I made this dress from some fabric I bought for one dollar a yard in downtown LA. i would say it’s some sort of polyester viscose.. I’m trying to be more conscious about where my fabrics come from as I have been reading about the negative impact textile factories in developing countries are having on the environment.
This fabric came from a higher end designer who donated it to the FIDM Scholarship store. All funds go to fashion design students in need so I love buying there not only for the incredible deals, but also to help struggling students.
I only had two yards so I couldn’t exactly match the stripes.
The top from=nt pattern piece was way too low and revealing for Isabelle so I drafted a new front by tracing one of her tops. Easy Peasy!
This dress was SO easy to make. I made it in less than two hours…
It’s not exactly couture. the hems are just turned down and stitched with my double needle. I used the rolled hem feature on my serger to make a really quick hem
isabelle is visting France this summer and I have been sewing her up some easy to pack items to bring.
This pattern is am A plus!
Pattern Description:
A long gathered skirt maxidress with an option for a tank top bodice or a crossover bodice.
Pattern Sizing:
XS to XL
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
This is a dress that is very simple to sew up and the directions are fine. I sewed it in a little over an hour.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I felt the tank top top was actually TOO revealing for once. I usually have to lower necklines and tighten my patterns to give them a little more style. In this case I had to redraft the top, raising the neckline and widening the shoulders because my daughter was too revealed in the original pattern top.
Fabric Used:
A stretch matte ITY jersey fabric with large painterly stripes.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
As usual I ignored the pattern sizing instructions and cut the dress in an extra small because I’m not a fan of all of the added ease in commercial patterns.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I plan on trying this pattern in another fabric with some more design tweaks to it. It’s a great basic maxi dress pattern.
A long gathered skirt maxidress with an option for a tank top bodice or a crossover bodice.
Pattern Sizing:
XS to XL
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
This is a dress that is very simple to sew up and the directions are fine. I sewed it in a little over an hour.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I felt the tank top top was actually TOO revealing for once. I usually have to lower necklines and tighten my patterns to give them a little more style. In this case I had to redraft the top, raising the neckline and widening the shoulders because my daughter was too revealed in the original pattern top.
Fabric Used:
A stretch matte ITY jersey fabric with large painterly stripes.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
As usual I ignored the pattern sizing instructions and cut the dress in an extra small because I’m not a fan of all of the added ease in commercial patterns.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I plan on trying this pattern in another fabric with some more design tweaks to it. It’s a great basic maxi dress pattern.
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I love easy sew dresses…I sew for my babygirl a lot too but when she wears the clothes she’s not here! lol….your daughter’s dress is nice! 🙂
Gorgeous. I love your fabric choice. Fast easy patterns are the best, I have a short attention span and will throw something into the UFO pile if it takes too long!!
Yes sometimes Si can only wrap my brain around a quick ptoject
Great fabric, great dress, great setting. Way to go!
Love the color and the fabric drapes nicely. Great job!
Great dress & I love the fabric!
Beautiful! I saw this pattern last night and I almost got it. Now I really regret not getting it. WHAT?! $1 a yard?! What a deal… fabulous job, Justine!
Thanks Venus! fIDM is a treasure trove!
cute, I love that fabric!
Thanks Kate!
Looks great! Love, love, love the fabric and can’t believe what a deal you got on it!
Beautiful! I love the print and the cut of the dress!!!
-Ash P
http://distractedashley.blogspot.com
I just got this pattern and was planning to sew it next! But (I’m pregnant) and my stomach got a little bigger, faster than I expect it to. I don’t want to have it stretch out and not be able to wear it post-baby. I’m glad to see it sewn up, there were no reviews online just a few weeks ago.
This would make a great maternity patter.
Justine, I love this dress, it looks fantastic on Isabelle.. She is gorgeous.. And I really like that the stripes didn’t match.. It looks swirly and just perfect.. Hope Isabelle has a great trip to France, and enjoys it..
That is a lovely dress! The fabric looks like it moves so beautifully.
Great photos too! Im loving this dress! I’ve been trying to be conscientious about fabric shopping too. Mine is more for the economy than the environment, but I think both are noble! I wrote a post I’ll publish soon…it’s about fabric shopping in Dallas and what has happened to the u.S.
I linked up at your party, I missed last week 🙁 glad to be back. Thanks for hosting it! I love it because it’s ALL sewing….
Beautiful dress. Those large-scale stripes are just perfect for the maxi-length.
I LOVE this style and have a similar gathered waist maxi on my cutting table. The fabric you chose is gorgeous, and the colors are so flattering on your beautiful daughter.
That’s an awesome fabric. Your daughter looks great in her new maxi.
That looks beautiful! Thanks for the reminder of the excess ease built into patterns. I’m going to sew this one after many years being out of making garments. Your review has been extremely helpful and inspiring!