A couple of weeks ago I came home to a surprise package from Latvia in my mailbox with this bundle of three wonderful fabrics inside!
As it turned out, these fabrics are gift from lovely Iveta of Wonderosa. She wrote to me last month to offer me a present, any kind of fabric from her etsy shop, Scandinavian Textiles. Thank you so much dear Iveta!
I’ve fallen in love with one particular fabric. It is medium weight cotton fabric by Svanefors Textil, a Swedish company who makes home decor fabric in wonderful design. However, I don’t want to make a pillow case or curtain with my Svanefors, I want a summer dress! You can see that I’m so rebellious.
The pattern was already set the moment I saw the fabric, it is Butterick 5601. From the pattern envelope: “Close-fitting, straight, above mid-knee dresses A, B have lined yoke, bodice and back zipper. A: back self-fabric loop and button at neck. B: back straps worn twisted and buttoned on inside of yoke. Topstitch trim.”
I made view A in size 6 on bust tapered to 8 on waist and hip. Didn’t bother to make a muslin, my alteration was only swayback adjustment on the bodice back and skirt back. The pattern already has petite lines for height adjustment so I just followed them and it came out perfectly. I hope that more pattern has petite adjustments.
Later in the fitting session, I shortened the straps about 2 cm. The pattern instruction only suggested to line the bodice but I lined the whole dress as it is more comfortable for me. The seam allowances on the waist of the dress is tacked to the waist seam allowances of the lining. I also moved the button placement in the back deeper to prevent gaping.
Other little details that I added are a couple of bra straps holder and thread chains connecting the skirt to the lining at the side seams. The bra straps holder will prevent my bra straps from peeking out and the thread chains will prevent the skirt lining from twisting inside. These are just tiny details that will make your life more comfortable.
The dress was quite enjoyable to sew and I finished it in one afternoon. Too bad it is not summer yet!
Pattern is Butterick 5601, size 6 on bust tapered to 8 on waist and hip.
What happy fabric! That will be a perfect dress for the coming warm season.
Oh, that’s so lovely! I think the cut of the dress really complements and lets the fabric print stand out! What did you use for lining?
Thank you Ella! I use rayon lining for the inside
Such a beautiful dress! I’m always impressed and inspired by how neat your sewing is: the inside looks just as good as the outside! xx
This is gorgeous! Love that bright, amazing print!
I like how you used a modern fabric! I was going to make this in a solid but you have inspired me to use a print!
Following you from Burda.
Very pretty! The fabric choice is just perfect for the pattern.
I love how different those fabrics are. I’m definitely heading over to her etsy shop! PS. the dress really suits you
Could your clothes be any more beautiful? Could you be any cuter? Seriously, I love what you make and this dress is gorge!
Love the dress especially the back cut out detail and the bra strap holder is ingenious! It looks even lovelier on you!
This turned out great Novita! Love the fabric choice too- I’ve been knowing to make “rebellious” fabric use choices as well. )
Since stumbling across your blog in my search on how to sew panties, you give me the courage to try harder projects as well. Love your new dress!
Wow! it’s beautiful, Novita! The fabric is gorgeous, happy to see it and feel warm although it’s still freezing here in Canada
love the fabric! the back cutout is really nice. i could totally use a dose of summer… it’s freezing where i’m at!
Gorgeous fabric, gorgeous pattern…I love your dress! It fits awesome, very good job!!!!
Lindo o vestido, fica muito bonito no corpo, deu até saudades do tempo em que eu confeccionava roupas.
Those are seriously gorgeous fabrics! I love the dress you made – it’s a great use of the pattern motifs. Hope your weather warms up soon!
Gorgeous fabric!!! I wish I got fun boxes of fabric from Latvia!!
I love this dress! Such beautiful fabric and the pattern is perfect for it. I hope you get some warm weather so you can wear it soon.
Cantik sekali kain dan dressnya^^
Jadi pengen bisa jahit sendiri deh. Itu bagian dalemnya pakai kain apa?
Thank you. Bagian dalamnya rayon lining
The summer is really just around the corner and you will rock in this super cute frock!
I can’t wait! But then in the middle of summer I will miss winter 😛
WOW! I’m so surprised
Very, very beautiful dress 
And thanks for the article, I am very surprised and happy
Today I will smiling all day!
P.S. Can’t expect what would You made from the other fabrics.
Hi Iveta! This is my favorite dress now, thank you for sending me those gorgeous fabrics!
I still have no idea what to do with the others, they are precious ♥♥♥
What a beautiful happy looking dress, Novita!
Thank you so much
This is gorgeous! I’ve had my beady eye on Butterick 5601 for quite some time now… but never made my move. Maybe it’s time?
Love the cutout at the back and the big bold’n’bright fabric. I would say summer can’t come fast enough… but then I’m sweltering in the heat right now!
I think it’s time!
It’s such an easy little dress with cute detail
very cute dress! fits amazing and love the fabric!
Thank you! ^_^
What a fun looking dress. I wouldn’t wait for summer – why not brighten everyone’s day by wearing it now?
I wish I could! It’s still coat season here unfortunately
Oh, of course. I didn’t think of how cold it must still be. We’ve just come out of summer in Australia and the weather is still very warm. Maybe if you wear it with leggings and a cardigan?