Butterick 6351 is deceptive. It’s described as a tulip shaped, open-back dress/jumpsuit. 

It was the open-back style that drew me in.

The line drawing helped me decide this would become my Summer pattern of choice.
Erica Bunker did an amazing version of the dress, inspired by Dolce and Gabbana.

I tested the tulip skirt version using a caramel coloured Hawaiian floral print after applying a few adjustments to the pattern pieces. 

The V-neckline was my redrafting and isn’t part of this pattern.

The key failing of this pattern is the elastic waistband and zipper combination.

See how the zipper teeth are showing next to the elastic. 

I so much difficulty closing the zipper when I put on this dress so in the end I kept the zipper closed and the dress was just at easy to get in and out of.

Above is my solution to the zipper/elastic waistband combination. I’ve added an internal button and button tab.

I did sew down the back of the back so the hibiscus print matches.

I wore this version in Brisbane last year when Marjorie and Jenny took Luci and I out fabric shopping. 

We had a fun day exploring here at Selective Fine Fabrics. We seriously could have spent more time here but we had Frocktails on that night. 

Here’s one of the dresses I made using fabric I bought from Selective Fine Fabrics. 

I have two more pieces to make from that day.

After wearing this dress version for the day, I was able to figure out the bodice parts to tweak.
I’ll show you the test jumpsuit version of this pattern next.