Pattern Review: Butterick 5348

My first garment since October! I'm so happy to be sewing again. I will post pictures of my new sewing room soon.

Although I'm happy with the way this dress came out, I'm finding myself getting into a rut. My sewing skills are fine. But I feel like I lack the skill to match the right pattern to my body... and the right fabric to the pattern. It's hit and miss. Honestly, if I saw this dress in a store, I would walk on by. So I need to refine my eye for style and fabric. I've been trying to peruse RTW styles that I like and try to emulate that in my sewing. And I realize I should be making more fitted styles for a more sophisticated look. Do you have any other tips and tricks for matching fabric with style?

On another note, I've been impressed with Joann Fabrics special fashion fabric collections lately. This fabric was from one of thier fall lines- I can't remember which one. Just a few weeks ago I scooped up some pieces from thier Riviera line. They seem to be more fashion forward, better quality, and they coordinate with eachother.


Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: Dresses A, B, C, D in three lengths, with raglan sleeves or sleeveless, have front and back gathered bodice, self-faced neck band, back zipper and gathered skirt. A: contrast belt with self-ties and buttons. B: self-ruffle. C: sleeves with elastic casing, belt with self-ties, buttons and contrast band. A: length 3" above mid-knee. B, C: length mid-knee. D: length 2" below ankle.

I made view B.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 8-24 are available.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, the instructions were fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the gathering along the neckline and empire waist. After looking at the pattern, I envisioned an easy to wear, comfortable dress. I dislike the overly girly feel of the dress- it almost feels little girlish... but maybe that's just me.

Fabric Used: A polyester dress weight material from one of Joanns fashion collections. I saw it recently on sale in the clearance section for $3 a yard so if you like it- go snag it up.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the skirt by 1 inch. I made one size smaller than the pattern recommends by my measurements. The dress is pretty roomy- I took in each side above the waist by about 1/2 an inch. I still have room to slip the dress on over my head without opening the zipper. So if you aren't too busty- I recommend omitting the zipper. Also, instead of doing a narrow hem on the sleeves and bottom hem, I did a very narrow rolled hem. I thought this gave it a more professional look.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I probably won't sew this one again.

Conclusion: Good warm weather dress. I will wear this one with flip flops in the spring/summer... and maybe a jean jacket to lessen the little girl feel.



~Byrdie