Happy Star Wars Day!!  My super awesome surprise outfit is my brand spankin’ new Star Wars dress!!  The review for this dress/pattern is below.  I made it because, quite frankly, why not?!  It is definitely outside of my comfort zone, wardrobe wise but it is fun and one of a kind.

Because Eric and I are just that kind of nerdy he wore his Star Wars t-shirt today and for breakfast we made Star Wars pancakes!  A friend got Eric these cool pancake molds for Christmas a few years ago and this is the first time we have thought to use them.  The first set we made turned out alright except Darth Vader broke in half.  The second set we made did not work out as nicely.  That’s okay though because I think I now understand how they work.

 

 

Butterick B4443

 

Pattern Description: 
Dress: close-fitting bodice and slightly flared skirt has bodice variations, back zipper and is below mid-knee length. B: contrast band, tie belt and purchased flower. C: tie belt. D: purchased ribbon and bow trim. E: purchased ribbon bow.
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 don’t know, I didn’t read them. I have put this type of dress together so many times I could do it in my sleep. However, based on the other reviews the instructions do seem pretty straight forward.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the shape of this dress. Very simple and classic look. The only thing I dislike is the gaping neckline.
Fabric Used:
I used 2 yards of Star Wars print cotton and 2 yards of cream quilting cotton.
Notions Used:
I used thread, 1 22″ zipper and 4.5 yards of 1/2″ horsehair braid.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I originally was not going to make a muslin but after reading the reviews I am glad I did. The neckline of the front and back gape, a lot! I took in the center front on the fold almost 2″ from the neckline down to mid bust, narrowing it back to the regular seam allowance as I went. It still gaps open a little, so next time I may take it in more. Unfortunately I didn’t put a zipper in the muslin so I didn’t realize how bad the back gaping was until I finished it. I ended up taking each center back in at the zipper by about 1.5″ from the neckline down to mid back, narrowing it back to the regular seam allowance as I went. Those were the most significant changes I made. Other than those I also added a lining to the skirt making the dress fully lined. I shortened the hem by close to 3″ and added 1/2″ horsehair braid to the hem of both the outer shell and the lining for stability.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
In a heartbeat! This dress was such a breeze, once I got the alterations done. I think overall it took me 2-3 hours to complete. The basic style of the dress allows for so many different variations. Next time I think I am going to make a subtle v-neck for the bodice and maybe add a little more volume to the skirt. I definitely would recommend this pattern, but tell them to make sure they make a muslin of the bodice first!
Conclusion: 
I love this dress! I made it to celebrate the un-official Star Wars day, May the 4th.