Okay, since the grey thread was still on the machine, I figure "why not"? I had reservations about making two grey dresses somewhat back to back but am glad to see that they are just different enough! Butterick 5640 is one of those patterns that I could only vaguely recall why I had purchased it in the first place.
Enter this corduroy: timeless, warm, functional. A fabric that is so easy to love...okay, I speak for myself. I purposely caught the "50% off of clearance fabric" sale at the end of last year at Jo Ann Fabrics vowing that it would be my last major fabric purchase...for a while. In addition to a few other great finds, I found two (really more but limited my selections to just two) bolts of corduroy fabric that I really liked. This grey and a navy blue.
The dress pattern is categorized as "Fast & Easy" AND "Very Easy" - it's true. Perhaps I should have spent more time on the fit? First off I think that the gathers are a little awkward. Especially the set on the right front...almost completely covered by the left front. Should I have adjusted somehow for no a small bust?
Next, there is something "baggy" about the arm (pit - IKR) area. The shape of the sleeve has no...for lack of a better word - flow. The pattern describes this design as "extended overarms". Hmmm...the proportions are off somehow. Could this too have been corrected by adjusting for a small bust?...I wonder.
The self-faced midriff bulk (in the back) is a bit unsightly. Although my preference would have been to insert an invisible zipper, I did not have one on hand so I went with this centered zip. Too bulky at the midriff! In retrospect, I should have "self-faced" with a different, less weighty, maybe even lining type, fabric.
In spite of all of the "little things" I named "wrong" with this dress (oh, by the way, I wish I had added in seam pockets - don't know how I missed that) there's a lot that's right with it. It's comfortable, easy to style, kind of cute and even a little sexy. Besides, if I really wanted to make another, with a better fit, I could "Fast, Easy" and "Very Eas(il)y" enough.
Oh yeah, and it's Corduroy! Thanks for poppin' in! Until next time...PEACE AND BLESSINGS!
I think your dress looks great and I love it styled with the blouse. I do think a SBA would help with the areas you pointed out.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job and I like how you styled it. TFS
ReplyDeleteThis is a very cute pattern and it looks as if it's made for you. I like it!
ReplyDeleteOh...I LOVE it. I was wondering if it would look good on me...not as good as it does on you, but...
ReplyDeleteThen I read what you don't like about it. No one would ever notice those things! It looks very nice...at least I sure think so, and I DO like those kinds of sleeves. I know YOU have to like it and I wish you would because it's cute!!!
Oh, you look so pretty in this! Please ignore the "flaws" and wear with pride:)
ReplyDeleteI love your new dress. I think it looks so cute on you. The white shirt with it, and the boots look great with it.. And as you said, what could be better than corduroy? Happy sewing.
ReplyDeleteI recognize that pattern! I'm still adjusting my wardrobe to working in school vs. an office. I made a number of adjustments to my copy and am just dithering about what fabric to use. Thanks for sharing :).
ReplyDeleteI just love black and white photos and you look great in it.
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning. I love the way you styled this dress.
ReplyDeleteWe are always the most critical
ReplyDeleteOf our own work. I think the dress looks wonderful on you. Wear it with pride :)
Its gorgeous - some of these more prim styles do look really sexy. And you always know how to style and wear your clothes so they always look great. Enjoy wearing it :)
ReplyDeleteWow you look amazing in that. Simple really can take the cake. Are your pictures professionally done?
ReplyDeleteThanks Nothy Lane! Professionally??? It's what I strive for but these were taken using a tripod. Thanks for asking!
DeleteThis is gorgeous on you! I love, love the pictures... I received the fabric from your give-away, thanks Again Terri!
ReplyDelete