When invited to review this pattern, I wanted to make a version I could wear over and over.
To help me decide on which version to sew, I thought about where I would wear my dress, how often I might wear it and how I would style it.
My list of occasions included a Christmas party, a church service and a meal with friends. My footwear options were heeled sandals, stilettos, mules and leather trainers.

Based on my choices, I decided to make view C, which comprises eight pattern pieces. The Butterick B6850 includes instructions for Pati Palmer tissue fitting - this was my first-time tissue fitting, and the thought of tissue fitting made me procrastinate.
However, upon reading the instructions, I quickly realised there was nothing to fear. The instructions and illustrations were clear and easy to follow. The only thing I needed for the tissue fitting was Scotch Magic Tape which I purchased online.
I graded between a size 18 for the bust and a size 20 for the hip. My fabric choice was a medium-weight cobalt blue crepe fabric from my fabric stash, which I originally purchased from Leon’s Fabrics in Chorlton, Manchester.

The only changes made were not using a hook and eye as my hair usually gets caught in it! I sewed my dress on the Husqvarna Viking Designer Sapphire 85, which features a sensor system which automatically senses the thickness of your fabric, and used the Husqvarna Viking 5mm Narrow Hemmer Foot to finish the hem of my dress. Due to my fabric choice, I used a microtex needle to prevent puckering.
The total sewing time, excluding tissue fitting, was four hours, which included a few short breaks. It has been a pleasure reviewing this sewing pattern. I am delighted with my dress and, whenever I wear it, I feel happy, confident and elegant. If you are looking for a simple but sophisticated dress, Butterick 6850 is perfect!