Now my coat has been finished, I am free to sew a number of garments that have been forming in my mind these last few weeks. First on my list was a maxi dress made from this merino wool jersey I picked up a while ago. It’s a really pleasing plummy burgundy colour, and feels lovely against the skin. I’ve also got some in black.
This dress was a hybrid of sewing blog inspiration, initially this dress and this dress which is Simplicity 3833, a retro reprint. I must admit, I’m a big fan of Liza Jane Sews and she’s one of the bloggers that made me want to blog myself. I wanted a long sleeved maxi dress, but with some back waist detail. I used my altered Burda Lydia pattern which is a good fit for me (after a few alterations). The neckline is scooped out a bit, and the sleeves are longer than I’d usually do. My inner teenage goth demanded longer sleeves to cover my hands. Did anyone else do that as a kid?
I drew the skirt shape freehand once I measured a rough width for my hips. It could be a little wider at the hem, more a-line, but I’m being fussy. Overall I’m happy with this, despite the questionable fit. It will most likely be adjusted after another wash and wear. The back button detail wasn’t so great and I ended up cutting the bands off in favour of a regular belt. Without the belt to break it up, I supposedly look like I’m ‘going to a medieval dress-up’. I should have taken pictures really, but I’m not great at forward-planning blog posts. I ummed and ahhed about lining, underlining, using a double layer of merino, but in the end just made it as is, and I wear it with a slip underneath.
The main talking point about this dress is that it’s the first thing I’ve made using my new overlocker. Man, that thing works like a dream. We had a few disagreements which led me to learn to re-thread it. Time-consuming but very useful. Being able to trouble-shoot is not to be scoffed at. I like that we now have an understanding of each other, and can work through our problems. It puts us in better stead for the future.
Excuse the lack of light and ironing. London in January doesn’t give me much time to play with photowise and well, I’m lazy.
crafty little bugger 
I love this dress! It’s so beautiful. Sometimes the simplest projects are the nicest ones (especially when you use lovely fabric like this). I really want to make some maxi dresses and skirts this year.
Why thank you! I’m really into maxi length at the moment too.
Love the maxi! It would be cool styled with a floppy hat and some booties. ;)
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