It has been crazy since I returned from New York.  I came home and the weeds in my flower beds were waving at me.  Actually they were waving before I left, I just ignored them.  Needless to say, I had to address my flower beds when I got home.  So, I have been de-weeding, planting, mulching, deck cleaning, etc.  Therefore, I am behind on my blogging and my blog reading. HUMPH!!!!!

So, I thought I would work backwards since I finished two maxi dresses this past weekend.  Then I will post on Pattern Review New York, which by the way I had a wonderful time.

I just love maxi dresses, especially to lounge in on a Sunday afternoon. I know in the blogging community everyone has used the Mission Maxi and now McCall’s M6559. But I decided to start from a racer back top pattern.  I wanted more flexibility to create different lengths and types.  For example, straight or A-line.  Plus with those patterns I would have had to add width to the hip area and shorten the length quite a bit. I just wasn’t in the mood.

The pattern I used is Jalie’s 2565 tank and tube top pattern.  I like this pattern because it has a healthy range of sizes.  I traced the racer back top pattern to fit my dimensions and extended the top length 29 inches. The sizes I used was a BB in for the neck, shoulder and armhole.  I graded to a FF for the hips.  I wanted my dress to be a little close fitting so I extended the length straight down. For both dresses I used a rayon knit.  The black/charcoal stripe is from Metro Textiles (NY purchase) and the print is from Joann’s.  Every once in awhile I will find a nice piece at my local Joann’s.



Who says I don’t wear enough color

Stripes Matched Yea!!



Here is a back view. Buster is completely worn out.  Overall, I am happy with the way my dresses turned out.  I’m planning to make a couple more.  I have some ideas with other top patterns in my collection. I really like the idea of taking a top pattern and converting it to a maxi.

Next up is a blog on my weekend in New York.  I need to round up the pictures.  What’s next on the project list? Actually I’m in a quandary. Deciding on the infamous white blouse or one of my many dress patterns.  We’ll see.

Until next time…….keep sewing!!!!!!