Are you wondering if I've lost my mind yet? This is my third and last (well, for now) maxi dress. Am I boring you?
I did make this dress strapless which is not usually my thing but I found this great long cardigan to go with it! I added a wide natural looking belt...and that great necklace I bought on vacation :) (I'd really like to find a loooooong necklace for this dress but haven't found one I love yet so...)
Here's a quick rundown:
materials:
1 1/2-2 yards of 60" fabric
thread
1/2" elastic
Take your bust measurement and add 2 inches for ease and side seams. Divide that number by 4.
Measure from your overbust to your underbust making sure to measure over the fullest part of your chest.
Lay your fabric out on the floor. Fold one end in toward the center and the other end toward the center so that both ends meet in the middle. You should have 2 folds in the fabric from which to cut your fabric pieces.
I simply used a measuring tape to measure out from the fold my bust measurement and made a small mark. Then from that mark, measure straight down the fabric using the second measurement. (overbust to underbust) At that point, you'll create an A-line skirt to the length you want your dress.
With right sides together, sew down each side using 1/2" seam allowance. Zigzag stitch the edges to finish. While dress is still inside out, fold over the top of the bodice 1/4" and then another 1/2" to create a casing for the elastic. Sew the casing down as close to the edge as you can get. Be sure to leave a 2" hold in order to feed through the elastic.
Stretch a piece of elastic around your overbust to a point that is snug but comfortable. Cut it at that length. Using a safetypin, feed the elastic through the casing. Overlap the elastic and zigzag stitch in place. Sew hole in casing closed.
Hem the dress at whatever length you want and you're done :) Honestly, it doesn't look all that bad without the belt, but I didn't get a picture of that! Sorry.
So, what do you think? Which maxi dress is your favorite? The Sail Away Maxi, Summer Breeze Maxi, or the Water's Edge Maxi?
I love the Sail Away but my body type will not work with that one - yet! I'm working on it!
ReplyDeleteI actually just made the Waters Edge last week, I just need to hem bottom. I bought a skinny belt to go with mine looks cute!
Great dresses!! And when I reach weight goal I will be sure to come back and make the Sail Away :) thank you for sharing Julie!
Wow, what a gorgeous dress! I am so impressed... I could never figure out how to do this, haha! :)
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