I made this dress in three hours from start to finish, including cutting out the paper tissue pattern. It's a Butterick 3349, a vintage 70s kimono sleeve pull-over dress from Butterick's fabulous Sew & Go collection. Try this Google search to see more patterns in this range. They're forerunners to the modern Japanese sewing book designs with clean simple lines and loose easy-fit shapes. Instant gratification sewing!
I used a heavy Japanese dragon-fly print cotton which is more subtly beautiful than these pictures show, it has a textured slub weave.
The dress came together rapidly to the amusement of Instagram friends. I made two small changes to the pattern – the turn up cuffs felt too heavy and businesslike for the soft kimono sleeve, so instead I finished the sleeves (and hem) with a bias binding; I also added two small front pockets. I love the fact that it was so quick to make and is comfortable to wear. There will be more of these on the way!
