Late Summer Maxi Dress

Late Summer Maxi Dress

09.12.18

SEWING

Handmade

I sewed this dress about a month ago and the weather changed before I even got around to posting about it! This was my first time sewing the Southport dress pattern in an adult size after recently making one for Caroline, and I love the finished piece so much I have already sewed up a second one and am making plans for my third. This pattern is truly a wardrobe staple in the best way and I can tell that my closet is going to fill with many more of them, in both the mid and maxi lengths, and in an array of fabrics.

For those who go nuts for pockets in dresses, it has pockets! While I don’t require pockets in all of my dresses, I do appreciate them in a maxi dress. Other things I love about this dress are the relaxed bodice, the button front, and the waist tie. I wasn’t fond of the front slit in concept but have grown to like it, though I am considering putting side slits in a future variation just to see how I like it.

This was my first time sewing a garment out of truly flowy fabric. I was nervous about it but it ended up being pretty easy. Cutting it was really the hardest part, especially the long skirt pieces…trying to keep the stripes straight all the way down took some patience and attention to detail. Scroll down for all the pattern and fabric details, my notes, and a gallery with more images!

My Notes

Fit

Fit on this dress is a bit of an ongoing challenge for me. According to the measurements provided, I felt a size 10 would be most appropriate for me. However, it’s pretty big on me and the straps are loose overall. I sized down the second version I made slightly (I’ll share that soon) but have already decided I’ll size down even more for my third version.

Being short, I have to cut literally an entire foot of length off of the skirt to make the dress a length that works for me. I have since altered my pattern to reflect this so that I can save fabric in the future.

Finally, I have determined that the neckline is just a bit lower than I want so I plan to shorten the strap area of the front bodice by an inch or two to address this. I like the back fit of the bodice as is.

Pattern

Overall I really like the pattern. I think some of the skirt construction isn’t quite as clear as it could be in regards to timing of seam finishing, but I improvise as needed. Otherwise it’s a lovely pattern and the remainder is clear and easy to follow.

Difficulty

This is a relatively simple pattern and doesn’t use too many special techniques beyond making button holes. This would be great for an early foray into dress making!

Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
01/06
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
Striped Summer Maxi Dress
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  • Striped Summer Maxi Dress
    Striped Summer Maxi Dress
  • Striped Summer Maxi Dress
    Striped Summer Maxi Dress
  • Striped Summer Maxi Dress
    Striped Summer Maxi Dress
  • Striped Summer Maxi Dress
    Striped Summer Maxi Dress
  • Striped Summer Maxi Dress
    Striped Summer Maxi Dress
  • Striped Summer Maxi Dress
    Striped Summer Maxi Dress
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