Python Universe [ Butterick 6318 ].

I have nearly forgotten to write about the third and last project I made for my NZ trip last month. It’s nearly a month ago now and a lot has been occupying my mind and time. In addition, this global virus pandemic is causing stress and worry for everyone. I’ll be happy to put that aside for a moment and just talk about sewing here.

I recently purchased some soft, colourful cotton sateen from Ellie Whittaker Studio. Ellie is a fellow Queenslander and of course I want to support local as much as possible! Her designs are fun and cheerful and are printed onto high quality fabrics, including swim lycra! Anyway this fabric I bought is called “Frizzle” (sold out) and I just managed to buy some while they were available. I wanted to choose a pattern that would show off the fabric, and Butterick 6318 seemed to be suitable.

• Pattern:  Butterick 6318, a 1961 vintage reproduction pattern, rated “Easy”. I made View B with contrast waist tie.
• Size made: Included was Size A5 (6-14), I made size 6.
• Pattern pieces: 7 pieces.
• Fabric used: 
  • Dress fabric: Ellie Whittaker “Frizzle” cotton sateen [100% cotton, 145cm width, 3m length, unknown country of origin, purchased from elliewhittaker.com
  • Waist tie: Scrap fabric from my stash, unknown composition (probably polyester), 140cm width, 1m length, unknown country of origin, purchased from Spotlight, I think.
• New Techniques used:
  • Not completely new but it’s been a while since I’ve inserted a lapped zipper.
• Modifications:
  • Shortened dress hem by 12cm.
  • I matched the bodice and skirt side seams – the pattern instructs you to MISMATCH them on purpose. After I matched them, it decreases the gathers at the front and increases the gathers at the back, but it’s not noticeable.

Butterick 6318, a vintage reproduction of their 1961 pattern. View B is with the contrast waist ties.

 

The pattern is rated “Easy”. There are no set-in sleeves.

 

The Ellie Whittaker fabric has pythons and planets on it, how fun! I placed one of those snakes front and centre. The notches on the waist tie and bodice sides are super important, so mark them accurately. This is because the waist ties are sewn to the bodice before the skirt is attached, and it is easy to clip the waist tie when sewing the skirt to the bodice if the notches are not marked correctly.

 

This is the back of the pattern envelope. From the line drawings you can see that the bodice side seams and skirt (side) seams do not match intentionally.

 

The same is echoed in the instructions. The OCD in me decided to match them instead.

 

Gathering the skirt and then sew onto the bodice.

 

The waist tie ends entirely above the waist seam. I think it is more flattering when the tie covers the waist seam, so a bit of pulling and adjusting is necessary when tying them.

 

The waist ties are very wide but not very long. Perhaps some pleats would make it look nicer?

 

Bodice and sleeve all-in-one. Easy construction. However the seams in the underarm area tend to be a little thick at the tight turn.

 

I chose this pattern for this fabric because there are minimal seam lines and really allow the print to be the focus.

 

As I said, the waist tie is very thick and once it’s tied at the back, the side view of the ties look a bit uneven. But it’s part of the look, I guess?

 

The ties are only long enough to be double-knotted at the back, not tied into a bow, once they cross over at the front.

 

I like the shape of this dress, easy to wear and flattering.

 

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And how could I NOT pair them with my python sandals?

Until next time (project)! Thanks for visiting. Stay safe everyone!