This was one of my favorite maxidresses to wear last summer and I've worn it a couple of times this summer too. It's such a comfortable dress to wear that I wanted another one.
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I've had this red floral poly crepe in the collection for years...so long that I don't even remember where it came from. However, since it's more of an autumnal red, I thought it would make a great fall maxidress. Now that I can dictate what I want to wear and when, I've been longing for a fall maxi and this one fits the bill.
This dress was made twice last summer ~ the original and the maxi edition. While I love the short one, it is a bit fancy so I don't wear it as much. Where the maxi version is more practical, so of course, it has been worn more.
The Materials ~
3.5 yards red floral polyester crepe
14" red invisible zipper - cut down from a 22" zipper
red/white striped cotton bias binding
The Materials ~
3.5 yards red floral polyester crepe
14" red invisible zipper - cut down from a 22" zipper
red/white striped cotton bias binding
Construction Info ~
I used the exact same construction for this as I did the first maxi. Except after putting the dress together and trying it on for fit, it was too close fitting. So I opened the side seams of the bodice and sewed 3/8" side seams...giving me just enough wiggle room. The dress is still close fitting but it doesn't feel like it's pressing in on my ribcage anymore.
To give the dress a little zing I added the red/white striped cotton bias binding to finish the neckline and the armholes. On my last dress I added darts to the armholes to remove the excess space. For this version, I added a row of stitching and eased the extra in at the neckline and armholes. Due to the fabric type, there wasn't as much excess fabric.
I added some stitch witchery to the hemline, turned it up 5/8" and machine stitched it. That's it...the dress was finished!
A few more pictures ~
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...and worn with a cardigan
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It's a perfect dress for fall. While its still warm it's great with some heels and a short sleeve cardigan. When it gets a little cooler, I will add a denim jacket, shoe booties and tights. It should take me through to the end of the year and that's what I wanted in an autumn maxi.
Finally, two of the grandbabies (Samantha & Joshua) joined me on the stairs for photos.
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...as always more later!
I used the exact same construction for this as I did the first maxi. Except after putting the dress together and trying it on for fit, it was too close fitting. So I opened the side seams of the bodice and sewed 3/8" side seams...giving me just enough wiggle room. The dress is still close fitting but it doesn't feel like it's pressing in on my ribcage anymore.
To give the dress a little zing I added the red/white striped cotton bias binding to finish the neckline and the armholes. On my last dress I added darts to the armholes to remove the excess space. For this version, I added a row of stitching and eased the extra in at the neckline and armholes. Due to the fabric type, there wasn't as much excess fabric.
I added some stitch witchery to the hemline, turned it up 5/8" and machine stitched it. That's it...the dress was finished!
A few more pictures ~
...and worn with a cardigan
It's a perfect dress for fall. While its still warm it's great with some heels and a short sleeve cardigan. When it gets a little cooler, I will add a denim jacket, shoe booties and tights. It should take me through to the end of the year and that's what I wanted in an autumn maxi.
Finally, two of the grandbabies (Samantha & Joshua) joined me on the stairs for photos.
...as always more later!