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To me, the McCalls doesn't seem much different then the Simplicity--mabye just the belt tie? I'm not sure. The Butterick seems to have slightly slimmer sleeves, but I think any of the changes that the McCalls or the Butterick has could easily be adapted into the Simplicity pattern. So I would save the $1.99 since the patterns seem so similar--and save the $$ towards fabric --maybe for a muslin so you can try adaptations all you want!!

I think the Butterick version( which incidentally is along the same lines as the Burda WOF 2005 nod)is the best rendition.
The dress IMHO works best just taking the essence of the original.The style is important but crucial is the fabric choice and combinations, as most of the home sewn ones in cyberspace are quite horrid , with jarring colour combos and stark /dark panel contrast.
Enjoy

Gosh this dress is everywhere, all magazines. Lucky us that we can make one just how we like it. What will be your colors? I saw one version at a dress a day blog that was very cute.
I was trying to avoid..but now I am tempted, once again. I am thinking to make (if that comes on top on my endless sewing list) the waist a little lower..do you think will work?

Sorry to be so un-enlightened, but where did the name "Duro" come from?

IMHO, it will not en-duro! :-)

HAha you are funny.
I guess the name of the dress Duro comes from the Designer that created the piece (dress). I learned that from Stacy. Click on the link (on her text) and you will see the original Duro dress.

Sorry if I am filling up the board. But I had to mention that I just saw another Duro pattern from simplicity..A version for larger sizes 4050. Enjoy everybody.

There is also a woman's sized version of the dress in Simplicity. It has a gored (non-gathered) skirt and narrower sleeves.

For regular sized, I'd go with Butterick, too, because of the lack of gathers. Just say no to gathers..

I think I would go with the Simplicity or the McCalls. It looks like the Butterick has set in sleeves, and the others have the kimono sleeve. If you're going to make this very distinct style, you really should stick to the style. The other one might look like you're trying to be trendy and safe and conservative at the same time.

In the end I would probably choose the Simplicity, because they show a shorter hemline, which I think this dress might need on a smaller person.
Just my HO

I am personally always very skeptical of patterns that show only a drawing of the dress on the envelope, rather than showing an ACTUAL GARMAENT on a model. If you look through the big pattern catalogs at fabric stores you will see that the ACTUAL clothing item seldom looks like the "idealized drawing" of same item that may be show on another page. They can be VERY different!

The main reason for Pattern companies to use drawings is to get the pattern out quickly if it is a "hot" item, before they have even had time to make a decent sample and photograph it. That may also mean the pattern is not well-tested yet.

note to Anary - I would NOT lower the waist. The dress is flattering because of the high waist.

Also, we shoud all make the dress soon because it may be just a fad look rather than a defining change in the silouette. But, who ever knows! It's a great late-summer-into-fall look, anyway.

I neglected to comment on the actual dress!

Since I am just old enough to have sewn other versions of "big-sleeve" dresses in the past, here are some thoughts:

Notice that in the various illustrations and photos of this dress the models usually have their arms extended or at least held away from ther bodies. Most of us don't wave our arms around all that much! The fact is that big old wide sleeves WIDEN your silhouette quite a bit, especially if you are short. The Duro model's arms are craftily posed, and also visible through the fabric, which helps the "look" seem not so bulky.

Based on past sewing experiences, I would choose airy fabrics as in the Duro, or drapey ones. Nothing structured or very stiff unless you want the sleeves to look like lampshades. The thinner/taller you are the more you can get away with in sleeve width and length. The strong vertical line down the neck/bodice does help quite a bit, though.

Since similar dresses are apparently coming to "a store near you", maybe go try on a few and see what works for your body. Fold up, slim down the sleeves. etc in the dressing room. I do that when I want to try out a new fashion silhouette. It often saves me from jumping on the wrong bandwagon!

PS - Are my posts too long? Be honest! Thanks.

Hi! I say stick with Simplicity. I agree ... I trust a pattern more when I see a live model and not just a sketch. Have you decided on fabric/color? I can't wait to see how it comes out for you!

Thanks Bernadette for your advice. Nothing like an experienced angel to guide us! I agree with the sketch designs...G-d knows my drawings looks wonderful (for me at least) on paper! HAHAH.
I love your posts.
Thanks again
Anary

Thanks for all the help everyone! I finally made up my mind!

Bernadette - you can write as much as you want!