Monday, July 30, 2012

Butterick 5211

Here is the dress on me...




Stats ~
Pattern:

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!






36 comments:

  1. It looks like the adjustments you've made helped get this simple dress to fit you well in an understated way. Even though the style is simple you've taken it to a much better level with your adjustments:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. You look so nice in that style!!! I love the belt...pretty and it brings out the white in the dress.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so excited! I have this fabric, and wanted to do a simple dress to show off the print but wasn't quite sure *which* simple dress. I may just have to copy you!
    One question though, the rayon is super floppy and I expect it to wrinkle - did you line it?
    Thanks for yet another great inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice simple silhouette to show off an interesting print fabric!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love the fabric! Very pretty dress!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow this is a really pretty dress. You look terrific in it. You can wear almost every colour! Your shoes are cute, too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Another winner! I already really liked the fabric and now it looks so good made up and really suits you. Your changes to the pattern and construction show how well you know your body and how to best flatter it. I think you look way better than the model on the pattern envelope!

    Sending care and admiration from Wellington, New Zealand,

    Michelle (and the ever-present Zebby Cat)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like this style on you too! But not a fan of the white belt. The self tie is nice definition without making too much of a statement. Definitely make some more!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Very cute! I love the slouchy look.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love how a simple pattern, made in a great fabric, can be so impressive. I like the look with the self-fabric belt - you look wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. It looks great Carolyn! Such a pretty fabric and this style is great for hot summer days.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great fabric pick for this make and I'm loving the style on you! I love seeing your creations paired with various elements from your wardrobe too - gives so much creative food for thought!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Caroyln , I love your new dress. The different style is very becoming on you.. I like the tie belt with it or without a belt..Both looked great..
    I like the fabric, and the adjustments you did...made for a great fit.
    Happy sewing and thanks for sharing your lovely creations with us.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Carolyn,
    I really like this dress on you. First, the fabric is simply gorgeous, and second, the belted look is really nice on you. I am partial to the wider belt, but the tie looks great too. Oh, to get my paws on your stash for just a minute - you have such beautiful fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This dress is a win-win-win! Great fabric, wonderful fit, and simple to sew! Job well done!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. In all your different poises: Girl you look good!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love this! The fabric is so cool, and I love that it's so simple and wearable. This is the first pattern I ever made, and the button loop never stays closed on me, but I thought I had just messed something up!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love this fabric!!!!!

    This is good looking dress on you and I like your idea of adding a pleat to pull it in at the neckline. I may have to copy that idea.

    By the way, I love this fabric!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your dress is so very pretty!!! Love the colors on you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love this! The print is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Although I don't have this exact pattern this is just the kind of dress I love to wear in the summer and I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that one can't have too many of them. The print is really fabulous and it looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pretty dress and like the idea of the pleat.

    ReplyDelete
  23. inquiring minds want to know - did you wear it to work and how did it wear? Will you be making more? What belt did you wear with it?

    great dress! g

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ms. Carolyn, Aren't you the pretty one. Love your new dress.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I think it looks great on you - the print is so modern & looks wonderful in this style :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love this look on you! Perfect for hot summer days.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I really like that dress/fabric/color on you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am glad you are stretching your style tastes, because this is a fabulous silhouette on you. I know it is a simple dress as I have made this one a few times, but your version with your changes, really pulled me in. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  29. love this dress! fantastic print and you look great in it.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Looks fantastic!!! Very nice silhouette on you.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is such a gorgeous print. I think the style looks great on you! I like the pleat at the neckline. It gives it just enough detail not to be missed with the print.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Loving the self-tie version in particular. I think the waist definition added by the tie is very figure flattering for you.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I'm liking the pose with the belt!

    ReplyDelete
  34. love the dress and love the waist-shaping! the only thing i would do differently would be to wear a thin, dark belt or self-covered belt with a buckle. i think you look great with some waist shaping.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! It is so appreciated!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails