I hope you all had a wonderful week. Mine was not as anticipated but good nonetheless. My submission did not take me to Round 3 of Pattern Review Surprise Sewing Bee. This left me feeling doubtful of my skill, but they may have been looking for a specific requirement I did not meet. Lets take a look at this week’s project. They all consist of the color black. It would seem that black and purple are my “go to” color. Below are the fabrics used for this project, along with links to Hancock Fabric, where I purchased them.

Ponte Scuba Skin Black and Black Polyester Fabric

Ponte Skin Royal and Black Fabric

Key Hole Halter Dress – Burda 7065

Before we get into the pattern review, here’s a little background as to why I made this dress. First, I like the design. Halters are great to show-off amazing shoulders and back (which I do have). If this is you, by all means grab or make a halter today!  Over the summer I was pinning and found this awesome photo of Blake Lively in a gold (maybe mustard depending on your screen) key-hole halter. I became frustrated trying to find a stretch fabric in this color.

I decided to go with black for now and revisit that gold color in 2015.

Pattern Description: Casual top or flared jersey dress, both backless. The notched tubes of fabric are twisted & sewn together & thus form the halter-neck. Just cross-over the pieces when putting the dress or top on.  

Pattern Sizing: 34-44 (My dress was cut at 36) 


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? Yes 


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? The key-hole, it’s perfect for chicks with strong shoulders. They rock and you’ll look fab showing it off.


Fabric Used: Ponte Scuba Skin from Hancock Fabric – see link above


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  I extended the length of the top, making sure to use a skirt block for the curve of my hips. You can also take your hip measurements and use the 1/4 measurement to form the curve of the hip on your pattern. To do this I find the waistline on the pattern and measure between 7-9 inches down to locate the hipline and form that curve. 


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes , I plan t make a top for summer 2015.


Conclusion: This is the perfect pattern for ladies with strong and square shoulders. I’ll definitely sew this again.

Thanks for Reading and Happy Sewing!

Click Here for Exposed Zipper Dress – McCalls M6988 Version C