Butterick Summer Patterns . . . Are They Serious

Sooooo, I've been waiting and waiting to see Butterick's Summer 09 offerings certain that they would be fantasic after what we've seen from the other three for Summer. Imagine my shock and horror when I visited the site to find only 3 maybes out of 33 new offerings and the blatant replay of at least two patterns from Fall. I'm sorry but a sleeve variation does not a new pattern make. Here are my maybes

I like the sleeveless version better as the one with sleeves looks ill fitting on the model.

I actually really like version D but since I hardly ever wear strapless, I doubt that I will make this anytime in the near future but will probably still pick it up for $.99

I like View A of this pattern for the classic lines and style and it looks like it would be easy to put together.

The truth is, even though I'm sorely disappointed with the lack of new offerings, I'll be right in line to pick these up at the next $.99 sale.

Until then,

Happy Sewing

McCall's 5659 - Mother's Day Dress

Pattern Description: MISSES’ AND WOMEN’S DRESSES:

Dresses A, B, C have front pleats and contrast self-faced yoke; dress A has contrast hem band; dress B has purchased buttons, jewel stones or beads to creatively embellish yoke; dress C has patch pockets with pleats and contrast pocket bands; length is 2" above mid-knee.

Pattern Sizing: B5(8-10-12-14-16), RR(18W-20W-22W-24W), I made the 22W

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes! I made view AWere the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were super easy which is one of the reasons I picked this pattern. I needed a dress to wear to dinner on Mothers Day but needed to be able to get it cut out and completed in one day. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the simplity of construction for something that is so stylish and that it worked up so quickly. I also liked the front pleat which gives the dress both shaping and functionality, the contrast band at the bottom which meant no hemming and that this dress has no zipper and goes on over your head. I liked that the dress has pockets because one of the reasons I don't wear dresses more is because I feel naked with no pockets. I liked that the yoke actually covers my bra straps without alteration unlike the circular yokes that are so popular. I also liked that this dress gave me enough room to not have to worry about holding my stomach in or worrying about Spanx but didn't look like a bag. No dislikes. I did have a little trouble making sure that pleat lined up in the middle but I just put the dress on my dress form to help with that and was able to get it right.

Fabric Used: A polyester woven from JoAnn's I got months ago and earmarked for a different pattern for the dress and a gaberdine solid for the contrast yoke. This was a great fabric choice as it made the dress really flowy (is that a word).

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

Because of the pleat in the front, I didn't have to do my usual FBA.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I definitely will be sewing this dress again at least twice. Depending on the fabric used, it can be dressed up or down. I plan to make it in cotton next.

Conclusion:

I think this is a great little dress for summer and is quite stylish and easy to put together. Definitely one you might want to check out if you need something cute in a hurry.