White in Winter {Butterick 5982}

Pattern:  Butterick 5982
Version:  short sleeves with no overlay
Sizing:  14
Fabric:  2.5 yrds cotton eyelet
Notions:  invisible zipper
Instructions:  simple and straight forward
Modification:  none, sized up to avoid any need for modification
Recommend:  It's a sweet little dress with a nice combination of pleats and ruffles for the skirt. 

White in winter....while some are enjoying snowy streets and sledding hills, I am enjoying a gloriously warm winter where a little white dress is perfectly acceptable for dancing under the blue sky.  This dress will see many a summer days this year, because it is perfection as far as I am concerned.


It all started with the fabric, which is a sturdy bleach-white cotton embellished with embroidered circles.  The fabric was narrow, about 40 inches, and took every inch of the 2.5 yards.  The bodice is lined in a light-weight cotton.  Besides the zipper, no other notions are needed. 

I cut the pattern at a straight size 14 for two reasons: 1) wanted a no-fuss project, and 2) to avoid a tight fit on hot days.  In dresses similar to this, I usually cut a size 12.  The top is constructed with darts and princess seams, while the bottom has voluminous gathers with pleats that create a flat center and back.  The directions are simple and straight forward; all this means a beginner seamer can find success in construction, and I have nothing to add to aid in completing the dress.