at the waist.
hi, [my first post] i love your site! my vote is for advance, view 2 with a skinny red belt. if there are any buttons that would bring red with wooden centers or small red wooden toggle buttons, that would be cute.
with a nubby carpet like cardigan
When I was little, my granny made me a mauv wood grain dress for a wedding. Let’s just say it wasn’t as beautiful as your dresses, but it was still awesome in a hideous way
xo,
K
love your blog!
Nope. Not wooden buttons. Acorns. And one squirrel button.
I’m late to this party but maybe a cuckoo clock pocket?