I started making this dress last weekend, but I’ve been so busy at the Museum this week that I didn’t have time to finish it until today. It’s Butterick B5317, made in black organic cotton from Bishopston Trading.
The pattern is marked as “Fast & Easy”, and for the most part it was, but inserting a zipper into a side seam which also has a pocket seemed a little bit tricky! I’ve never done that before, so perhaps it’ll come out a bit more neatly next time.
I shortened the shoulder straps by about 2″ to make the empire seam sit in the right place, but the neckline was still a little bit too revealing for my personal liking. I’ve added a gathered broderie anglais trim to the inside of the neckline, which I really like the look of. I might need to run a little row of stitches through it though, to keep it from folding itself over.
I chose this pattern for the empire line and the pockets, and it’s definitely one that I’m going to make again in different fabrics. My only disappointment is that because of the width of the pleated skirt panels, it can’t be made using 44″ fabric. That’s a real shame, as I have some quilting cottons that would look lovely in this style! I might have to fiddle around with the pleats, and see whether I can take out a little bit of the fullness. Then it would be absolutely perfect!
It looks really great – I couldn’t begin to put a zip in a side seam – sounds a bit complicated for fast and easy to me! You must be very pleased with yourself!
Pomona x
Thank you! It’s not as difficult as it sounds, I promise – but it is a bit tricky to keep it all neat. I’m very pleased with the dress, I think I’ll wear it a lot. 🙂
Hi. Yvette from New Zealand here. I’m making the same dress but can’t find any instructions in the pattern on how to finish the lining?? Do I slip stitch it to the skirt or….? Thanks for your help 🙂
Hi Yvette, I didn’t notice that part was completely missing from the instructions! I just slipstitched the bodice lining in place along the seam.