I whipped up this dress just in time to get a bit of wear during our recent cold spell! Florida winters are super mild but every once and I while I just want something cozy to bundle up in. This Butterick dress B6388 in navy ponte does just that.

I made my version in a straight cut size Small (8-10) which is smaller than my usual size but fits almost perfectly. This ponte was a dream to sew, smooth and not too beefy. I kept everything simple- all serged seams after sewing the seams. Only the hem was top stitched on my coverstitch machine.

The instructions on this one were easy to follow. My only change was on the interior I connected the pockets together with hand stitching to keep them in place better. I love the curved seams in the front and insert pockets. Plus that back curved yoke is just lovely. Next time I’ll take a dart out of the back neck collar as it gapes a bit. The shaping really elevates this simple sweater dress.

All the details:

Pattern-

Butterick 6388 , Size Small (8-10)

I cut my pattern smaller as the pattern is listed as semi fitted in a knit and I was worried about excessive ease. As you can see below I’m around 5″ bigger then the pattern measurements so I’m glad I sized down.

• measurements on pattern= 31.5-32.5″B, 24-25″W, 33.5-34.5″H
• my measurements= 37″ B, 29″ W, 39″H

Fabric-

British Navy Gateway Ponte from Marcy Tilton

from the website:
A new fabulous ponte found on my recent NYC buying trip in response to customers who want ‘Eileen Fisher’ type ponte in basic dark navy  Beefy, but not thick, mid weight, with a smooth hand and malleable drape, 4 way stretch. A beautiful quality in the ideal rayon/nylon/lycra blend, a fabulous basic that is perfect for both tops and bottoms, for pants, jacket, vest, coat, structured dress or skirt. A natural for wardrobing and travel. Make a mix of tops and bottoms in this fabric to wear together and as separates.

I’ve had this fabric in my stash for over a year. I couldn’t decide what to make with this. Originally I planned on pants/leggings but made a ton over the winter so decided to try a pattern in my stash that I hadn’t made yet.

Today I’m enjoying the lovely cool weather of probably our last cold spat before summer heats up! We’re spent almost every weekend at the beach lately- the weather has just been beautiful. I’m already on to summer makes now so I’m glad I had a chance to get photos of this dress before its unwearable until next year. I will say our short winters really keep my winter wardrobe in pristine shape. I wear everything so briefly but it’s so nice to pull out every year.

What I’m most excited about right now is my garden. We just replanted our entry at the new house with some gorgeous scented gardenias, some crotons. I also planetd a ton of flowers from seed that just got transplanted in: zinnias, sunflowers and Japanese indigo! I’m so excited for my budding dye garden. In my regular flower beds I have lettuce, spinach, herbs, radishes as well as a pollinator mix of dye flowers started. I’m so excited to get back to natural dyeing. I think that’s what I’ve missed modt lately with my sewing practice. Between all the moves and renovations as well as my new job I’ve not been able to do much dyeing at all in the last few years. I’m so excited to get back into it and have tons of future plans to setup a dye space on my patio.

Back soon with more finished projects and my Spring Break Sewing Plans! Happy sewing!