Butterick 6021

I don't know about this, guys.  I am not loving it - fabric or pattern.  :-(

This is Butterick 6021.  How cute is that pattern envelope?  I was really drawn to the light blue version.  Flowy and flouncy and just so cute for summer.  The reality on me, though, doesn't quite translate, I'm afraid.

For starters, the narrowest part of my waist is pretty high.  Post-baby-making gut, I guess.  The elasticized waist just naturally creeps up to the around the bottom of my rib cage, and I think it makes the proportions look different on me.  I can pull it down, of course, but it just climbs back up.  The second fit issue is the straps.  They are a hair too wide-set for me, which is surprising since I have pretty broad shoulders for my size.  Also, the armholes are a bit tight and uncomfortable.  Of course, all of this could be easily fixed with a second version, but I'm not sure this dress is for me.

I do still like the hem on the skirt section, and the side view is cute.  Actually, maybe this just wants to be a fun skirt.  I could hack off the bodice easily enough and have a fun elasticized spring skirt.

 The skirt is very full...

 And it was very clever of Butterick to add a "lining" to the skirt, which is just a little pencil skirt to keep you covered during those inevitable windy moments.

With the wide set shoulders, I'm surprised they covered my bra straps in the back long enough to take a pic!  The fabric is from JoAnn Fabrics.  I really like the floral print and overlooked the 100% polyester content.  Oh, Jennifer, will you never learn?  I feel not unlike I am wearing a plastic bag.  :-(  No breathe-ability, which is kind of essential for a spring/summer dress in Florida.

I tried some accessorizing options.  Here it is with my Lesley Pullover.  These two pieces are a great match, but it was a bit bulky to wear.  This is making me really consider turning this into a skirt, though.

Here it is with a belt.  Not bad, but this particular belt is way too small for me.  Time to donate.  I am also accessorizing with a lovely skein of yarn I am planning to make into a little shrug.  

Finally, another skein of yarn.  I have enough of this for a full blown cardi, but I am thinking of some type of sleeveless top to wear with this once it becomes a skirt, because I'm pretty sure that is happening.

What do you think?  Should I go with the skirt option, or does this have redeeming qualities I am missing?  :-)  I am going to wear this with a cardi today to do the music at a casual wedding, so I'll see how it feels to wear for longer than a little photoshoot.