Christmas in July?

Last year I wanted a red suit to wear to church on Christmas morning but I couldn't find just the right shade that I wanted so I decided to make something. Since I'd waited until the 11th hour (and I NEVER do that) it needed to be something fairly simple. This dress was perfect because it didn't have that many pattern pieces.  I did finish it in time and wore it Christmas morning. Unfortunately my beloved husband is not the most attentive photographer and I didn't want to use the picture he took. I wore it again recently so I finally have a pic for the blog.

Here's my review:

Butterick 5382

Pattern Description: MISSES' DRESS: Straight, fitted dresses A, B, C, mid-knee, have front pleats, raised waist seam and back zipper. A: self-faced cap sleeves. B: three-quarter length sleeves. C: long sleeves.

Pattern Sizing:
8-14 - I cut size 12
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?
I thought the instructions were relatively easy & straight-forward. The only part that was confusing to me was the seam binding it called for in the shoulders. Being a beginner and not very family with seam-finishing techniques I'm fairly confident I used the wrong thing - something fusible - and I ended up with an unremovable crease in one of the shoulder seams.

I read some reviews before deciding on this dress and others mentioned (1) having trouble understanding making the pleats and (2) bulkiness in the neckline where it wouldn't lay completely flat.

I didn't have any trouble with the pleats. But I did notice some bulkiness once I added the facing. What I did was opened up the center pleat and stitched the bodice to the facing. That seemed to hold everything in place quite well.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really liked the detail in the neckline.

Fabric Used:
Some type of knit I purchased from Joann. I don't think it was a ponte knit but I can't say for sure. It MAY have been a double knit?

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I added 2 inches to the length. That was just a guesstimate because I really haven't measured myself properly. If I made it again I would probably add another 2 inches.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I MIGHT sew it again. I think it would be great in black. And I always need a black dress. Yes I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion:
I am overall pleased with this dress. I wanted a red suit to wear to church on Christmas morning but couldn't find the right shade of red I wanted. So I decided in the 11th hour to make a dress. I wanted something that was fairly simple but not too plain jane and I think this dress was spot on.