Butterick 4974 | A Blue Halter Sheath Dress!

12:00 AM


Every year since this pattern has been released, it's been in my "to sew" pile.  And I'm just now getting around to it.  And I want to kick myself because I absolutely LOVE this dress!  I can't believe I foolishly kept pushing this one to the side year-after-year.
This is Butterick 4974 which is OOP, but currently available on the website (well, temporarily unavailable right now). The description is: Close-fitting, above knee, lined halter dress has straps attached to back with purchased rings, side seam zipper and back slit. 
I cut the size 14 and graded to the 16 at the hip.  But since I used a jersey, I could've stayed with the 14 all of the way.  I lengthened at the waist 1 inch and 2 inches at the hem.  And I omitted the zipper and the back vent.  But I did fully line the dress.
The back was the biggest draw to this pattern.  That's what made it different and why it was a "I must sew this right now" make.  
I got my rings from the jewelry making section at Joanns.  And I had to tweak the fit of the underarm by taking it in to prevent gaping.  I also had to pull the neck straps a lot tighter than suggested.  And yes, this dress is (strapless) bra-friendly.
Once again, I used another color of the ponte nylon knit from Hancock Fabrics in Bali.  I love this fabric! According to the website, it's available in white.  If I can't find it in my store, I just may have to order!  It's the perfect weight to prevent see-through.  And I'll probably be making this dress again.  I have to make up for lost time you know!

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38 comments

  1. I too have pushed this project aside and had the pattern for years! I even have the rings and fabric for the project (for years) I guess I got to get busy on this! I really forgot how pretty this dress is! Thanks for the inspiration again!!

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    1. I can't believe how many years I put off sewing this! Now I want to wear this dress everyday! LOL Thanks Carol!

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  2. Anonymous3:06 AM

    You look fantastic once again, Erica! What a great colour for you. And the pattern is unusual... a great match. Bravo!

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  3. Fabulous dress. Oh, I also like your neat twist hairdo!

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  4. Oh this is really pretty! I love that color!

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  5. nice! This dress has tons of style!!!!

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  6. Wow, that back is killer sexy!

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  7. Beautiful color and beautiful dress!

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  8. This is gorgeous. What a fantastic colour!

    What did you use to line the dress? I've never lined a knit dress but I bought some jersey that is just a bit too sheer to leave unlined.

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    1. I lined it with very think polyester interlock. Thanks DanaRose!

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  9. Love the entire outfit.

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  10. You have killer arms and legs, and I love the dress.

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  11. You look all classy, and then Bam! you turn around and knock our socks off with your coolness!!! Those shoes are just perfect, great pairing!

    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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  12. What a beautiful color and back!
    You are lucky that the weather allows you to already wear summer clothes. I wish I could do the same.
    Anyway, I love your blog, I don't post comments often, but I am always interested by what you make, very elegant, modern and colorful!

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  13. Anonymous7:37 AM

    That dress and color is gorgeous and gorgeous on you! It's funny how we put a project aside for months/years, but once it's done, you really wonder why you didn't get it done sooner. I just pulled one of mine out the pile yesterday and it came together so quickly that I was like "That's it? Really?" Anyway, it's JUST starting to get decently warm here in NY so I'm working on some summer dresses now. Can't wait to wear them.

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  14. Very cute! Love the back detail.

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  15. The whole look is beautiful. I love how the dress looks with the shoes. One must strut when wearing this. :-)

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    1. Yes, it's definitely a strut dress! LOL Thanks Body Design!

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  16. This one is def a winner and great color too!

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  17. Beautiful dress, love it!

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  18. Absolutely gorgeous on you! The color is so pretty, I had to go right to the Hancock site to check it out. When I did, I found that your color looked more like the one they call Fiji. Colors on computer monitors can be so deceiving, I just want to make sure before I order some. Thanks!

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    1. I love that fabric! Thanks Imb09!

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