It's still July - one more maxi for the 2015 Maxi Dress sew-along. It's been a fun and very laid-back kind of sew-along. Just my style, and I've enjoyed the Facebook group tremendously. Lots of new friends. Some of them blog, and some don't. It was great. Many thanks to That's Sew Amy and Sewn by Ashley for hosting the event and getting us together on FB. And on social media, #maxisewalong.
Speaking of one's style, I made the Simplicity 1804 maxi dress earlier this year, when I was trying out patterns for my Mother of the Bride dress.. I was not at all convinced that I even liked my version. The print on the fabric just didn't feel like me. Of course, I had ordered 6 yards of it, so I was a little disappointed.
So what happened? I've been wearing this all the time, grabbing it when I need to go out and about, and don't want the bother of a top and bottom. I even like the print now. The fit is fabulous - slightly shaped in the torso, nice gathers under the bust and across the back. It was time for another version, this one in coral and black tribal print cotton jersey from Fabric Mart.
Yes, it is just as bright in person as it appears here - this is definitely orange, not coral, and I love it. Orange, orange, orange...I'm a sucka' for orange fabric.
As with the first dress, I sewed View B, and trimmed the Medieval point off the sleeve. I really like the resulting, slightly belled, effect.
When I'm not posing, the inside of the sleeve doesn't peek out...
A few more sewing notes, pretty much the same as for my first version. Since all these changes are already in my working pattern, this was a fast sew - I almost whipped it up!
- Added 1 7/8" to bodice length.
- Raised front neckline 2 3/8".
- Lowered back neckline 1/2".
- Applied 1/4" twill tape to the first 4 inches of the shoulder seams, for stabilization.
- Did not add elastic to the waistline seam.
- Used tricot knit interfacing in the facings.
- And finished the edge of facings with 3-thread serging.
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| Fuzzy photo. I guess the camera sneezed. |
The knitting in progress is the Quick Sand Cardigan by Heidi Kirrmaier, available on Ravelry. It's a top-down/no-seam sweater, which I love. I used to knit pieced patterns, but no more. I've collected circular needles in all kinds of sizes and lengths, and I just knit away.
This is a wonderful pattern, with just enough changes and counting to be interesting but not too demanding.
Here's something 'old' and very appealing. I'm using my Mom's row counter - it has a very narrow, spring-loaded measuring tape in between the counters. What ingenuity.
Coming soon - the Pattern Emporium Harem pants. Great pattern.
Ciao! Coco
I can totally see what you mean about The Wire- love Tom Wolfes narrative style in that book.
ReplyDeleteYou look comfy and cool in these- brava!
Great looking dress, perfect for summer.
ReplyDeleteI understand, I love all the views on the pattern envelope. Another great dress.
ReplyDeleteAnother great fabric for you -- you look great! I'm not a knitter but it looks like your sweater is also going to be very nice:)
ReplyDeleteI do that that is a winning pattern/dress for you! It looks nice and very comfy. I like that sweater pattern. I've promised myself I'll finish the one on the needles (that I haven't worked on in months--it's too hot to have yarn in my lap right now) before starting another. Have you knitted any other of this designer's designs?
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely. I know what you mean when adding to the bodice on a pattern like this.
ReplyDeleteThis. Orange-y color is so pretty on you. Great outfit.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I liked that pattern so much that I accidentally bought it twice, but have still not made it up. Good to know your alterations on this for reference.
ReplyDeleteLove this dress! Color really suits you.
ReplyDeleteLovely dresses, orange really suits you. And I love your pattern alterations, which make this much more wearable and less lounge wear. I never know why the necklines have to be so low on everything nowerdays.
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