Butterick 5030 Wrap Dress

I chose this pattern to make as my latest Minerva Fabric project. I was gifted this fabric from Minerva since I’m a Minerva Brand Ambassador. Butterick 5030 wrap dress seemed like the perfect pattern to pair with this gorgeous exclusive viscose linen.

The Pattern

This dress pattern is described as a flared wrap dress below mid-knee and semi fitted bodice. There are variations for neckline, sleeve and collar. I made View F which has the flutter sleeves. This one doesn’t have a belt or sash. The pattern says to use a purchased belt.

My Sewing Process

First, I didn’t make any alterations to the pattern itself. I cut out size 18 on this one and started to sew. Because this is really a wrap dress and not a mock wrap, there basically isn’t anything to hold the dress closed. The pattern says to use hook and eyes (just at the waistline). I chose to use snaps on mine. I felt they would be more secure. Also, I added additional sets of snaps so there are four total on mine.

There are two sets of snaps at the bust line/bodice and two sets at the waist.

It’s possible to add inside ties to the dress to keep it closed. There are different options you can use that the pattern doesn’t suggest.

As it was a bit windy when I took these pictures, I can tell you that adding a large safety pin or something to keep the front skirt closed can be helpful, unless you are trying to have a Marilyn Monroe type moment.

The Pattern And Fabric

Butterick 5030 wrap dress is a pretty quick make. It took me more time that usual simply because I added the sew-on snaps (done by hand).

Butterick 5030 wrap dress front with belt

The fabric I used for this is fantastic! Viscose linen blend is breathable and about a medium-weight fabric. It really has a great drape to it as well. I chose a fabric called “Pollen Passion” and can be viewed here. If you are like me, you want material that will wash and dry well. This one does both! Although the material was soft when I received it, it got even softer after washing and drying. However, be forewarned that there is a lot of lint that will come off.

Butterick 5030 wrap dress belted back view

Here is another dress I made as a Minerva Brand Ambassador that I truly love.

Conclusion

Great fabric and terrific pattern! I hope you will give at least one of these a try.

Butterick 5030 dress Simplicity 8546

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Knit Dress With McCall’s 7561

This is my latest make. I was gifted this fabric by Minerva Fabrics. It’s a loop back French terry stretch knit. It is perfect for sewing this knit dress with McCall’s 7561 pattern. Although this is a beginner sewing pattern, it did present come challenges.

The Pattern

The pattern is from 2017 and is described as a close-fitting, pullover dress with back, sleeve, neckline and length variations. It’s a nice, basic pattern that has a lot of potential. But I did have several issues with it. First and foremost, there are no measurements on the pattern pieces or on the pattern envelope. Even a beginner will need to know what size the finished garment is supposed to be.

The Changes

With that in mind, I chose to go with the large, but do alterations. I found the bodice length to be incredibly short (by 3″-4″). Because of the short bodice, I added 4″ (although I could have gone with 3″).

Since I was making View A/B, I made the length of the dress 5″ longer. To me, that was perfect!

Although I graded to a wider waist, I think I should have added more. That probably would eliminate the puckering at the waist along the back.

For the sleeves, I used the lengthen/shorten line as my sleeve length.

While the instructions call for simply turning under the neckline, I added a neck band. This gives it a nicer finish and made it just a bit higher.

Overall, I do feel this is a cute pattern. Personally, I prefer the Moneta dress I made a couple of years ago. I did have to make many of the same adjustments to that pattern as I did to this. I would definitely refine the alterations the next time.

The Fabric

The fabric is exclusive to Minerva. It is very comfortable, soft and easy to sew. This is a medium weight knit with good stretch and recovery.

Until next time…

McCall’s 7561

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Making A Classic Little Black Dress

I want to share making a classic little black dress with you. I haven’t made anything like this in ages, so I was happy to add something that I really needed to my wardrobe. For this project, I pulled out a pattern I’ve had in my stash for quite some time – Simplicity 1417.

This is a pattern from 2014, so it’s not terribly old (in my opinion). But the style is so classic that this can be made anytime.

The Pattern For The Little Black Dress

Simplicity 1417 is an OOP pattern that is one from their Amazing Fit line. It features princess seams, a slightly flared peplum, a waist seam, and pattern pieces for B, C, D cups. The point of these pattern details is to give the wearer some shaping and fit options.

There are also some sleeve options with a sleeveless, tulip sleeve, and cap sleeve. I made the cap sleeve option which is View B (and the one on the pattern envelope). This is the perfect pattern for making a classic little black dress.

Instructions are detailed for those who need extra fit advice or help. 1″ side seam allowances make fitting the dress an easy process.

My Dress

I used a linen rayon blend that I bought from Fabric dot com (it’s an Amazon company). There were no fit issues with mine, so it was an easy process. I did not make a muslin first because I really felt confident that I could get a great fit.

The main difference with min is that I attached to peplum to the outside of the garment, rather than attaching it in the seams (which is how it’s supposed to be done). Instructions call for the peplum to be lined, which is unnecessary. I do recommend that you read through the instructions first to be aware of the process.

Here is the YouTube video I did on this particular dress:

By the way, you should follow me on YouTube as well 😉.

This is definitely something I am so glad I made. I believe I can get a lot of use out of this dress.

Here are some other recent dresses I’ve made.

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