I\’m like a summery ballerina in this dress, I think–something about a strappy bodice and a full skirt (not to mention the lace-up espadrilles, of course) just feel very ballet to me! Butterick 6453 is a super simple little dress–just a princess seamed bodice and a full or slim skirt–so it will look good in basically any fabric. I\’ve seen so many cute versions already; thanks to the sewalong, it seems like everyone is making this pattern! I think this would be cute in a floral quilting cotton, or a crisp white seersucker, but I went for this pretty navy eyelet and matching cotton lawn. I used the lawn for the outside of the bodice and also to fully line the top and skirt of the dress. I added a little strip of the eyelet edge to the bottom of the bodice, just so it wasn\’t so plain. I thought about making a little cropped jacket to go over top (I don\’t often wear spaghetti straps) but I thought all that eyelet might feel like too much. I made a skirt with it instead, which you\’ll see next week! I don\’t know, though, maybe I should order a bit more and make that jacket after all…
If you\’re curious about the fit of this pattern, I made a straight size 10 as usual and it fits well but not perfectly. That\’s fine for me but if you are picky about fit I definitely suggest you join the facebook group for the sewalong where there are tons of people helping each other with every aspect of the sewing process, but especially the fit. Gretchen herself is a member, too! My friend Bianca also made an amazing video series detailing her fitting and sewing process!
I think this pattern will be a real workhorse in many people\’s pattern collections; you really could have a closet full of these in different fabrics, prints, and maybe trims. I\’ll likely make at least one more version, but I do prefer a sleeved dress so I can wear a non-strapless bra and don\’t have to wear a cardigan to cover my shoulders!
What do you think, should I still make a crop jacket? or should I stick with my little cardigans? If I made a jacket, I could wear it with the skirt… Do you make sets of clothing out of the same fabric, or do you make one item per fabric selection?
xoxo,
This is such a pretty dress Allie – I especially love how you let the hem be the edge of the eyelet. I just finished a Tilly & the Buttons Rosa in white eyelet that I adore mostly for a coverup for summer. I don't know about a jacket! I think something light (see-through), 3/4 length sleeve in a silk knit (bolero?) would be prettier – contrasting and highlighting the structure of your dress. I only made one complete outfit in the same fabric – pants and tunic in a french terry that everyone seemed to love 🙂 After I completed it though I told myself I would do a lot more however somewhere along the way that notion got lost 🙁
I really like the cardigan look, and think your addition of the lace over the belt is fabulous! So pretty and simple.
Very cute, you do look like a ballerina! And the navy keeps it from being too twee. I love the strappy silhouette, both on its own and under jackets. The open neckline works so well!
I love the hem on this! If it were me, I probably wouldn't sew a matching jacket, but wear it with a variety of colored cardigans depending on my mood.
Hi Allie. I'm a new follower of your blog. This dress is so cute!!! I love that fabric. I think a sleeveless cropped overblouse would be cute with this dress. Look up vintage Simplicity 3017 as an example. For a modern pattern , New Look 6342 is similar. There is a Cynthia Rowley pattern with an overblouse, but I think it is attached. A matching cropped bolero would be adorable too. I don't think it would be too much. Bree
Okay this is adorable. That navy is such a good color on you! I feel like I aaaaaaalways end up making more than item from fabric because I get scared that I won't have enough fabric and buy a ton extra and then I need to stash bust with it. I try to make things I wouldn't wear together, though. I don't think I'd make a jacket out of it, but that's just me. <3 <3 <3 it!!!!
dang your zipper and back center seam are perfect!
What a great look! I agree that the lace over the waist is a very tasteful touch. This is my new favorite although the springtime Simplicity 4468 is a close runner up. :-)Cheers,Natalie
Allie, This dress is amazing. I can't stop looking at all the details.Absolutely gorgeous!xxB
That dress turned out so lovely! I just learned how to line a dress but im struggling with invisible zippers. Hopefully I'll get to your level one day! <3
That dress turned out so lovely! I just learned how to line a dress but im struggling with invisible zippers. Hopefully I'll get to your level one day! <3
I love this version! Especially the fabric choice and eyelet border around the bodice. I've had navy on the brain lately. I've also been thinking about trying to make my own cropped jacket, so I'd love to see what you came up with if you make one!