"The Knit Dress Alternative"
I don't want to sound ungrateful, knit dresses have been good to me.
Right now, I need less of them but I still want the ease of wear and versatility.
I decided to try out Butterick 5600.
When I saw this fabric at joanns, I remember holding it like "the best kept secret" until
I got to the cutting counter.
The Fabric itself is a cotton that is dyed to look like a straw color linen, the white motif is the original color of the fabric. Its light but not opaque, so you get the look of linen without the wrinkles.
You know I love my belts, but I did go back and forth with the idea of adding the elastic tie belt and casing on the waistline.
I decided to leave it out.
I feel like this look is very trendy right now so I figure if I kept it simple, it will stay longer in my closet.
I like that its on the fringe of being "safari style" with the sleeves and color but without the pockets. This Dress is Short, I added an inch more than the original length.
ACCESSORIES
Coral bracelet from ebay, Simulated Amber, wood and pearl string bracelet made by me and Belt from NY&Company.com
GARMENT PHOTO
VIDEO
Love this dress. I just started to buy this pattern friday when they were on sale but decided I didnt need another pattern. LOL! This looks great on you and the print on the bottom gives it that extra special touch. Oh LOVE the belt!!!
Posted by: DD | April 03, 2011 at 12:04 PM
This is such a pretty dress on you and I love how you used the border print to add a distinctive touch to your version of the dress. I actually have this pattern and need to move it further up my to be sewn list!
Posted by: Carolyn | April 03, 2011 at 12:44 PM
I might have to make a trip to JoAnn's. They take Hancock coupons no?
Posted by: Serenity Earth | April 03, 2011 at 01:39 PM
I have this pattern in my queue; So thankful for your review. It's really pretty on you.
Posted by: Marla | April 03, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Hi, love that dress, and the fabric too. I think its super slimming on you - have you lost weight? I need to go out and buy this pattern now, as in right now! Rachel
Posted by: Rachel | April 03, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Girl you are pulling some beautiful garments! Loving that dress on you. I will be adding that pattern on my list.
Posted by: Jada | April 03, 2011 at 04:43 PM
This is one of my favourites of all times. The dress is great, but made from this fabric is total perfection. The print just lifts it into something else. The accessories are perfect, too. I adore those shoes and the pop of bright in your bracelets are wonderful! You look gorgeous.
Posted by: Carol | April 03, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Toya,
You look lovely in this dress. Excellent work!
Posted by: Melissa | April 03, 2011 at 06:48 PM
I have admired that fabric on several occasions, your dress looks fabulous
Posted by: Lori | April 03, 2011 at 08:57 PM
I really love your style. This dress including the styling and jewelry is smashing! Everything about this look screams perfection.
Posted by: Susan aka Knitters Delight | April 04, 2011 at 02:29 AM
Really great use of a good print! It's not easy making the best of a border.
Have you thought of making a square shoulder adjustment? It'd make the neck like flatter against yours..
Posted by: Marie-Christine | April 04, 2011 at 04:47 AM
That fabric is STUNNINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!
Posted by: adrienne | April 04, 2011 at 09:06 AM
I love it Toy! The whole look is fabulous on you. Hmmm...I may have to re-think making a skirt out of that fabric. You just gave me another idea! ;)
Posted by: Ericka | April 04, 2011 at 11:02 AM
You look fabulous... and love the idea of omitting the elastic.... great accessories.
Posted by: sheila | April 04, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Great dress! The fabric is lovely.
Posted by: Kelroc | April 04, 2011 at 05:16 PM
I just bought that pattern last week! I'm soooo glad you posted this review! I love our fabric...very, very nice selection! Beautiful work...I can't wait to make mine! By the way, I'm in love with those shoes!
Posted by: Myra | April 04, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Honey I love this dress!! The fabric/pattern combo gives me a new outlook on this pattern.
Posted by: ebony | April 04, 2011 at 08:18 PM
This is a very nice look on you. The fabric is too cute.
Posted by: Scheryka | April 04, 2011 at 10:03 PM
Toyyyy!!! That dress is super great! Perfect as always. Awesome fabric..and umm what size shoe is that (I'm taking them from you).
Posted by: Kisha | April 05, 2011 at 06:24 PM
You look so teeny tiny in this dress. Your whole outfit is GORGEOUS. I love the placement of the belt and the shoes oh the shoes, I have to get a pair. You are making me crave shirt dresses. Keep it up, your site encourages me often.
Posted by: angie | April 05, 2011 at 11:28 PM
Loving this dress, you always pick the best patterns and fabrics. I wish I could find fabric like this at my Joann's. I used to have more than one Joann's in the city I live, but then they decided to close one and kept the one that is the furthest and never really had a variety of anything. Is the fabric a cotton blend or 100% cotton?
Posted by: Kathyann | April 07, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Lovely dress, you look great in this! I love the border print and your accessories! You're looking good girl!!!
Posted by: Victoria Baylor | April 10, 2011 at 07:30 PM
Lovely dress. The border print is perfect for that shirt dress. Love it!
Posted by: SenaSews | April 11, 2011 at 03:55 AM
Carolyn referenced your dress in her recent blog post so I had to come see! I really like your dress. It is "safari" with out the pockets. Great job!
Posted by: Linda L | April 14, 2011 at 05:41 PM
Girl this is too cute! I have this pattern and can't wait to make it.
Posted by: Dei | April 14, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Nice!
Posted by: mad14kt | April 15, 2011 at 11:18 PM