Abstract Garden Maxi Dress

So what does a 5'9"  girl do when she wants a maxi dress and she cannot find one in a store long enough?  In my house, you ask Mom to
make one.

Meredith's request was for a simple maxi dress out of some fabulous fabric.  I sent her right to Mood Fabrics and she set-up a Moodboard just for her, appropriately named Meredith Maxi Dress.  the Moodboard is such a convenient way to gather virtual swatches for a pattern, garment type or fabric type.  Once Meredith had thoroughly searched the Mood site, she decided on Mood Fabrics'  jersey print, which reminds me of an abstract garden painting.  A mixture of  blooms with the leaves and other green vegetation, a gorgeous color combination.

Next Meredith had to decide on a pattern, she went with Vogue 8241, a pattern for woven fabric but easily changed.

The first thing I did was to lower the front neckline.  As shown on the pattern, it is a very high neckline and not a look Meredith wanted.  I used one of her favorite tops and we made the maxi-dress neckline to match.

With the neckline lowered and the fabric a knit, I could eliminate the keyhole back opening.  I  redrew the back so I could place the back bodice on the fold. 

I was limited on the fabric yardage but I did add a bit of flare to the bottom of the skirt, from the knees down.  With this flare, I added enough for  walking ease and cut the back on the fold also. No back slit necessary with the flare and stretch of a knit.

This fabric is so soft with the most excellent drape, Meredith couldn't have done a better job with matching fabric to pattern.

I think she looks beautiful in her new maxi dress, a mix of elegance in the style of the dress and the fabric is the perfect touch to add a bit of fun and color.

A look from the side with a strong wind pushing the dress into her legs!  If you are looking for a maxi dress pattern to sew up quickly for the end of summer, check this one out.  Only four pattern pieces make sewing and cutting quite easy and for fabric, head over to Mood Fabrics' rayon knits for a wide selection.  Oh, and don't forget to set up a Moodboard to help you with your decision making process.

One thing about Meredith, she really thinks long and hard on any decision, unlike her mom who is quick to a decision.  In the past, this tendency would  annoy me a bit  but now I appreciate this quality in Meredith.  This almost always results in a great decision, after all, just look at this fabric-pattern combination.  Meredith has a dress she will enjoy for years to come.

You can go Mood Sewing Network and check out my post there and all the other great garments from the other bloggers.  Inspiration galore!