Checkered linen early summer dress

Checkered linen early summer dress

• 6.15.2011

I made a cute little dress for this early summer sun/clouds/sun/clouds weather we've been having.  I wanted something fresh and light, but bright summer colors and big florals didn't seem right.  I had some of this checkered linen (can't tell if it's navy or off-black, can't tell if the other color is white or ivory) and turned it into a little frock for late spring.

I even added a bow at the waist--for some extra detail and fun!

I combined a couple of patterns to make it: the midriff panel from this fave, Butterick B4915:

And the bodice top from Butterick B5317 (but instead of darts below the bust, I gathered):

Warning on that pattern above--the fit is off.  I used it for one of my bridesmaid dresses also, and had the same problem but didn't quite recognize it till now: even if you cut out smaller than your size, it is too big.  This can be fixed to some degree by taking in the side seams, but the problem with this pattern is the front is so wide that the straps just get farther and farther apart as you take in the sides.  To make it really fit I would have had to create a center front seam and take out 1/2"-1" or re-cut the front.  Just a warning.  Measure the width you want before you cut, and you may have to move the center front fold over a little when you cut to make it fit!

I wore this little dress to a graduation party for my fiancé over the weekend.  It kind of has a vintage flair, but doesn't speak too loudly... I didn't accessorize it much.  Eh?