Thursday, August 23, 2012

Butterick 5706...the perfect sheath?

Searching for the perfect sheath dress

Meet Butterick 5706. The first version.


This is a basic sheath with several options for sleeves, neckline and hemline.

And because this is such a basic dress, I think it’s essential to try to get the perfect fit. So, I started with my muslin.

I cut according to my high bust measurement and did a full bust adjustment. Then I tweaked from there….

Added an inch to the length,

Raised the neckline by about an inch

Took in the side seams below the bust and added some long shaping darts to the front waist area.

Added some width to the cap sleeve

And I don’t know where I went wrong, but after I cut out my dress from fabric, I realized that the shoulder/neckline area was gaping. I’ve had this issue before after doing the FBA and I believe I need to go down a size through the upper bodice and shoulder. Anyway, my quick fix was to remove some of that excess with a few darts at the neckline in the back of the dress and chopping out a section above the neckline in the front, adding a seam there. Then I embellished it with a button on each side.

Doing this, I was much more comfortable with the way the neckline laid against my body. No gaping.

So, I made some final adjustments to my pattern so that the next version, made from that stunning Kaffe Fassett print should be spot on perfect fit.

I am determined to make this the best fitting dress I have ever endeavored to sew!

14 comments:

  1. You dress came out great!! The print and the fit are dead on.

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  2. This is the perfect sheath! What a great fit!

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  3. cute cute cute...I LOVE the dress. Can we vote for our favorite this summer/?

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  4. That dress looks AWESOME on you! I've become a convert to sheath dresses myself after seeing Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)look so fabulous in hers. The one I've been making is Kwik Sew 3704. I've now made 4 of them with plans for more. So easy to wear with jackets, scarves, necklaces, sweaters, etc. And there are NONE to buy that will fit me. Thanks for your blog and sharing. I love seeing what you are up to!

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  5. This dress looks beautiful on you or should I say you look beautiful in your new dress! I love how you make such great alterations and it looks perfect, as if that was your plan all along. Just a part of your design detail. The button on the front are perfect. You are a fitting master! :) Can't wait to see the next one.

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  6. Great save on the neckline - and features like these darts are 'so in' that it looks like they are meant to be there! Love the fabric - looks super on you...

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  7. This dress fits you perfectly and hugs you in all the right places (wink)! Great job lady!!!

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  8. I love your inventive design detail! I must keep this in mind should I have the neckline-gaping problem.

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  9. Lynne your sewing is great and I love the patterns in the fabric you use. I do not have enough patience to sew clothing. I always drove my mother nuts because I just wanted to get it done and not worry if it was perfect. I hope you stop by the Flower Barn, it really is a cute place, let them know I sent you. I want you to check out the prices on the Magnolia Pearl clothing and then remember that YOU CAN SEW TOO!

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  10. Looks really lovely. Jo

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  11. I love the darting on this- great colors for you, too!

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  12. I love your dress. The fit is fantastic and I actually really like your button detail. It is just a subtle detail but looks like it was meant to be in the design.... Julie

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  13. You make me hard , just jacked off to these pics

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