Following a Dress Pattern: Butterick 5982 (Ongoing Project)

So I purchased this dress pattern last year, and never started it. Until now!  Ever since Hancock Fabrics closed (RIP), I haven't been into doing sewing projects since I would have to drive across the bridge to go to Joann's. This project is a long time coming, so I'm glad I broke the seal and took a look at this pattern.  Unfortunately, I had already messed up before even starting it!  I bought the wrong sized pattern!  And since it has been a while since I purchased it, and also I'm too lazy,  I had to look at the smallest size and trace 2 sizes down with a pencil.  Already this extra step is annoying but at least I learned something.  For some reason I thought the pattern had all the sizes on there, but it did not.

As far as following a pattern, I have done so before, but this is the first time that I'm following a pattern that isn't a one-size-fits-all sort of garment.  The last time I used a pattern was for an apron.  So as far as sizing, I didn't really have to be precise.  Since this is a new thing for me, and I know it is a project that will probably take me a while to complete, I thought I'd make blog posts about my experience. I'm pretty much learning a lot as I go, and watching youtube videos on the pattern-following process along the way.  It would benefit me if I have this experience on record for future reference, so HERE. WE. GO

So instead of cutting out the pattern straight from the pattern paper, I decided to trace it onto another paper and use that.  The reason for this was I figured its a very classic dress, and I might want to make it more than once.  If I cut it straight from the pattern paper that was given, it will not last that long since the paper is so thin.  Also, what if I need to make one in a different size?  What if I spill coffee on the paper and it disintegrates?!  What if my dog eats it??!  At least now, I have an og copy just in case something like that happens.

Anyways,  tracing 2 sizes down, and then transferring the pattern to another piece of paper was a project in itself, so so far that is all I did.

The pattern is the Butterick 5982 dress.  It includes 3 styles: One is a sleeveless boatneck dress.  The second is the same thing, except the skirt has 3 tiers of color.  And the last style is the same as the first but with a v-neck and short sleeves.  It also has a pattern for a matching belt with a cute little bow in front.  I chose to do the first style.  To stay organized, I wrote down which pattern pieces were needed for that specific style, and how many fabric pieces were needed to be cut from each piece (including lining pieces).  The pattern pieces already include seam allowance, so I didn't have to worry about figuring that out. (yessss)

If you are tracing a pattern onto a different piece of paper, it helps to run a highlighter onto your specific size so its easier to follow.  I used a tracing wheel to transfer the cut lines to the paper.  You're supposed to use carbon paper as well, but I didn't have that on hand, so I kinda had to hold the paper up to the light and see where the marks were on the paper.  Lol!  Just another item I needed but didn't have so I had to make it work somehow.  :::adds carbon paper to Daiso shopping list:::  I was also careful to transfer all the pattern notations so I don't mess it up.  Some stuff I don't understand, but I guess I'll look it up later.

'Til next time!