A Maxi Dress - Finally!

I do not consider myself to be one that has to have the newest gadget release, wear this season's latest fashions, or follow the latest trends.  So I did not jump on the maxi dress bandwagon a few years ago when almost every woman I saw was wearing some form of maxi dress or skirt.  Don't get me wrong-- I like the idea of a dress that covers up from shoulder to ankle but I  had not come across a dress in a style AND print I liked.  However, I discovered this ITY print on sale at fabricmartfabrics.com. When I opened the package and shook out the fabric for the first time it screamed:  "I WANT TO BE A MAXI DRESS!!!"

Here it is--- my completed MAGAM Challenge project for August...

I will admit that I was not in love with this print until I saw it made up.  I am really digging this print in this pattern!

This was a very quick sew as there were only two pattern pieces. I did apply a binding to the neckline.  The armholes were finished by pressing a 5/8" hem and sewing with a coverstitch machine. I also discovered this FBA tutorial for knits.  I really like the fact that by using this method the bust dart that usually results when making a full bust adjustment is eliminated.  No bust darts and no fabric folds extending from but to armscye-- woo hoo!!! 

Looks like I will have to make a bolero style jacket ina coordinating fabric so that I can enjoy wearing this maxi dress into the fall before it gets too cold.

And now back to the college quilt. I have got to stop proscrastinating. I would like to finish it before my daughter graduates from college in four years.  I just can't seem to stay focused on one craft these days!  Oh well...

Until next time...Sew something you love!

The End of Summer Already?!

This has been a whirlwind of a summer!  With sending a freshman off to college, several trips to campus and transitioning to empty nesters, this summer has been a bittersweet, fun and exciting time!  I can't believe Labor Day is just around the corner which for me signals the end of summer sewing-- boo hoo!

I enjoy sewing summer clothes. Short sleeves, or in many cases, sleeveless tops and dresses in ITY knits are my garments of choice.  Why?  Because they are quick to sew, knits are more forgiving where fitting is involved, and I am still somewhat intimidated by altering sleeves to fit my full arms.

So here is the garment I am planning for my August MAGAM Challenge.

With the end of the month quickly approaching, I need to take a short break from college quilt sewing to work on McCall's 6559.  The plan is to have it done in time to wear it to the local sewing meetup this Saturday.  Since I work full time that means only three evenings left to get it done.

Time to get busy!

Until next time...Sew something you love!