Color-blocked Flannel Dress (B6332)

I have finished a sewing project. Finally!

It has been a crazy year with going back to work full time (teaching High School Math) and I just haven’t had time for crafting. Well, slowly but surely I’m getting used to my new busy schedule and getting back to my craft room.

I started this dress months ago (last fall) and am just finally finishing it.

I did not make a test muslin (I know!) but only had to make a few small changes to get the fit I wanted. Here’s how it went:

Butterick 6332 Pattern Review

Pattern Description: There are several pieces in the pattern envelope for a “lifestyle wardrobe”. I only made the dress, so far. From the pattern envelope — “Semi-fitted, lined dress (close-fitted through bust) has yokes, princess seams, and back zipper.”

Pattern Sizing: Misses 8-16. I made my usual 14 but had to make some adjustments for better fit.

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! I particularly liked how the lining was inserted. You are to stitch around the neck and armholes leaving the shoulders free. This allows you to under-stitch the lining down and then all you have to do is hand stitch the lining along the shoulder seams. Easy peasy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like the style, it is classic with a twist! The seaming is attractive and really shows off the contrasting fabrics well. Because of the seaming (especially on the yokes along the shoulders) I had some issues figuring out which size to choose since the bust is my hardest area to fit. I ended up just going with my standard size (14) and then stitching the side seams in a bit.

Fabric Used: 100% cotton flannel from JoAnn’s and some black lining. I love the softness of the flannel and it does make it nice and cozy (but not too warm). I did make sure to wash and dry the fabric on the hottest settings to make sure I got all the shrink out.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did end up changing the pattern a bit, but it was really all for better fit and not style.

• I cut about 5/8″ off each shoulder to move everything up a bit and close up the armhole. It seemed really low on me. With that change I also cut about 5/8″ off around the neck so it wasn’t too tight.
• Along the side seams I took about 1/2″ starting at the under arm, grading to about 1″ at the waist, and then back to 0″ at the hips. This pattern says close-fitted at the bust but I found that for me it was close-fitted at the hips. I could probably use an extra 1/4″-1/2 at the hips for better ease, but it fits fine now. I found the “semi-fitted” bit, particularly at the waist didn’t work for me. But my bust to waist is very pronounced so I usually have to adjust that anyway.
• I used an invisible zipper instead of just a regular zip. I like the finish better that way.
• The instructions call for a 1 1/4″ hem but I only did about 5/8″ hem. In fact, if I were to make this again, I might add 1″ in length. This is perfect when standing but does scoot up a bit when sitting.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I don’t know that I would sew it again, just because it is so distinctive with the seaming. But I really do like the dress and it will be perfect for work (although maybe with flats instead of heels). The rest of the patterns in the envelope also look promising. Maybe a linen jacket is in my future?!?

Conclusion: Great pattern that provides a little extra umpf to a basic sheath dress.