Pattern Review - Butterick B5211 Dress

This is definitely one of those dresses that would not sell in stores.  In the hanger it looks like a sack, but once you put it on it transforms into a cute comfy dress.

Pattern Description: Labeled by Butterick as "Fast & Easy" 1 hour pattern

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 22, next time I make it I will probably cut an 20 or 18

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Easy to sew, loose fitting and comfortable.  Can easily be dressed up or dressed down with the right accessories or by constructing with a different fabric choice.

Fabric Used: Unknown, it was a med weight twill with a satin finish I had in my stash. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Lined

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, every easy dress to make.

Conclusion: Next time I sew it, I will add 3-4" inches to the length.

Pattern Review - McCalls 6243 Dress View C

McCalls 6243 View C

This is one of the submissions that I will be entering into the Mini Wardrobe challenge on Pattern Review. What I like about this dress is that it is perfect to transition into fall.  Here in Texas we really won’t start getting cooler weather until probably mid to late October.  And once the temperature drops, I can easy pair this dress with a light weight jacket complete the look.

Pattern Description: Above mid-knee, straight dresses A, B, C have diagonal seams in front, back exposed zipper and extended shoulders, forming cap sleeve; dress A has front cut-out; dress B has diagonal, exposed decorative zippers; dress C has top-stitched seams.

Pattern Sizing: I cut out Size 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, although I did not follow them step by step.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? As it was labeled, it was very easy to sew. Did not like the neckline or the length, so I made some modifications to the pattern.

Fabric Used: I used a printed Ponte Knit that was purchased online FrabricMart.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The drawing on the pattern for view C made the neckline look very tight. So I dropped the center front neckline down about 1" and the back neckline down about 1/2". Because I am tall, I added 3" to the length. I also lined the top bodice so that I could have clean, seamless arm and neck openings.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew this again, it was a very easy dress to sew and it is very comfortable.

Conclusion: Very cute dress with endless options for styling.

Dining Room Decor: COMPLETED

One of the goals for this 100 day challenge is completing unfinished projects.  One of my uncompleted projects was my dining room decor...namely the centerpiece.

It all started with the orchid flower arrangement I saw a few years ago, which eventually evolved into the idea of doing the red orchids with the peacock feathers to tie my dining room colors (blue and tan) and living room colors (red and gold) together.  I've had the flowers and the peacock feathers for about a year, before I finally found a bowl that I liked.  Now this is what has been sitting on my dining room table for the last few months, patiently waiting to be completed.

And I have a blank wall that needs "something" but I could never quite figure out "what"...so in the meantime I re-purposed an iron wall hanging from out of my office to the dining room.

Linking this post to this weeks Tablescape Thursday with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch