Last year I made a chiffon maxi which I have worn a couple of times. I do like it, but I don’t like the fact my boobs feel like they are falling out of it. Plus, you know, the hubby said it was not flattering. Pah! What do heterosexual men know of women’s fashion? 🙂
So this is this years attempt. An oh-so-easy-quick-and-breezy jersey maxi dress, made using Vogue 8921. This is an FAST pattern to sew up…it took me a morning to sew (plus, like an hour to cut out?) The fit is not perfect. But it is more than wearable.
Here’s the line drawings first:
Here’s a close up of the fabric (a light cotton jersey). Phil did say this version was nice…but the colour is “dowdy brown”…..hmmmm….I like to think it is a neutral colour, that I can pair up with lots of different accessories.
The dreaded back view:
Pattern Review:
Pattern Description:
Dress has fitted bodice with waist and front shoulder pleats, and back zipper. Necklines, drape B, sleeves B and C: narrow hem.
I made view C.
Pattern Sizing:
6 – 22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, but I did my own thing. See below.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the finished dress. It is very easy to sew. The neckline is very low. And for me, it was very long.
Fabric Used:
Cotton jersey.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I raised the neckline by 3 inches. I don’t know if this was too much (?) but I wouldn’t have felt comfortable exposing my bra, and I hate wearing camisoles under dresses.
I shortened the length of the skirt on the pattern by 2 inches, but ended up taking a further 3 inches off the length. I am 5 foot 3 inches and with some clever laying out of pattern pieces I was able to cut this dress out of 3 metres of fabric.
I ended up chopping out a huge 3 inch wedge from the centre back (after I had sewn the dress up), tapering down to nothing at the front before hitting the pleats in front, as a kind of crude sway back adjustment. If I want to sew this again I will have to adjust the paper pattern.
I chose to overlock my edges, turn them over and stitch down rather than doing narrow hems.
I set the sleeves in flat.
I shortened the sleeves by 2 inches.
I omitted the zip.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I might, and yes, I definitely recommend.
Conclusion:
Quick and easy project with great results. Great for a beginner too!
Back soon with more summer sewing….
sewmanju 
I think it looks great. Elegant yet casual and very comfortable.
Thanks Roberta. I actually can’t stop wearing it 🙂
This is a beautiful dress, very elegant…
Thank you candice.
I like it and think you did a great job. It’s very flattering. Your husband thinks he’s a fashion critic just like mine does and like you I mostly ignore his fashion critiques!
Haha thanks rachelle. I do value his opinion…some of the time 🙂
Lovely dress! Looks like you did a bit of work to get your end result, very crafty. 🙂 Fwiw, the back view of a dress can make it or break it, and this dress looks great from the back! So thank you for sharing that view.
Thanks ebi. It’s just that whole showing my rear end to the world I am not so keen on!!! But I want you to see the whole dress, just like I like to see on others.
i think that is a great summer neutral and agree with above comment, very elegant. I have this pattern too and I played around with it a bit,but have not sewn it up yet. another pattern that we both have! we have pattern ESP 🙂
Ha it’s funny, and that’s what’s great about sewing: taking the same pattern and making it individual to YOU! Look forward to seeing yours sometime.
Looks like a lovely comfortable dress. The colour is neutral and you can change the look using different accessories. Great work.
Thanks Jean Margaret.
I saw this on my tiny phone and knew I would be 3 bags of envy and 1 bag of ‘ooooh!’ I love it!
Ha thanks anne!
This looks like a really great comfortable but stylish dress, but then I’m sure you know how much I love maxi dresses!
Ha thanks Sam. Yep this is definitely easy, comfortable and makes you feel very elegant wearing it.
There is nothing dowdy about this dress. You look smashing, it is elegant, and you have styled it well.
Thanks susan.
Wow! This is fab on you! 🙂
Thanks Jen.
I think it looks great on you, and I think you could give it that pop with a red belt and some red heels or even turquoise.
Let me know if you try it.
Thanks jmajne2014
Dowdy brown?! Pish. I really like it!
Pish indeed. Thanks amy.
I love it! Looks great with the leopard bag and you will be able to accessorize it in so many ways. You really inspire me to sew!
Thanks Peggy.
You raised the v-neck 3 inches? Good call! I have this problem a lot!!! Very pretty!