Make It: Another Summer Maxi

Did I already tell you I would be sewing up multiple maxi dresses this summer? If not, I am. You've been warned. After I made the 20 Minute knit dress, I decided I liked the fact that I didn't have to wear a strapless bra with it so much that I wanted a maxi dress in the same style. All of my maxi's are halter or tube on top so I always have to go strapless. Sometimes, you just want to be able to wear a regular bra. I know you ladies out there feel me. I didn't list any dimensions here because they were custom for me. But, I'll give you a maxi length trick. Hold the top of the tape measure at your shoulder and then stand on the other end. Your panel measurement should be the length right on the outside of your foot. Guaranteed to have a long enough skirt and accounts for seam allowance at the shoulders.

I purchased this printed polyester blend from Joann's and treated it like a stretch jersey using a ballpoint needle. I had the whole dress sewed when I decided I really didn't feel like making the casing for the elastic. I tried a technique I'd seen elsewhere but won't link to because it failed....miserably. Then, I decided I'd give shirring a shot. I already had the elastic thread so I just went for it.

When shirring, you wind your bobbin by hand with elastic thread (mine was Guterman). Your top spool should be loaded with normal thread. I stitched 4 separate rows around the bustline and giggled with glee as the fabric started gathering just like I had hoped it would! I will say that I probably ought to go back and do a casing with regular elastic too. The shirring does gather/stretch but if it were the waistband on a skirt, I would often find it falling down.

For a much more thorough explanation of shirring and a full, detailed tutorial, check out Make It and Love It's post. She knows her stuff! She also has a bunch of awesome tutorials for all levels of sewing expertise and her name is Ashley, so of course I like her.

And a couple more photos of the finished project for your viewing pleasure.......

My Bro-in-Law asked if my neighbors think it's weird that John takes pictures of me in the backyard. I have never seen them watching us but, I've also never asked them either.

The draping in the back was accidental (an overestimation error in measuring) but I LOVE it. Makes me feel like I know how to drape fabric, even if it didn't happen on purpose. I have yet to debut this dress in public but I'm calling it a success.

Extremely comfortable fit allowing for over-snacking? Check.

Ability to wear a regular bra? Check.

Guess that about covers it!

Update: Linking this week to Tatertots & Jello -- come check it out!