A Summer Dress

Fabric used:  Sea Bubbles by Betsy Johnson from Sew Much Fabric.  I played with the print to find a portion of the print that could be matched for the front and back.  The fabric was prewashed in warm water on a gentle cycle and dried at low heat until almost dry.

Description: Dress 105 B in Burda Style Magazine 5/2013.  This dress can also be made into a top. The style is described as above knee length, slightly tapered to the hem edge, with full short bell sleeves with pleated shoulders.  The result: a chic dress for cruises and other special occasions when you’ll feel great being noticed.

Pattern Sizing: European Sizes 36-44.  I made 44 and added additional ease through the hips.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes I very much like the line drawings in Burda Style magazine.  They allow you to see various possibilities with the pattern.  

Were the instructions easy to follow?  This was a 2 and 1/2 dot rating which equates to easy-intermediate level.  The pleating of the sleeves and the subsequent facings sewn on the shoulders are tricky, but the details absolutely make the dress. 

The instructions are without pictures so I read through the instructions several times to be clear.  I also used facings and sewed the interfacing to the facing before pressing the interfacing in place which makes a very nice finish inside your garment.  As you can see in this picture I fused bias knit tape in the armholes and neckline.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the design elements of the dress and can’t wait to make a solid top.  The bell sleeves are extremely flattering.  The dress is also cut tapered towards the hem which is very slimming.  The breeze will pick up the sleeves and whisk you away.

If you are looking for an addition to your summer wardrobe that uses a knit fabric and offers some modesty and high style this pattern is for you.  

Thanks Eileen!  What a pretty and fun dress for summer.  Great job on design placement!