I have been wanting a Chanel style knit dress with a flounce so I pulled out this oldie but goodie pattern. The charcoal grey wool jersey has been in my stash forever and I was so happy to delete it from my inventory!
I previously altered this pattern for a full bust but knew I’d need more circumference since the wool jersey has much less stretch than the knits I used previously. I added 1/2” to each seam tapering to nothing at the sleeve hem. I also added decorative bands at each seam and finished the neckline and sleeve with bands to tie it all together.
My original plan was to embellish tue dress with black pearls but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that what I really needed was a simple, basic dress so the bands were my way of taking it a bit beyond the pattern without making it too distinctive.
This pattern is pretty easy to pass over, I know, but I’ve made View B four times now and it’s a nice, simple dress that’s very flattering, goes together quickly and pairs well with various jacket styles.
Gigi Sews 
It’s a great dress Gigi! Thanks for sharing and glad to see a blog post by you!
Gigi, Very classic and elegant LBD (in charcoal)! Your bands are an understated but significant detail. I resist flounces, but they are terrific in a serious color! Yes, very glad to see a clothing blog from you — always interesting!
This pattern is not listed anywhere in Buttrick patterns any idea where to get one it is just what I have been looking for
You might try eBay or Etsy. They are both great for out of print patterns!
Beautiful interpretation, and now this pattern is on its way to me. Could you point me towards a resource for making the “bands”? Not that I want to slavishly copy you, I’ll make it in a different color 🙂
I cut the bands on the cross grain 2” wide plus two seam allowances so they would be 1” wide finished. I hand basted them on at a 1:1 ratio so that they wouldn’t stretch as I sewed them on.
Thank you, these bands elevate the dress to something special, beautiful addition.
I am always hesitant about flounces as I am still working on getting my proportions balanced. I love this for you and cannot wait to see it with your jacket!
I made a dress for my daughter from this pattern 10 years ago; never thought about using it for myself. But that’s a fabulous dress…hm….
A beautiful fall dress! Thanks for sharing those little details that made it special. Abbey
Flattering neckline. This is a dress you can dress up or down. Good job.