Butterick 5710 - That Fabulous Alexander McQueen Dress!

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Butterick 5710 - That Fabulous Alexander McQueen Dress! - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
With all of the royal wedding hoopla, I was reminded of Pippa Middleton's fabulous bridesmaid dress. But, since I didn't have a need for a gown, I decided I would go with the short version.
I've had these pictures of the Alexander McQueen Cowl-neck Silk Crepe Dress saved for years. It's one of those patterns that I've kept on my to-sew list, and I'm finally knocking it off of my list.
I used Butterick 5710. I had to make a change to the pattern to get to my inspiration dress. Even though I've had this pattern since it was first released, I'd never looked at the instructions. Even though the illustration on the front of the envelope and the technical line drawing gave the impression that the short version of the dress is a sheath dress... wrong! So very wrong! It was meant to be cut on the bias. That would've cause the hem of the dress to flounce out. And that is not what I wanted!
Butterick 5710 - That Fabulous Alexander McQueen Dress! - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
I cut the front bodice and drape in a size 14. I cut the front skirt in a size 16. And I cut the back in a size 16. 
Butterick 5710 - That Fabulous Alexander McQueen Dress! - Erica Bunker DIY Style!
For the back, I straightened the side seams and the center back edge. I lengthened by 5 inches, because this is drafted pretty short. And I added a walking vent. For the front skirt, I added 5 inches and straightened the side seams. I cut the bodice and drape on the bias as directed. But, if I were to make this again, I would cut the bodice on the straight grain. My fabric is stretchy enough as is, and I feel that it's not as stable as I would like. I cut the back and the front skirt also on the straight grain.
The bodice is low-cut. But not too low to wear with a regular bra. But, if you're making this and it's too low for your level of comfort, you can alter the pattern. This dress was drafted for 1/2" raglan shoulder pads. If you don't like shoulder pads, you can't just opt out. You'll have to remove the ease from the shoulders.
My fabric is a beautiful raspberry polyester crepe with stretch that I showed in my last fabric haul video, that I bought from Fine Fabrics in Atlanta. My lining is a stretch poly lining that I picked up from Jo-Ann. Even though this pattern only has 6 pattern pieces, this is a pretty fiddly dress to sew. And I added to the level of difficulty by adding a vent. But, it was a labor of love, because I really wanted my inspiration dress and I wasn't going to settle for anything less!



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26 comments

  1. This turned out gorgeous! Hope you have a spectacular occasion coming up to take it on an outing.

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    1. I do! It's called going out for cocktails with my husband! That's how you keep 27 years of marriage HOT! Thanks Irene!

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  2. Gorgeous! Wish I could sew like that.

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  3. Fabulous. I just finished watching your fabric haul, you have such great taste. I would make everything you picked, but this pattern went straight to my list!

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  4. This is fantastic Erica! It is well worth it to make your own adjustments for the perfect dress

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  5. Hi there Erica,

    This is a beautiful interpretation of the Pippa Middleton dress and I love the design made up at the shorter length, as you have done.

    The colour is really fantastic on you, by the way.

    May I ask a question, on a point of detail that I have noticed. In the U.K. we are always told that skirt vents should be left over right for ladies, and that goes for closing waistbands also. It seems that this is the opposite in the USA as I have followed craftsy courses and the U.K. teachers state left over right, but as an example Gertie also works vents right over left.

    I often wonder about these kinds of details and would love to know about the difference.

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    1. That is such a SMART sewing question. It literally made me head to my closet to examine everything with a vent or a kickpleat, and to also pull out a couple of books. The funny thing is, most of the books I have in my collection never reference which side should overlap, they just do it. I did however find an article in the Threads Magazine archives that states, "On most garments, the left kick-pleat side overlaps the right."

      I followed a video tutorial by Diane Deziel of Lasalle College in Quebec. And she does it with the right side overlapping the left. I've only added a kick pleat extension to a pattern just a handful of times. Her video was good that I was excited to be creating it for both the dress and the lining in such an understandably easy way. It's something that I'll think about the next time I do this.

      Thanks Marysia!

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    2. Hi Erica,
      I have just finished working on V1579 for the Royal Sewalong and there were more detailed instructions on the skirt vent. I have to admit it is only the 3rd time I have worked the vent. This pattern shows left over right, as you look at the back.It does get confusing during construction doesn't it!

      Your work is impeccable and I am glad you didn't mind me asking.

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    3. What a beautiful pattern! Diane's video was pretty clear and accurate. She just does it the opposite way, no confusion at all. Everyone has their own way. It's nothing to lose sleep over! As long as the outcome is a beautifully tailored vent.

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  6. What a beautiful dress and the color is amazing on you. Love it.

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  7. Beautiful dress, beautifully made - you look fantastic!

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  8. Madam, this is absolutely beautiful in every way.

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  9. Did that! The color!!!! Absolutely stunning dress. And WOW to the additional 5" that got you to knee length! LOL!!!

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    1. I’m saying! How short was it meant to be?! 😂Thanks Kisha!

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  10. So gorgeous! I love this silhouette. The way that I'm built, this silhouette always works for me. I love how much detail you pay and how you explain it all. Although I can't sew a lick I still use all of these tips when I buy clothes! I'm commenting all late because I'm catching up on all of your beautiful creations over the last month or so that I've been away from the NET.

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    1. This is my favorite dress style too!

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  11. Please help! I am sewing again after 40 years, Butterick pattern 5710. The lining is beating me up. Please help...

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  12. Sorry I didn't leave my na.3... Niki

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