Chiffon, Chiffon, Chiffon - Butterick 5644

I can't seem to get enough of this fabric.  Silk chiffon, poly-chiffon or any mixture there of.  Crinkly, ultra sheer, florals, geometrics, pastels, mixed colors, solids.....you name it and I will probably like it...if it's chiffon.  I like the way it drapes the body and feels to the skin and the fact that it is considered a luxury fabric but is very affordable (especially at JoAnn Fabrics as there is ALWAYS a selection on clearance) is an added benefit!

Oh so comfortable is this dress!

Imagine my delight when I found this piece on clearance.  Of course it was down to the end of the bolt.  I think I managed to get "end of bolt" price on about ten inches or so.  The colors are rich and deep and I love that about it!

Skirt front, back and bodice back are all cut on the fold of fabric

I imagined this fabric for the top shown as View D but the closer I got to starting the project, I realized that quite a bit of fabric would be wasted so the top quickly became a "not an option" project. 

Worked careful to get the placement of the print just right!

I really like the simplicity of the top and kept imagining it paired with the print of this fabric.  What to do....what to do?  Simple fix.  I decided to add about eight inches to the hemline of the top and make it a dress and it worked!

A little "Flower Power"

Initially I thought that I wanted to drop the elastic placement more towards the waist but decided to leave it as is.  The original bow was a bit too wide for my taste so I narrowed it.  Although the pattern calls for a partial lining, I omitted it and used French seams in the construction.  The front and back neck lines, armscyes and hem are all finished with rayon seam binding.  I applied the binding prior to construction so that they too would be enclosed in the French seam. 

Exposed!

Although it worked out pretty okay,  I ended up with two rows of stitching, side by side, on the inside of the garment which I am not crazy about.  It was an interesting learning process for me.  The elastic in the waist is encased in a 5/8 " seam with a serged finish.

What I wore to church today - (minus the jacket that kept me warm during the service)

I highly recommend this pattern - even as a dress.  It is very easy and straight forward.  I hope to someday get to make an actual top (probably a different version) but in the meantime I plan on enjoying this dress.  God Bless!

C-YA!