Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Butterick 5495 or The Perfect Knit Dress

I know, I know. There are many that claim to be the perfect knit dress...I've even made a few of them, and those patterns were pretty perfect at that time. But you want to know the best summer knit dress? The most perfect summer knit dress?


Along with Lori's stunning black dress, I scoured Pattern Review for more inspiration and tips on how to make this top/tunic into a dress. This particular style has been around in ready-to-wear and with the pattern companies for quite some time...and has been rather popular. Understandably so. This style is so flattering for so many different women. It could easily be added to the list of "must have's" in your wardrobe.

My version is made with a rayon lycra knit. Of course, I added some length, and did a FBA, using the same technique that I used with Simplicity 2181, which I detailed here.

The dress is so easy to throw on, and layer with a cardigan or jacket. I wore it to work and it was effortless and comfortable all day long. I just love it, and I imagine I'll put this one in the "make again" pile.


While we were at Black Lake last weekend, enjoying a very relaxing, do-nothing get-away, it was obvious that some of the trees across the lake were already turning. Makes me think of the cooler days ahead with just a bit of excitement.

I'm still determined to get a few last warm weather items checked off the queue. But after a bit of closet editing, and internet browsing, research and sketching, I've come up with some great projects for cooler weather so the fall sewing list is already reaching mountainous heights. What will there be?

Some Ponte knit garments, a jacket or two, and a dress for an upcoming wedding....and that's just the beginning!

What are you planning for Fall?

9 comments:

  1. Beautiful dress, you look fantastic. I can't believe the trees were starting to turn, I don't want summer to be over! I am with you on some Ponte garments and this Butterick pattern, too. It would look great with boots!
    BTW, really like your shoes, too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful dress! The fit is perfect and very flattering and I love the beautiful colours in that print. I haven't made any plans for fall sewing yet - I am still desperately hanging on to summer!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You did a fabulous job and on you it is the perfect knit! We would love to use it on our Facebook page: Fb.butterick.com. May we have your permission. Please email me at valeryp@mccallpattern.com.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  4. gorgeous my friend , and puglet too.

    Fall? Planning to wear a sweater i bought on super clearance from Sundance catalog...planning to knit away and kayak until it is too cold to go

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely job. Lovely blog. I bought this pattern because of your review.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This beatiful dress caught my eye on the Pattern Review website. So I had to see your blog and check out the FBA your referenced. Great blog. I love your sweaters too. Thanks for sharing. •Linda•

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Lynne,
    I didn't see your email address anywhere. I have some questions about making Butterick 5495. I have the pattern, and for sure I'll need to make a full bust adjustment.
    Can you just walk me through how you decided how much of an adjustment you needed to make? I'm new with sewing with this type of pattern and this type of knits and I don't want to wreck my fabric. Thanks in advance for your help.
    Ghijsmom

    ReplyDelete
  8. Do you prefer this pattern over S2181? I think I might prefer it, since the neckband is lower.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I get hard when i see a pretty lady where a dress like that

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you! Let's talk!