Review: Butterick 5884 | The Cape Sleeve Dress!
12:00 AM
See, I've never really cared for prints. And when I do occasionally pick one, a lot of thought goes into it. Sometimes prints can be awesome and other times, you end up looking like bad upholstery. This gray abstract print is subtle and simply perfect. As with all of the Thakoon prints. And it behaved fantastic. No problems cutting, sewing or pressing. And it wears like a dream.
The description is: Lined dress has forward shoulder seams, fitted, blouson bodice, gathered waist, thread loops, invisible back zipper and self belt (cut on crosswise grain). B: single-layer back, pleated and gathered overlay (wrong side shows) extends into sleeves with seam opening, bias binding, and very narrow hem.
The dress is fully-lined (with the exception of the overlay) with a gray bemberg rayon from my stash.
The bodice has a deep-v. I didn't make any major adjustment. I just lightly tacked it so there wouldn't be any wardrobe malfunctions.
I made my usual alterations: an inch added to the bodice. And 3 inches to the skirt. This pattern is not complicated, but I did rely heavily on the instructions for steps like adding the overlay/cape sleeve part. And if you sew this pattern, you MUST be diligent with your markings. You'll need them.
Even with my abnormally long limbs, I found the sleeves to be really long. There's no alteration line, so this is something you'd just have to figure out. I just pushed mine up and kept it moving. And I'm sure you noticed that my belt is no where to be seen. I ran out of fabric and barely had enough to get the dress cut. Hey, it happens!
All in all, this is a fabulous dress that I'm sure will be one of my favorites of the year.
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65 comments
I always want to buy patterns after I've seen your versions of them. I'm sure I have said this before but Vogue & Co really should hire you as a stylist and model.
ReplyDeleteThanks AllisonC!
DeleteI ditto with AllisonC...This is a fab dress and looks fantastic on you. I need to consider this one now. It is really cool!
DeleteThanks Laurie Lou!
Deleteyou look great
ReplyDeleteThanks DaResInt1!
DeleteAwesome! Your dress is gorgeous and you look stunning in it. The backdrop for this review is breathtaking and so very fitting for this dress. Marvelous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda!
DeleteI totally agree with Allison's comment. I would not have looked twice at this pattern had I not seen yours. I love it! It looks beautiful - perfect style and fabric combo. I too am very picky about prints, but this is gorgeous. Thanks for posting. Rachel UK
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel!
DeleteFbulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bunny!
DeleteGreat looking dress! You definitely make the pattern look much better with the subtle print.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!
DeleteBeautiful dress and, as always, I love how you've styled it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Charlotte!
DeleteLove the butterfly dress! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks onefromphilly!
DeleteYou could grace the cover of Vogue Magazine in this dress. As always you have done an outstanding job. Happy stitching Erica!
ReplyDeleteThanks Regina Gee!
DeleteBeautiful and unexpected! Love the backdrop for the photo shoot too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela!
DeleteThanks Candice!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sing!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a classy lady!! I love your style. BTW, how tall are you? I always need to make adjustments to my garments in length because of my "abnormally long limbs" as well. I sometimes find myself over compensating for my length at times. I noticed that you have a "usual" length adjustment. Do you not find that it seems to be different depending on the type of garment and pattern company? I know this is a lot, but just wanted to know from a pro with a similiar body type.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how tall Erica is, but I make about the same adjustments (depending on the pattern, 1.5-2 inches on the bodice, 2-4 inches on the skirt), and I'm 5'10".
DeleteNatalea, I'm officially 5'9 3/4", but I just say 5'9"! All of the Big 4 companies (Butterick, McCall's, Vogue & Simplicity) cut for the height of 5'6" and a B cup. I already know that the waist is going to be an inch too short and skirts and dresses are going to need to be lengthened by 3". And on jackets, they always need about an inch added to the sleeve length. And if pants are wide-leg, then they need about 6-7 inches so they'll cover my shoes and hit the floor. I do flat pattern measurements, but it's really experience and how I like my clothes to fit. Thanks!
DeleteDenise, I'm a smidgen under 5'10", so I'm right there with you.
DeleteAs a sewist well old enough to be your mom, I want to say that you look exactly like a young woman should look! Your husband and children must be so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anglow!
DeleteI actually prefer it without the belt. I think adding a self belt with those billowing sleeves (don't get me wrong, I love them!) would have been a little too much. You look lovely :)
ReplyDeleteI agree Denise. I put on a RTW belt and took it off immediately! Thanks!
DeleteOh My Gosh! This dress is fantastic !! I've been looking at this pattern since it came out and now thanks to you, I might have found my new project. I love your blog, you have so much talent, it's just crazy. Good job :)
ReplyDeleteMaude
www.mpbymaude.blogspot.ca
Thanks Maude Parent!
DeleteDivine! You look so stunning, Erica! Like others have mentioned in the comments, I totally didn't feel the glamorous vibe from this dress at first glance. Your print selection is perfect! Are you going to wear this as a day dress or is this a night out on the town?
ReplyDeleteI'll wear it when the mood strikes! Thanks Rosanne!
DeleteOmg Erika, this is beautiful! Your print is perfect for this silhouette too! No resemblance to upholstery here! Now, I must have this pattern!
ReplyDeleteThanks Noriecreates!
DeleteLOVE! LOVE! LOVE! the dress and shoes!!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Deborah!
DeleteThat is a beautiful dress; the entire outfit is gorgeous. I can see it being worn at a wedding.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nylse!
DeleteGreat Grecian look among those columns.
ReplyDeleteThanks Faye!
DeleteLove the dress. It's perfect for a June wedding. I have not sewed in 20 years. Maybe I should pick up my Singer!!! LOL.
ReplyDeleteI am following you via bloglovin.
http://mykurves.blogspot.com
My Kurves, it's just like riding a bike! Thanks!
DeleteFANTASTIC dress!! I love the flowing sleeves!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sallie!
DeleteAs usual Gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Divamazon!
DeleteReally Ms. Erica? You just gonna hurt 'em like that huh? Lol
ReplyDeleteToo hot!
LOL Thanks Miss Lele!
DeleteLove this dress. Is it as breezy and cool as it looks?
ReplyDeleteAnd... LOL at Kim Karadashian's dress - that is horrible! Her dress looks like has gloves... she is completely ungulfed in that awful thing.
It is meli88a! Thanks!
Deletevery cool dress! So unique. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Emilie!
DeleteGorgeous dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila!
DeleteAnother stunner! Love this dress.
ReplyDeleteThanks SEWN!
DeleteHey dear I really like your blog! What about following each other on bloglovin and Google + ? ...just let me know :3 <3
ReplyDeleteNEW POST!
www.OntoMyWardrobe.com
I am in absolute love!
ReplyDeleteWow, gorgeous dress. Love the cape detail, makes the look so special (in a good way).
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your deleted question: Yes, I am just that good. That's why it's called an INVISIBLE zipper. It's not supposed to be seen.
ReplyDelete