Pattern Description: Misses'/Misses' Petite Dress and Belt: Dress A, B have collar, detachable dickey, fitted bodice, waistband, pleated skirt and belt. B: Semi-fitted skirt, back hemline vent and top-stitching.
Pattern Sizing: B5 [8, 10, 12, 14, 16] I used a 12 bodice and originally cut a size 14 skirt, but ended up taking it in, so it was probably a straight size 12.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes!
Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are not great. There are quite a few steps written out that have diagrams next to them that are missing steps that are described. And quite a few steps are skipped over. A beginner might have some issues following along.
That being said, there is nothing extremely difficult about the pattern if you have a bit of sewing experience or a handy sewing reference manual handy.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the pattern illustration, but the mock-up that that Butterick produced looked terrible on the model, so I had second thoughts after purchasing the pattern.
Fabric Used:
*Cotton twill with embroidered flamingos!
*Cotton used for interfacing and facing
*Button forms
*Buckle form
*Hug Snug seam binding
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: My standard addition of 3/4" to the torso length was easy to accomplish.
But I knew that I wanted to add some contrast to my fabric, so I actually read through the instruction before starting. (This is something I should always do, but often skip over.)
I added piping to the top edge of the dickey, so it was necessary to cut the pattern piece in half and add a seam allowance.
One thing I found strange about this pattern is the button placement. A belt is included and shown with both views, so I assume it is meant to be worn with the dress. But the pattern has a button placed directly where the belt sits. What the heck?! Why would you want a button bumping up against a belt? It also covers the button and makes the three remaining buttons look oddly spaced.
With the addition of 3/4" length, I placed the second button on the bodice and closed the waistband with a hook & eye.
Speaking of buttonholes, I substituted bound buttonholes and started their construction before putting the rest of the dress together. There are two buttonholes on the dickey, which I made with my machine, which is another story.
The belt was cut in two separate pieces, instead of using the one pattern piece, so I could add the piping.
And piping was added to the collar edge and front opening above the waistband.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I just may have to make a wool tweed version of this dress. When I first started, I had a strong feeling that this was going to be the only time I used this pattern, but it really is fun to wear.
I would absolutely recommend this pattern!
Conclusion: I am so glad I waited to find the perfect pattern for this fabulous flamingo fabric!
More picture and info may be found over on my blog, Lilacs & Lace.
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Gorgeous dress, vintage but easily wearable in 2012
11/29/12 7:40 AM
I love the piping and the vintage hat! Beautiful construction. This pattern is in my stash, time to pull it out. I have a collection of over 200 vintage hats, I just love them, but alas I can only wear a select few as I have a 24" head and most are for 22". So unless it perches on top like yours it lives in a hat box and gets taken out to be admired and displayed from time to time. I say wear the hat which ever way suits you best, who will know?
11/29/12 8:48 AM
Lovely dress. The ability to use the dickie or not gives flexibility. Maybe a pink lace dickie for dress-up? Also re your buttonhole challenge, my Bernina salesperson said to be sure to press the reverse button down until the needle starts tacking. I did need to take the machine in once for recalibration. Good luck with that. I visit your blog often and also look forward to your SW entries, but can no longer leave comments there.
11/29/12 9:59 AM
This looks great cute fabric and love the addition of the pink piping.
11/29/12 6:50 PM
Wow! Great dress! All of the extra work and details that you put into it certainly have paid off. And where in the world did you find that amazing fabric?
11/30/12 1:45 AM
love the dress especially the colour combinations with the pink popping through - beautiful
11/30/12 2:49 AM
Thank you everyone for your lovely compliments! And for those of you who are wondering, the fabric came from JoAnn Fabrics many years ago.
11/30/12 3:13 AM
Sooo cute. Your extra touches--the buttons, the piping--combined with great looking fabric really make this dress special.
11/30/12 9:00 AM
That whole outfit has fabulous written all over it! Sooooooo cute.
11/30/12 10:33 AM
The color is great, and I love how the piping makes the collar stand out. Well done.
12/2/12 7:54 AM