I wear a lot of fitted dresses to work, but this section of my wardrobe only features ready-to-wear garments. I was delighted when Love Sewing Magazine asked me to review Butterick 4386, so I could add a ‘me made’ sheath dress to my collection!
This is such a versatile pattern and a real wardrobe staple. By changing the sleeve length, adding details such as waist ties, pockets and collars or simply by using a different fabric, you could create a huge variety of looks. I wanted my dress to be smart and sophisticated, so I opted for the long-sleeved version with a draped waist detail.
Harriet very kindly gave me the fabric for my dress - I chose the beautiful Lady McElroy 'Spearmint Haze' stretch triple crepe. I absolutely loved the minty background and the unusual antique style floral print, which features all of the warm autumnal colours that I adore. The fabric is amazing quality and it gives the dress a wonderful shape, while also skimming over curves very nicely!
Initially I cut the pattern in a size 12, which the body measurements on the pattern instructions recommended for my 34” bust. I measured the pattern pieces and realised that it was going to be far too big, so decided to make a toile in a size 10. This didn’t give me the fitted style I wanted, so I sized down again and made an 8 for my final version. I took the side seams in a little at the waist and out a little at the hips to get a really good fit, but I made no other adjustments.
The instructions were really easy to follow and the construction was very simple. The only slight change I made was to swap the invisible zip for an exposed one to give the antique-style fabric a more modern look. I think the sparkly gold zip tape makes a really nice feature and complements the pretty colours beautifully.
I’m delighted with my finished dress – it’s so comfortable and flattering to wear and is a great addition to my wardrobe. I’m already planning a short sleeved version for the summer.
Many thanks to Love Sewing Magazine for allowing us to use images taken for issue 64 of the magazine, which goes on sale in the UK on Thursday 21st February 2019.
All thoughts and opinions are my own. You can see more of my sewing through my Instagram account @stitch_make_bake.