When I was given the opportunity to make this Butterick B6551 pattern I jumped at the chance, as I was drawn to its clean lines and summery look. I made my version in a floral viscose from Rainbow Fabrics that had been in my stash for a while, waiting for a chance to be used!

I was drawn to its clean lines and summery look

I opted for version B, with the open collar and low curved front and back hems. I am only 5’ 2” so as a petite sewist I always have to alter my patterns. My sizes are Bust 36”, Waist 30” Hips 40” so I decided to make size medium (12-14). I needed to shorten the pattern by 6.5 inches, which I did by taking 2 inches from the waistline and 4 inches from the hem. When I first tried this on after making it, I made some more adjustments to fit. I increased the slit length and needed to take in the side seams by about 2cm to fit my silhouette a little better.

I enjoyed sewing this up, but at one point became stumped by the collar. It seemed to be too long, but after studying the instructions again I realised the collar needed to overhang by quite a way on each side to fit. I decided to make my own bias binding from the same material, which was quite fiddly with viscose. I made 1 inch bias binding and used my bias binding tool to make the two folds. I sewed one ¼ inch fold to the right side and then topstitched it in place.

Overall, I’m really pleased with this summer dress I have now added to my wardrobe. I have already worn it to a special friend’s wedding ceilidh party and it swooshed brilliantly all night!

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Find this pattern and lots more inside Love Sewing Issue 110 - Out Now!

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