by Claudine Gauvin As soon as the sun begins to warm up and the temperatures become milder, I have an irresistible urge to wear dresses with sandals. Whether at work or at home, it’s the epitome of comfort for me.
That’s why, for this spring project, I opted to make the A-line dress from Butterick B6551 pattern. This dress, straight and roomy, features slightly scooped shoulders, a high collar at the front opening, and pleats under the upper back yoke. It’s a quick and easy model to make.
For the choice of fabric, I was looking for a solid color without a pattern. My attention was drawn to Tricia’s crepe knit, a medium-weight fabric that offers a soft texture and pleasant stretch.
Right now, I’m definitely in my “blue” phase. My nails are painted blue, I often wear a blue blouse matched with jeans, and accessories like scarves ranging from blue to turquoise hues, attract me. It seems that every shade of this color charms me.
Blue has this wonderful ability to soothe the soul. It’s often said to evoke feelings of calm, serenity, and peace. No wonder it’s frequently found in relaxation environments such as bedrooms or spas. It’s as if this color has the magical power to envelop us in a bubble of tranquility.
The assembly of my dress went fairly smoothly. Each step was very well described in the instructions, which greatly facilitated my task. However, I had a moment of concern when it came time to attach the collar to the neckline of the dress. At first glance, it seemed too long, and I feared I had cut my piece the wrong size. Fortunately, once sewn and turned right side out, the collar turned out to be perfectly fitted.
To be completely honest, I should have reconsidered the depth of the armhole from the start, as it was noticeably too pronounced. Even before cutting the front and back, I should have thought about shortening the armhole. It’s a mistake I tend to make quite often, actually. To address this issue, I ultimately decided to cheat a bit by choosing larger seam allowances on the sides, but still, the result isn’t perfect. It’s a lesson I’ll remember for my future sewing projects.
As for other adjustments, I simply added 2 and a half inches to the length of the dress, and I made 8-inch openings on each side for more comfort.
This dress model is truly versatile. Ultra comfortable, I believe I will wear it often. I love the bare shoulders and appreciate the convenience of being able to slip it on without a zipper. It will pair perfectly with a denim jacket, a pretty scarf, elegant sandals, or even sneakers for a casual yet chic look. In short, it’s the perfect little summer dress, easy to sew and easy to wear.
