Saturday, July 27, 2013

Simplicity 3503 border print maxi dress

Thanks for all the well wishes for our trip to Tennessee! We had a lovely time, and I got a chance to take some pictures of a new dress in one of the most picturesque places I've ever been.
So. Much. Green. This is the "backyard" at my parents house. They actually live in North Carolina, but close to the Tennessee border, so we got a chance to visit and admire their new home. Seriously. So beautiful.
This photo was taken where we stayed in Johnson City - the Carnegie Hotel.
But about the dress... This project started with this awesome fabric. It is a border printed ITY jersey that I got at Mood. They still have it here. Isn't it fun?
I wanted to make the most of the large motif as well as the borders, which are printed on both selveges of the fabric. In my three yard length, I had two of the large central "swirl", so I decided to place those on the upper skirt.
The pattern is Simplicity 3503, which I made before here. I wear my first version all the time, so I know it's a winner. Alas, this one is OOP, but Simplicity has kindly released 1804, which has a similar feel and fit.
The only problem with using this pattern for a border printed fabric is that the skirt isn't a rectangle. It has a small amount of shaping. I decided to keep the shaping and sacrifice a tiny bit of the border print at the side seams. You can see it in this picture, but it isn't obvious when the dress is worn.
I also used the border print to highlight the wrap bodice, both front and back, as well as on the back ties for continuity. This means that my bodice pieces are all cut on the bias. This worked fine for my knit, as it has stretch in all directions, but it may not work as well for less stretchy knits. Bias in knit fabrics can be a tricky thing.
Since this fabric is a little more weighty than the Qiana I used for my first version, the skirt is a little longer and swishier. It feels very goddess-like, and I love wearing it.

24 comments:

The Hojnackes said...

I love this pattern, and this fabric is perfect for it. I wonder if I actually bought this pattern, because I loved it when I first saw it. I will have to go look!

sweary sewer said...

i really, really, REALLY like this one! i gasped when i saw the first pic. you look amazing. i LOVE the "two" prints together. really good job.

prttynpnk said...

Wow- what a beautiful setting for a gorgeous pop of colorful you! Great use of the print. Make more!!

Anonymous said...

You found a fantastic fabric there... the colours look lovely on you and the pairing with this pattern is genius.

Sam Rose said...

This is very beautiful. Great job!

Judith said...

WOW! This is a stunning dress - great use of the fabric borders and swirls...J

Sandra said...

I love the pattern, might have to look into that one - I've been looking for a maxi dress pattern, and this just might be it. Your dress looks amazing, love the border effect.

Marjie said...

Nice dress, beautiful hotel. I'm betting the kids loved wandering around their grandparents' back yard!

Unknown said...

Beautiful, as usual! Looks like a lovely place to live (and visit)!

Marie said...

You have made great use of the fabric - the constrast in the prints looks awesome.

Lori said...

Wonderful use of the fabric, you look great.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

This is absolutely fabulous! Love it!

Sheila said...

Gorgeous maxi and the pics are awesome.

Sarah C said...

Simply stunning!!

Unknown said...

What a great dress! I love maxi dresses and yours is fun and still elegant.

Elizabeth Made This said...

I love your use of the border print around the neckline! And your word goddess has reminded me of a vintage knit dress pattern that has been languishing patiently in my stash for forever. Thanks for the kick in the pants!

ladykatza said...

And you look like a goddess in the dress, too. :) I totally want to copy you but I ordered my costume fabric instead. And I'm looking around for my sew-jo.

Kyle said...

Looks like you had a great time on your trip, plus modeling in all those picturesque places in your colorful new dress!

Jill said...

Super nice!! Beautiful dress, setting and model!!

Pam said...

Beautiful dress and print!! Great job!!

Anonymous said...

I love how you used the border print. Goddess-like is a great description of how you look.

Unknown said...

I'm not a maxi fan, but this is nice work ;)

The Slapdash Sewist said...

I love the huge print. They are challenging to work with but you really show it to advantage here!

marysews said...

OMG, Love that fabric. I like the view in front of the tulip poplar tree (w/ wooden railing).