We’re about to get real serious with this sewing project people! Ok not really because lets face it, no sewing project I do is all that serious. I am the easy, simple, whip-it-up-in-a-couple-of-hours type of girl when it comes to sewing. But one thing that I am serious about it how much I love this new creation of mine. I’ve been itching to make myself another maxi dress, but one with sleeves so I didn’t always feel like I had to wear something over it or under it. I’ve seen many different gathered-skirt maxi dresses on the racks this season and think they are so cute. The construction looked simple enough so I thought I’d give it a try (I’m one of those weird people that always looks on the inside of garments to see how there were made).
I started with a fairly basic top with 3/4 length sleeves. I added a little gather at the top of the sleeves to give the dress some feminine details. For the bottom half of the dress, I planned to do a gathered skirt but quickly realized that a gathered, voluminous shape around my mid-section didn’t flatter my body all that nicely. I instead went with a nice A-line bottom with a thin elastic band in the waist. And instead of my usual solid fabric, I decided to step it up a notch with this bold nautical stripe print fabric from (you guessed it) Girl Charlee Fabrics. Overall…perfection!
There is just something wonderful to be said about making your own clothes. I love having the freedom of seeing something that I love and then being able to take that inspiration and customize it to fit me and all of my wants. For all of you beginner sewers out there reading this, let me say something to ease your frustration: mastery does not happen over night. It has taken me months and months of practice and failed projects to finally be able to sew more carefree. I still make mistakes and have much more to learn, but with time and practice I hope to expand my sewing capabilities. Just remember, be patient with yourself and with the process– and keep sewing!
Tomorrow I will be posting the tutorial on how to make this simple, yet classy maxi dress so don’t miss out! Be prepared to learn, be inspired, and ask questions! I can’t stress enough how much we love to hear from our readers so please leave us a note!
– SARA
Linked To:
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/03/09/sunday-best-link-party-3.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/03/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party-10.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/03/come-link-up-its-craftastic-monday-link.html
http://watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/2014/03/watch-what-im-wearing_9.html
I love how it features stripes (super trendy right now) but in a completely fresh way with the pattern! So fun! And I can’t believe you made it—-holy talented, Sara!
Alyssa @ http://www.barnwoodandbrick.com
ooh, I love this dress. I love that it’s a maxi but also full coverage. And great fabric!
Fabulous dress! I love that it has a 3/4 sleeve.
Navy Wifey Peters @ Submarine Sunday Link Party
Me too. It’s been sitting in my fabric bin for almost a year because I think the bold pattern scared me a bit, but now I love it!
You’re so sweet Lauren, thank you! The tutorial is up, enjoy!
Thank you Kim. Believe me, not too long ago I was in your shoes and you’re right…it simply takes doing it enough times to where you can work out the kinks. I guarantee that there will be a few frustrating moments along the way, but the more you sew the more enjoyable sewing becomes! Good luck!
LOVE the pattern! Great dress!
Sara, All I can say is Wow! The dress is beautiful! And thanks for the encouragement and inspiration. I started out sewing garments and would like to try it again. Your post made me realize that I just did not stick with it long enough to get good.
You always make the cutest things! I can’t wait for the tutorial!