Butterick 5211

Here is the dress on me...

Stats ~
Pattern:

Butterick 5211

Fabric:
Trendy Rayon Print

Notions:
9" invisible zipper
fusible knit interfacing

This is a very easy dress to make.  Of course, I added some involved techniques along with the simple to create my own dress. 

Pattern Alterations ~

• I used a pivot and slide technique on the dress front to get a little more room in the abdomen area.
• I added one inch to the center back seam.
• Two inches were added to the lengthen/shorten line.
• Another inch was added to the hemline.

Construction Techniques ~

• I added a 9" invisible zipper to the back neckline instead of the button and loop closure.  I hate button/loop closures because they never stay close on me.
• A vent was added to the back seam.
• To make the neckline fit closer, I added a pleat to the neckline and stitched it down 3 inches.

I had to stop myself from adding even more techniques to this simple dress especially since I'm not sure that it's going to wear well.  I don't know what it is about me but I always seem to take things to the next level where sewing is concerned.  Anyway, once it's worn out and about I will decide whether or not to make the next two versions.  The fabric has been chosen, pre-washed, ironed and set aside for future versions.

More pics... 

Dress worn with belt purchased 

from The Avenue

Worn with self fabric tie

Worn with purchased sweater

from Issac Mizrahi/QVC

Back view of sweater & dress

Conclusion ~
This is a simple sew.  Great for beginners and easy for intermediate and advanced sewists.  I have a few more adjustments that I want to make to the pattern, if I make it again because this is not a silhouette that I normally wear.  The last time I made a dress with a tie waistline was in June 2008.  This dress is another step in my changing up my sewing routine and trying out some new styles.

...as always more later!