Missoni-Esque Jersey Maxi Dress

I continue the maxi dress theme with a fabulous maxi for me. I purchased Mood Fabrics' Missoni-esque Jersey Print for the dress.

The colors seem perfect for late summer into early fall, plus Missoni-esque is a look I love. I selected McCall's 6700 and I went to work. My work was short-lived, I did not order enough fabric the first time, oops. No worries, I went right to my Mood Fabrics' order history, found the sku number and reordered more yardage. My package arrived in no time and back to work I went.

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I was careful to match the side seams and keep the pattern balanced on the skirt front and back. I just love the blue in the pattern of the fabric, such a contrast from the earth tones and gives the fabric a bit of pop.

Like Meredith, I am tall about 5'8", but I add my length always to the bodice, I am long-waisted. An inch was enough for this bodice and the waist hits me in a much better spot. I did some measuring of the skirt and the length seemed perfect. Now let's talk about this bodice, I did not want any gaping in the v-neck, so I serged 3/8" elastic to the raw edge of the bodice neckline. I subtracted 3" from front measurement and the back measurement. When I talk about the measurement, it is the flat pattern measurement minus the seam allowances. To finish the front edges, I turned the raw edge under and used my coverstitch to hem the edge. The elastic was the perfect solution, it keeps the bodice close to my body and no gaping open. After all, I need to pick this cute little guy up quite often.

I omitted the elastic in the shoulder seams, I put it in a couple of times and continued to take it out. It just wasn't looking right, so out it went for good. The pattern has a casing with a larger seam allowance from the skirt-bodice seam, insert the elastic into the casing. It seems to be just the right amount to keep the waist in place and the belt covers up the look of the elastic. I did make the self-fabric belt but Meredith said this wasn't a look I wanted and a black belt would look better. Who am I to argue with the fashionista?

The final bit of fun on the dress is the tie on the back, a small tie, inserted under the shoulder seams. A nice little feature.

This dress was fun to sew, it has a few extra features that make it a bit more fun. The best part of the dress is the fabric, it is just beautiful and really makes a statement. Here is my statement, I have a fabulous new dress, hubby let's go on a date!