Yes, white jeans after Labor Day!  Not wearing your brilliant whites after Labor Day is a defunct style faux pas anyway.  Plus, I've always had a rebellious nature!

Heidi Merrick "Huntington" Dress -- Shopbop.com, $437.00

To recreate this look, I used Butterick 5522 as my base pattern.  As you see, the original design looks pretty boxy and shapeless.  I decided to use this pattern because I wanted an a-line fit.  I've had this pattern in my drawer since it was first released.  I always thought this was a cute dress, being that it was a Trina Turk knockoff.  I never got around to making it because I was deterred by the reviews I read. Most referred to the dress as being "tent-ish".  When I think of that, I instantly think "maternity-ish" and after being pregnant three times, I ran screaming from that look!  But after seeing Cidell's version, I completely changed my mind.  Sometimes you need to listen to your instinct instead of  completely relying on reviews.

To achieve my inspiration look, I first lengthened the pattern by 2 inches.  I made a 1 inch non-dart FBA and changed the sleeve to a slimmer style.  I cut the back, front and sleeve pattern pieces into block sections and created new seam allowances.  And I also used an exposed zipper because that was a detail of the original design.  I used cotton jersey fabric whereas the original used silk crepe.

I made my usual lengthening of 3 inches.  I added an exposed metal zipper and a 2 inch deep hem.  And even though the pattern didn't call for a lining, I lined my skirt with Bemberg Rayon.

If you love an a-line skirt with gathers or pleats, and whether you choose leather, faux leather or a woven -- I highly recommend this skirt!

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 16. I cut the 14 on top and graded to a 16 at the waist.

Description: Close-fitting sleeveless silhouette, above mid-knee length with princess seams in the front and darts in the back, bouclé dress with fringe bottom and exposed zipper.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? No it doesn't. My version is completely modified.

Fabric: a bouclé that I've had in my stash for a couple of years now, that was meant to be a Chanel-style jacket. I had always thought the fabric was a little too light-weight for a jacket. But when I saw this dress that I wanted to make, it was the perfect weight. I used Bemberg for the lining.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't even bother reading them. This dress is so basic. If you've at least made a dress like this once, you could make it again with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved that one of the variations included in this pattern, there was a low/scooped neckline, which I feel is much more flattering than a higher neckline that you see on a lot of sheath dresses.
I liked that this pattern had the basic silhouette of what I was looking for in order to recreate my inspiration dress.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I made a 1" FBA and I lengthened the skirt my usual 3". A cut and added a Bemberg lining because this pattern was for an unlined dress. I added an exposed zipper. Even though the inspiration dress had an invisible zipper, I thought that detail is so very Dolce & Gabbana!
And I fringed the bottom. Anytime I can eliminate a hemline, that's a great project!

Here's the back:

I'll be adding a cardigan for chilly weather: