I actually made this dress (extremely last minute, as usual) for my friend Robyn's wedding, whose wedding dress I made and blogged about here, so you've already seen a pic of me in it. I'm adding a few more pics, though, and wanted to share how I spliced it together.
The skirt is using the pattern of the overskirt in Butterick 4790, the Walkaway Dress. This was one of the very first patterns I used, and the very first Retro Butterick pattern. I really loved the shape of the skirt, especially how most of the fullness was on the sides and back.
Of course on the original it splits in front revealing the underskirt, but I just decided to use it as a regular skirt pattern and attach it all together (with the addition of an in seam pocket! All full skirts should have pockets!)
For the bodice, I used McCall's 6599, altered the neckline to a bit of a sweetheart shape and omitted the sleeves. It's not a particularly retro style, but it was just the simple princess seamed bodice I wanted.
I used a cotton poplin with a simple small blue floral print all over. The princess seams made it extremely easy to adjust and fit well. I fully lined the dress with a cotton muslin.
I have been SO pleased with this dress, it is hands down my favorite. I wear it all the time, and it is extremely comfortable. The cotton breathes well in the Texas heat, but it's easy to throw a sweater over for cooler weather as I did during our trip to France this past summer!
It looks great with a belt or without, with a cardigan or without, and I've even thrown a sweater on top so it looks like a top and skirt. I just love the abundance of skirt and how it swishes when I move. I think I love this dress most of all because I feel like it fits me the best of any garment I've ever made, which makes me want to keep sewing and working at getting the best fit possible for all my clothes! It really is amazing how great a well-fitting garment makes you feel.
