Pattern: Simplicity 2219
Fabric: Rayon jersey from ebay, 3.5 yards
Notions: 1/4″ elastic. I did not use any interfacing on this dress… though I did put twill tape in the shoulder seams to stabilize.
Notes:
I have an odd fondness for maxi dresses. When I was in high school in the 90s, I had a whole wardrobe of them. Until recently, I hadn’t worn one in ten years. I’m so glad they are back in style again! When I saw this pattern I knew it was perfect for this rayon jersey (one of my favorite ebay finds!) I had 3.5 yards, which is actually more than the pattern calls for. I managed to self-line the entire bodice and still have some left over! I was attracted to this dress by the empire waist and the thick straps – it looked like you could wear a bra, unlike some maxis!
I cut a size 8, and I could have easily sized down to a six. I considered leaving out the elastic on the empire line, but I really needed it to take in the extra fabric. In a size 6 I think I could have left it out. I’d recommend a little bit of negative ease for the bodice on this dress (ie, a bust size about 1″ smaller than your actual bust.)
The instructions were excellent – I don’t remember having any real issues. This dress took 2 days to complete, which isn’t bad at all! The neckline of the dress is low, but not really low enough to be worrisome (YMMV of course, as I don’t have any cleavage to speak of anyway.) The finish of the lined bodice is very professional! I am very happy with this dress, and I’m planning to make the shorter version (with the cape sleeves) as well.
I am 5’8″ tall, and I ended up taking a 2 inch hem, rather than the 1.25″ hem called for in the pattern. My knit is quite heavy, so that might have something to do with it. I only plan to wear this dress with flat shoes. Here is the view from above, which I find amusing for some reason… I can just barely see the fronts of my feet, which is the length I prefer for a dress like this. Too short is unflattering, and too long is a safety hazard!
I love this dress! Great job. The print is just fantastic. Thanks for the sizing tips, too. I also love the matching nailpolish on your toes!
A gorgeous maxi dress indeed. Great photography, too.
I love it! Love the back too, very sober and bra friendly, it seems.
I had to delurk to admire this dress! Great print, flattering design – it looks quite regal on you. Bra friendly is always nice, too!
Lovely dress! I love your fabric and maxi dresses are all the rave!
Oh, I love this one! Beautiful!
Really pretty! The fabric is great, I can see why it’s a favorite. You are certainly getting a lot accomplished!
You have the best taste in fabric and patterns, and your photography is wonderful!! You really inspire me.
It looks fun and comfortable to wear.
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Love! I am such a sucker for a maxi dress. It looks great in your fabric, too!
This is beautiful! Great job! I hope I can be as productive as you on my Sewcation.
What a great dress for summer! It looks cool comfortable and easy. Anything that looks good with flat shoes is a huge bonus in my book.
This dress is lovely!
You have a gift when it comes to choosing/using knits!
Oh I will have to add that pattern to my stash…it looks really good on you. Great fabric too.
I love this dress so much! Looks great on you.
What a stunning dress – and only 2 days to make it! Impressive!
It turned out beautifully. I love, love, love the fabric. I think you have inspired me to make this one of my next projects!
I love maxi dresses. So gorgeous. And I love the outside pix. Makes me eager for summer!
Wow! I think this might be my favorite dress you’ve created so far!!! And Im not a fan personally of maxi dresses — but this is gorgeous on you!
Beautiful, again! I love maxis too. They were popular in the seventies for a while.
Mine is almost done too though mine is the shorter version with sleeves. This took me some time to do too and reading that it took an expert sewer like you 2 days makes me feel ok. I agree that it is really larger at the bust. I will need to take mine in ….and yes its really long…Wish I had read your post in the morning before I wrapped mine up
Thanks for all the tips
The fabric is so perfect. Gorgeous!
Love the dress! I’m so jealous of your Sewcation, but I’m glad you’re doing it because this pattern and the other jersey pattern you posted are both in my queue and your reviews are so helpful!
the dress is lovely and it looks amazing on you! Thank you for sharing.
This is just beautiful! I love the colours in your knit. Coveting… coveting….
This dress looks great on you – the bodice is so flattering!
It’s beautiful! I finally bought the fabric to make this dress. Thank for the sizing tips. I hope my dress turns out as nice as yours.
Love the dress! Great Job!
So beautiful! I love how this bodice covers more than many maxi dresses (including the one I made myself last year). I love the print, too. Totally gorgeous dress.
very pretty dress