When I first blogged about the Mimi Dress, from SewSewDef, I said I had another one planned. And here it is!

I was inspired by a picture of Beyonce in a gray suede zipper trimmed wide neck dress to replace the button band with a zipper. I debated between using a leopard print sweater knit or this black jersey knit but decided to go with black because I felt the gold zipper would stand out more. I definitely prefer the way this lighter jersey drapes over the heaver knit I used for my previous one.

Originally I wanted to take the zipper around the whole neckline but I couldn’t find a metal tooth zipper long enough. So instead I decided to insert the zipper along the front and simply did a narrow hem along the back.

Inserting the zipper was even easier than the attaching neckband in my opinion. I love the way it turned out and I’d love to make another one, but this time a more casual one- maybe striped.

Pattern: The Mimi from Sew Sew Def Magazine

Pattern Description: an easy to sew batwing sleeve dress with front band and snaps.

Sizing: XXS-XXL I blended sizes from large at the bust down to a medium at the hips.

Difficulty: 2/easy

Fabric Used: Black jersey knit I had in my stash

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very

Likes: Easy dress pattern, 3 pattern piece, batwing sleeves

Dislikes: None

Pattern alterations or any design changes made: I substituted a zipper for the neckband

Would I sew it again? Maybe a real casual one in a striped fabric.

Would I recommend it to others? Definitely!

Conclusion: Great dress!