I’m not ready to officially start sewing for summer yet. I still have a some cooler weather clothes I want to make but when I saw this abstract linen and viscose print at Minerva, I had to have it. I am part of the Minerva Maker team which means that Minerva provides me with the fabric of my choice for a project of my choosing in exchange for a blog post on their website. To date I’ve been very happy with everything I’ve received from them.
I chose to make Butterick 6446. I never noticed the pattern until my neighbor Kathy made this dress for herself. I’ve mentioned it before but it’s worth mentioning again; I’m lucky to have a neighbor who is also a sewing buddy. It’s fun to know that someone else is rocking the sewing machine just a few doors down from me.
I wasn’t sure how the combination of linen and viscose would wash but there was no need for concern. The fabric washed beautifully and was a pleasure to sew. I like how this fabric drapes.
The pattern was straightforward to sew. I added 3/4″ to the bodice and 2″ to the skirt. The pattern calls for only lining the bodice but I lined the skirt as well. I used a cotton voile for the bodice and a cling-free polyester for the skirt. I was worried that the skirt would get hung up on the cotton voile lining while I was walking.
Though this was a simple dress to make it was not without drama. When I tried the dress on to measure for the placement of the eyelets on the belt, the invisible zipper broke. This has never happened to me. I was VERY upset. I took out the zipper but since the dress was completely finished I could not see how I would get an invisible zipper back in. I decided to go with a lapped zipper. I had not installed one in years. It went well and I’m happy with the result. I referenced online tutorials to refresh my memory.
The pattern offers a sash for a belt. I’ve been taken with covered belts and buckles ever since watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I love her wardrobe and noticed that many of her dresses have covered belts. One of the advantages of sewing my own wardrobe is that I can customize my projects. Adding covered belts is my latest customization.
Awww, I’m so flattered to be mentioned in your blog post Lucy. But, I’m actually the lucky one since I have learned so much from you and your amazing sewing skills. I am forever grateful for your sewing advice, the generous use of some of your patterns, and especially your encouragement. That dress is truly special!
Thank you Kathy. Let’s agree that we’re both lucky 🙂
I love this dress! Thank you for the review. I will definitely be adding this pattern to my collection. I don’t think this pattern would have ever caught my eye while scanning the catalog at the fabric store; however, your dress certainly has!
Thank you Shirley. I didn’t notice the pattern either until one of my sewing friends made it.
love it
Thank you Josephine.
I love your dresses and other sewing makes and the choices in patterns that you make. I would love to see your face without the very dark sunglasses. Whenever you take a picture without sunglasses, I rejoice as you have lovely eyes and I get a better sense of you as a person.
Thank you Lynne. I have a sensitivity to sunlight so I wear sunglasses most of the time outdoors. I take them off on occassion but I usually can’t last very long.
That’s a knockout dress: dramatic fabric in a feminine silhouette! And thank you for sharing the drama: I’m always a bit reassured that it isn’t just me when I hear of other sewers’ trials!
Thank you Joan. I know what you mean about hearing from other sewists about their adventures/misadventures.
Wonderful!
Thank you Nina.
there are so many wrap dress patterns so I never noticed this one but it is very pretty. you’re ready for spring!
Thank you Beth.
Your dress looks so much better than the Butterick dress on the model. I love everything about it.
Thank you Vivian.
Gorgeous!!
Thank you!
Beautiful! What a pain with the zip though.
Thank you Vicki. It sure was but at least I am happy with the dress so it was worth the extra effort.
What a great print!!!!
Isn’t it?!!! I love it as soon as I saw it. The colors are so vibrant.