Butterick 3762 - Pattern Review

I was looking for a simple dress pattern for my granddaughter for her birthday/Christmas dress.  I had already bought some very busy fabric, so I knew I didn't want a busy style - and since the Butterick patterns were only a dollar (JoAnn's, Black Friday), this was the one I went with.

I'm not really sure that I ought to call this a 'pattern review' since I changed several things about it, didn't follow the directions, and don't know yet whether the size is true or not, but here goes.



As you can see, I really did choose some busy fabrics.

I hope the dress isn't too long for Miriam.  She's turning six next week and I tend to think of her as a toddler when she's not around.  Oh well, if it doesn't fit now, she can have Christmas in July.

Piping.  I love piping.

I also love buttons.  Especially since I figured out how to do one step button-holes on Bro.

And to take it to eleven, a matching purse.  

Now for the pattern review.  This was a nice basic dress pattern.  My biggest complaint was that the pattern called for using bias tape as the neck facing.  I put it in, but ended up ripping it out and making proper facing pieces.  Here's a list of changes I made:

• added coordinating front waistband.
• added coordinating sash.
• added piping to waistband, sleeves and collar.
• added coordinating band to hem.
• extended back bodice pieces so as to make an overlap for buttonholes and buttons.
• made front and back neck facings.

I know that sounds like a lot of changes, but the only one that I felt was really required was the neck facing - everything else is optional. 

I mailed the dress off to Miriam today, and I'll have Stephanie post a picture of her in it on her birthday (or soon thereafter).  If it seems like the pattern is fairly true to size, I would definitely recommend it.