Pattern Review: Butterick 5605

I really like this pattern.  I found the hardest part was sewing the gusset section of the bodice side to center pieces (in both front and back).  I'm not entirely satisfied with the fit of mine, and I'll show you why in the reveal next week, but it is a very comfy dress, with pockets, that's perfect for looking pretty while going about your day.

All of the waist shaping is done in the side pieces, which makes it really easy to transition between sizes.  The bodice is self-lines, which means the only finishing you have to do is top stitching.  Granted, one of the biggest flaws in my dress is the top stitching on the button tabs, but, it is easy finishing, despite not turning out well.

I find that it does look much better with a crinoline on.  Without it the long skirt is fairly limp, which is never really an attractive look.  I would have preferred a scoop or v neckline, as it turns out they look better on me.  However, the neckline published I'm sure looks very good on some people, and balances the low back well from a design perspective.

I think next time I make this dress, and there very likely will be a next time, I'm going to cut the bodice front on the fold.  And, if I can fit it onto the fabric, I might do the same for the skirt front.  I'll likely adjust the neckline as well, but other than a couple fitting changes beyond that, I love this dress.  It's a great dress to wear when you still want to be doing things and want pockets.

Next up: Spring Dress!

Excellent news everyone!  My three month probation has finally finished at work, which means my perks kick in!  The most exciting is the display program, which lets me make one outfit a month with all the materials supplied for me, in exchange for the garment hanging in the store for a month.

So, without further ado: Project April!

I'm going to be doing a version of Butterick 5605, view C (in the top right).  I got the pattern for Christmas and I was planning to make it for dinner with my fiancee's work, back in January.  If you recall, my stash-busting was my doom, and the dress got shelved.

So, on Saturday, my manager very kindly cut 4 meters of a gorgeous stretch poplin.  It is fairly light, cotton polyester, royal blue on lighter blue.  The pictures don't really do the colour justice, unfortunately.  It has a nice hand to it and I think it'll work really well with the skirt in this pattern.  There's enough body to fill out the back pleats, but its still light enough to fall nicely, especially over a petticoat.

This is truer to the colour

I've got two weeks to get the finished dress back to work, where it will hang for a month, and then it's all mine!  Needless to say, I'm fairly excited about this whole program.

Fabric and materials were provided by my employer in exchange for use of the dress as display for one month.  All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.