Description: Pullover A-line dress, above mid-knee length, has lined, fitted bodice, tucks at neck, pleated front and stitched hem, cut-in armholes give halter effect.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 20, I cut the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were fairly easy. just be careful when making the tucks on the bodice and the skirt.

Fabric Used: Matte Jersey.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the style of this dress. This is another of those dresses that look like a halter from the front, but provide full coverage in the back.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 3 inches to the hem. No FBA was needed because it's a knit. Had it not been for the length of this dress, I would have been able to sew this straight out of the envelope.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Doubtful that I'll sew this again, but I do recommend it.

Project Details:

Pattern: Butterick 5351, View B

Description: Above mid-knee dresses A, B, C, D have fitted or loose-fitting bodice, A-line skirt and back zipper. A, B, C: shoulder straps. A, B: front and back band. B: pockets. C, D: elastic casing above bust. D: ruffle. Purchased belts.

Pattern Sizing: 8 - 24, I cut the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy. I only occasionally peered over them.

Fabric Used: 100% Linen

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved the simplicity of the dress... how it can be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I added about 3 or 4 inches to the hem (I don't remember exactly). I made my normal FBA on the bodice. I underlined the dress in silk organza and STILL have plenty of wrinkling. Gotta love pure linen!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don't know if I'll sew this again, but I wouldn't count it out. This style is pretty classic, so who knows? I do recommend it though.

Description: Strapless sweetheart neckline with center banding; fitted through bust maxi dress.

Pattern Sizing: 3/4 - 15/16 (junior sizing). According to my measurements, I cut the 15/16.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yep... just on an adult body, LOL.

Fabric Used: I used a poly/lycra knit. I was unsure about the poly, but it was so lightweight and it draped so beautifully when I unrolled the bolt, that I had to have it. Plus, it was on the clearance table and you know I'm a sucker for a sale!

Were the instructions easy to follow? I only used them for the bodice/lining piece. The lower section was pretty self-explanatory.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The good: I am so hooked on maxi dresses right now and I wanted a strapless one. I just happened to have been flipping through the Simplicity book during the last .99 cent sale and saw this one. I had never attempted to make a junior sized pattern before, so I was leery of the sizing.

The bad: The bodice piece was cut so narrow. I didn't make a muslin (I'm going to learn one of these days)... I *attempted* a 1" FBA. It failed miserably. I didn't find this out until I had sewn it to the bottom and tried it on. The empire waist seam landed across the center of my bust. It looked horrendous! It looked like ill-fitting RTW. This dress almost became a wadder as I balled it up and threw it at my cutting table.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: After a couple of hours and a glass of wine (LOL), I tried it back on to see exactly where I went wrong. I saw that I only needed to add 2" to the front and back pattern pieces and re-cut. Good thing I ALWAYS buy extra fabric. Here is what the pattern pieces looked like after I altered them: FRONT, BACK & LINING. I also lengthened the bottom pieces by three inches.

Instead of using tricot, I wanted something that would offer the same amount of stretch as the fabric. I used a nude colored swimsuit lining knit.

ETA: I did NOT follow the instructions for the required amount of elastic. Instead, I just measured the elastic around me until I felt it was tight enough, and cut there. It was significantly less than what the pattern said to cut. This is important because I'm sure you would want to feel secure, especially in a strapless dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Nope... I will not sew this again... it's just to many other patterns I want to sew. But I do recommend. Also, if you're more than a B cup, be sure to watch the size of the bodice.

Description: Close fitting, halter tops A, B, C with front lining, front neckline variations and elasticized back.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18, I cut the 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Kinda sorta, LOL.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't use them. I had my own plan.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? While browsing the shops in the mall, we strolled into Arden B. and I saw this cute ruffle top. It reminded me of a pattern that I had seen. When I got home, I searched and found this one. It was a perfect starting point for my inspiration top.

Fabric Used: I used silk crepe that I ran across a few weeks ago on the clearance table at Hancock. It was on sale for 50% off! It was worth it because it sewed like a dream.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened at the waist by 2" and made a 1" FBA with a horizontal dart. I added 3 1/2" to the bottom in order to create a shirred bottom. Instead of using the straps to create a halter top, I criss crossed them and tacked them down. I also eliminated the lining. I cut bias strips from the fabric and bound the armhole.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably not sew this version, but I definitely will be making one of the other halters. It's a very simple patter and yes, I highly recommend this!

Pattern: Simplicity 3503, View E
Fabric: Rayon/lycra jersey

Pattern Description: Misses' knit dress in two lengths with bodice variations.

Pattern Sizing: 6-22. I cut the size 14.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sure did, minus the suggested embellished neckline.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes... I only read over them initially. A beginner could easily make this.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love everything about this pattern. I bought this pattern last year with the intent of making a maxi dress and never got around to it. I was determined this year to make one.

Fabric Used: A rayon/lycra blend that I picked up last Summer from Metro Textiles in NYC.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't do a FBA, but I did however add 2 inches of length to the front and back bodice pieces. I also added around 3 inches to the length. In my opinion, a maxi dress should be floor length, even though I see so many RTW dresses that hit at the ankle. Those are not for me. Also, the pattern suggested that the bodice, neckband and midriff should be lined with tricot. I lined with the same fabric as the dress. Also, I omitted the pockets.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will probably not sew this version, but I definitely will be making the halter view. And yes, I highly recommend this!


Conclusion: Since the mercury has risen here, maxi dresses have been all the rage. I've looked in the stores and have yet to find one that is to my liking. I absolutely love this pattern and recommend it to anyone that likes this style of dress!