Hello friends!
What are you sewing for summer? I wanted to show you the Lisette for Butterick B6661 pattern made up in a different fabric than what’s featured on the pattern cover. So I chose this salmon-y orange linen from my stash. I barely had enough, so I had to get a little creative with the skirt layout, especially since I wanted it to be long.
I’ll tell you what: if you don’t have to cut the bodice on the bias, don’t. It really is more challenging to work with when it’s cut on bias, and it would be much easier to turn the grainlines 45 degrees so you can cut them on the straight grain. My linen is very lightweight and quite open in its weave, and the stretch of the bias meant that I needed to take it in quite a bit when I fitted it. So if you’re going to work with the bias, choose a stripe and make it worth your while!
Beyond that, the dress is fun to sew. Because of my limited fabric, I cut the skirt on the cross grain, which means the linen doesn’t hang as nicely as it would have on the warp, but I think it will relax over time (and with a little heat and humidity). Also, you’ll be so happy that the construction for this style allows you to adjust the straps at the very last minute, just before sewing them at the shoulder. That way you can make sure they’re exactly the right length for you. I adjusted mine a bit and am happy I did.
Have you tried this pattern yet? You can pick up a copy for yourself right here: Lisette for Butterick B6661. And if you make it show us how it turns out, OK? Tag it #B6661 and #sewlisette so we can find it.
I’ll be wearing this dress a lot this summer! In fact, I’m off to find my biggest sunhat and a book.