Sunday, July 6, 2014

My Image M1411

Every summer since Maxi dresses have come into style, I've said I'm going to make one.  And every summer I've put it off and didn't get it done.  This year I decided to stop procrastinating and just sew one.


I have quite a few maxi dress patterns in my stash, but this little number in the Spring 2014 issue of My Image finally gave me the push I needed to get started.  It's very simple and quite modest with it's tank style bodice and I liked the ring detail on the belt.


One thing that I like about My Image is that unlike Burda, everything the models are wearing in the magazine is offered as a pattern.  No falling in love with a skirt or pair of pants only to find that the pattern is for the blouse.  And even though they make the model garments up in some wild fabrics, the models are posed so you can see the finished garment pretty well.


So here is my version of M1411 in an ITY knit print I picked up at Hancock's last year.  I'm not 100% satisfied with my pattern placement, but I was trying to maximize the teal and rust and I had just enough of this print to cut out the dress.  Oh, well.  Live and learn.


I cut a 42 shoulder and eased out to a 44 at the bust and a 46 at the hip.  The back skirt looked narrow so I gave myself an extra 3/4" on each side to keep the side seams straight.  The dress turned out rather loose through the bodice and I ended up taking it in all the way down the sides about 1/4".  It still feels loose and I might go back and nip it in a tiny bit more.  This is the second My Image project I've made and both turned out big and had to be taken in.  I'm sensing a pattern here...


I also added 5/8" of length to the bust to make sure the under bust seam ended up in the right place.  This was after a quick and dirty bodice muslin.  The muslin was just about right across the fullest part of my bust, but way too big at the under bust seam.  I ended up taking off an inch from the side of the front and back bodice pieces, tapering to about 1/4" at the armhole.  I also noticed the the back bodice piece was much wider than the top of the back skirt and would never have fit together without my alteration.  I'm not sure, but I think the back bodice is missing some darts.


Other than the pattern placement, I'm quite pleased with this dress.  The neckline is just right- it shows some skin, but doesn't feel scandalous and the dress is bra friendly.  The skirt is drafted with tiny pleats at center front and generous darts in back so the skirt skims the body and hugs the figure in the back.


I did make one major change...  I could not find a ring for the belt.  I decided to use a plastic buckle and make the belt one piece instead.  It worked out just fine.  I'd still like to make the ring version, so if anyone knows of an online source, please let me know.  


I'm so glad I finally got around to making a maxi dress.  I already wore it out and road tested it and it performed just fine.  I was comfortable and felt good in it all day.  I liked it so much in fact, that I already cut out another one today.  Stay tuned for more on that in a day or two.


I am on vacation this week and I have lots of sewing plans.  The Princess and I are working on a project together and I have a couple of things I'm making for her as well as that maxi dress I cut out today.  I hope to have much to wear and share before the week is done.

8 comments:

Sharon Sews said...

That maxi is so cute! I have a few My Image magazines but have yet to try one of the designs. I'll have to see if the one I pick runs large also. Now that your maxi is done, don't you wish you had sewn one sooner?

Deb said...

Love your dress. Thanks for the heads up on the pattern magazine, I had not heard of it before this post, I have just ordered myself the current issue and a few back copies and can't wait to see what they are like for myself :)

Kristy Chan said...

Great dress, the fabric is perfect for a maxi dress. I have that issue of My Image mag too that I've been meaning to make something from, so it's interesting to hear that they may run large

bibi said...

This one is a hit and looks great on you!

Paola said...

I've been planning to make a maxi for a few years now, and haven't gotten around to it. This looks just great, the fabric is perfect.

AllisonC said...

Glad you finally got round to making a maxi, it took me a while too and I was convinced they would be dated before I finished my first one! Yours looks great and I think you should be happy with the fabric placement too. No wonder you have already cut #2!

Cennetta said...

Great looking maxi, Shannon. I only have two My Image magazines. And you are so right about their publishing, everything pictures there is a pattern for. I wish Burda would follow the same practice.

Jane M said...

OK, now I am officially the last person on the planet who hasn't gotten around to making a maxi dress. I love this dress on you. You look cool and feminine in it. My Image could certainly give Burda some tips.