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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Self-Drafted Maxi

I feel like a total poser calling this self-drafted. It's a couple of rectangles stitched together. I've had this fabric for over a year. It's from Gorgeous Fabrics, and I love the border print. As is sometimes the case when I don't have a clear vision at purchase time, this sat around because I didn't know what to do with it. The dark colors don't scream summer to be, but the lightweight rayon knit doesn't offer warmth for winter. Two nights ago, I came across it and inspiration struck. I was going to use a pattern for at least the bodice portion, but in the end, I just wanted a simple V-neck top to show the lovely fabric.


I left the hem and sleeve edges raw. I just cut the hem to length. I may need to go back and hem the sleeves, though, as they have a tendency to curl up.

Big-guy had to get in on the action. The pics aren't great quality - I used the self timer from the counter across the room. It's a lazy Saturday morning, after all.


I like it best with the definition of the belt. Without the belt, the elastic I put at the waist can stretch a bit and it's not so form-fitting, and starts to look a bit sack-like.



I've also toyed with the idea of using elastic to gather up the cut-on sleeves to make it sleeveless, but I think I'll just keep the little sleeves. What do you think?

Something about this maxi seems a bit more formal to me. I don't know if it's the dark fabric or the belt with it, but I took it off after photos since I felt a bit overdressed for a lazy Saturday morning with the boys. :-) Now that it's done, I'm having a tricky time deciding where I'll wear it. Maybe I'll wear it to church tomorrow.

I've gotten a few kind comments lately on my hair. Thanks! :-) I've been letting it grow out. I've been highlighting and cutting it myself for a few years, and I decided to get it done at a nice salon yesterday. I just asked the stylist to trim it, add some long layers, and highlight it so the roots match the ends. She did just that, and, um, I feel like I stuck my head in a bottle of bleach. I guess I didn't realize how light the ends had gotten from the combined years of home-highlighting. Oh well. I'm getting it chopped off in six weeks and maybe we'll add some lowlights then to bring it back to a more natural color. Until then, I'm definitely ready for the beach!

10 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

That's a lovely outfit and lovely on you. That would go just about anywhere from church to a dinner to a cruise ship. Very nice.

Uta said...

I like this dress a lot; it's so easy to get stuck in "seasonal" colors, and I really like black and white for a change. I'd wear it anywhere really, though maybe not for lounging at home. And I like the sleeves much better than sleeveless.

sdBev said...

That's a gorgeous dress. I like it best with the little sleeves and belt. Don't touch your hair! It's too beautiful to change.

Adrienne said...

GORGEOUS!!! Your fabric is beautiful!

Rachel said...

That is really gorgeous and you look like a model in it!!! I am impressed that you self-drafted it.

Tanya said...

Very pretty, I kinda of like it sleeveless for more of a summer look but it's great as is.

Rachel said...

It looks great. I prefer it with the little sleeves, i think they balance out the maxi-ness of the skirt.

Bonnie O. said...

What a great dress! You did a great job designing a style to work with the fabric. Personally, I like it better sleeveless. But in general, I like maxis sleeveless.

Monique said...

Jenny I love this dress! How talented are you to draft this yourself! I would be in this all the time. Yes, it can be more dressy, but it can be casual too. Put on a pair of flipflops and just stay in this!!!

Omega said...

Beautiful dress, you did a really good job with the border print. Love it!