Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Butterick 4789- Doing the Twist

The summer knit dress extravaganza continues with Butterick 4789, View B, the "Twist Dress."
I'm a couple of years late to this party, but I like the dress and I thought the fabric was right for it, so I went for it.

Dang, it's hot. Even in the shade.



Okay, so about the dress. It's pretty simple- just two pattern pieces, front and back. The front pieces are interlocked to form the twist:




Yeah, if you look closely you can see some gaps on either side of the twist. Thank goodness for a black slip! I'll probably just add a few hand stitches to close those up...

Here's the back:


I love the V-neck in back. I considered turning it into a plain round neckline, but I'm glad I didn't. It's pretty and it's very comfortable- did I mention it's hot here?

I cut a straight size 16. I probably could have gone smaller- the fit is on the loose side- but 16 was the smallest size in my pattern envelope. And I kinda like it loose and breezy. I was also surprised that it turned out a little more A-line than the pattern photo. It's okay, though- I like it.



I pretty much followed the instructions as written, except that I used clear elastic in the neckline, and I bound the armholes with self fabric. As for adjustments, I added one inch of length just below the waist, and I ended up taking the back darts in about 1/4" on each side. The fit is still roomy.


I used another ITY knit from Fabric.com. This one is actually dark brown (looks like black in the photos) with cream and aqua dots. I didn't notice any funky smell with this one like the previous ones.



Yes, that background color really is dark brown. And check how my nails match so perfectly! This is Finger Paints Tiffany Imposter, a pretty aqua creme. It's a perfect color for summer. The formula was excellent, too. Two coats, with topcoat, and I was ready to go!


All in all, I'm pleased with the dress. I already wore it to road test it and it performed beautifully. Will I make it again? I don't know. There are so many other knit dress patterns calling my name. Then again, I do like the top and pants- View A and C.

My dryer is buzzing. That means more knit fabric- ready to cut and sew!

How is your summer sewing going?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your dress. I just made this one this weekend and love it too!! Unfortunately instead of going down a size I went up one which really made it too big, but I took it in alot and it is extremely comfortable and flattering. I may make it again. Also, I machine closed the opening up more once I tried it on.

A Notion to Sew said...

What a great dress and so attractive on you. ITY knit is my favorite fabric to wear in the summer.

LinB said...

This dress is lovely! I really like the twist dresses and tops. So flattering on those of us with large upper shelves. Easier to adjust than darts, too. That brown and turquoise combination is so fresh.

Cennetta said...

Great looking dress, Shannon. I have this one in my collection too but have never tried it.

sewing spots said...

Knits are so easy and fun to sew! I've enjoyed seeing yours. That is another pretty dress--love the nail polish!

Unknown said...

Great dress, love the fabric! I have two versions of that dress in my closet and get compliments every time! You will make it again, I bet!

TracyKM said...

It's a great dress! I have this pattern in my collection but after reading The Slapdash Sewist's issues, I've hesitated to try it. But maybe I will now!!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely dress. Those are some of my favourite colours too. So cool that your nails match so well!
-Sewingelle

Audrey said...

I think I have this pattern in my collection. The dress is really pretty and it looks great on you. I'll bet it's comfortable too.

gwensews said...

Another pretty knit dress! Very nice. Love those nails!

Unknown said...

I just purchased this pattern and I am a very tall sewing neophite. I must ask...did you start with the size you 'normally' wear and it was roomy, or did you err on the side of comfort and go up a size from the get go?

Thanks for sharing your insights.

Rori