Review: Butterick 6351 | Rainbow Cutout!
12:00 AM
While I was browsing the designer spring/summer collections online, I discovered these fabulous stripe dresses from Dolce and Gabbana.
source: Net-A-Porter.com
I loved all of the elements of the dresses and the striped fabric and I decided that I could make this look work for my everyday life. And I knew the perfect pattern I would use to execute my look.
I picked Butterick 6351 and found this fabulous Italian Multicolor Striped Cotton-Lycra Sateen fabric from Mood Fabric.com because crisp stripes are the perfect way to add drama to a summer wardrobe.
I cut the size 14 in the C cup. I added an inch to the length of the bodice for both front and back. I also pivoted the horizontal underarm dart around to a vertical waist dart. There was nothing wrong with the fit of the bodice. I changed it simply for aesthetics. I wanted my stripes to match as closely as possible at all seams.
So I felt that dart move worked out best for me. I tweaked the fit somewhat. I typically cut slightly larger and just make nips and tucks wherever needed. I took in the sides a bit to refine the bodice fit.
For the skirt, I cut the same size and added an inch to the length. As you see this time, I strategically placed the stripes vertically. Such a slimming effect.
I added the band to the skirt and flipped it back to horizontal. And the dress has an elastic waistband in the back of the skirt.
The stripes were pretty simple to match because it is a large enough scale pattern.
The dress is partially lined at the bodice. I used a white cotton batiste from my stash. The dress has a side invisible zipper.
The only thing I don’t really like is the elastic back waistband. I don’t understand the point of that if it has a zipper. If I make this again, I’ll eliminate the elastic waistband and waist gathers and change the skirt portion and use a simple pencil skirt with darts and a waistband.
When I tried the dress on, I didn’t like how the back of the bodice didn’t lay right. It kept falling open, exposing my bra and it just overall looked sloppy.
I just ended up slipping stitching it down.
Even with the changes I made, it didn’t take a lot of time to make this dress and the fabric was incredible to work with.
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20 comments
The stripes look fantastic running in two directions. I love the peep of skin on the rear view too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Gail!
DeleteErica,
ReplyDeleteLovely summery dress.
Thanks for the tutorial. Can you share with us the steps for completing the base shape at the waist of the new dart........why do I always get it wrong??
I traced around the base of the original dart. Thanks Marysia!
DeleteHi Erica,
DeleteOf course, sorry you can tell my brain wasn't switched on!
I think this is a great summer dress and like you, I would switch the skirt pattern too.
Enjoy the sunshine days.
Sometimes you have to step back for things to make sense! It happens all of the time.
DeleteI love this dress and you look beautiful as you always do. The happy colorful stripes remind me of a chewing gum I used to get as a youngster (was it Juicy Fruit?). Anyway, it's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tomasa!
DeleteI love your changes to the pattern. I agree with your thoughts about both the flappy back bodice and the excessive need for the elastic back... no need. Your resolution for the bodice was a great idea, you can't even tell it's actually separate pieces. You worked your awesomeness with those stripes! Just an overall great choice of fabric/pattern. Beautiful workmanship as always. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alethia!
DeleteEriCa, I've kept an eye on your blog for a long time, and I gotta tell you--you are one stunning woman! Your daughter takes after you too. You put things together so well that I just went thru your blog back several months looking for a pattern for the off-the-shoulder blouse with ties. Stunning, as usual!
ReplyDeleteAwww! Thank you so much Gail!
DeleteLove this! Amazing stripe matching. I plan to make the pants version (probably shorts, it's hot out!) , any tips on the elastic removal? Would I just dart at the waist to compensate for the extra fabric?
ReplyDeletePersonally, I wouldn't bother with modifying this pattern to do that. I'd simply just add my favorite pencil skirt pattern to the bodice. Thanks!
DeleteI just got the pattern and I think I am going to eliminate the gathers and elastic at the back as in your suggestion. This dress looks fabulous on you! Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny!
DeletePlease help me? I'm working on the pattern as well, and I'm stuck on the casing in the back. How do I sew the casing? I'm so confused by the pictures in the instructions.
ReplyDeleteHi SSL! I'm trying to sew this pattern also! And am stuck at the casing. I can't make heads nor tails of it. Did you ever get a response, or find out how this is supposed to work? I have contacted Butterick, but no response yet.
DeleteYour version is really lovely. I'm about to work on this pattern now and I agree with using a simple pencil skirt instead of the skirt it comes with. Maybe it will work better as a jumpsuit? I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteExcellent. I was confused by the elastic/zip combo too - what's the point?
ReplyDelete