I bought it at Goldhawk Road last year and have a rather astounding 4.8 metres worth (it was the end of the roll and I got some kind of deal).
Once I'd washed it, and all the 'dressing' had come out (or whatever they call that artificial stiffener you get in some fabrics) I was left with quite a light cotton. I think the design and weight would make it work for a maxi dress, especially as I have so blimmin' much of it, and don't want to feel compelled to recycle it for endless garments.
So, what pattern to use?
I would like to use one from my stash, extended to maxi length. I've narrowed it down to two possibles:
The reason for my choice is that I need something I can add a belt too, as I suit belted styles much better.
I really like the simplicity of the Maudella, and would probably lower the scooped neckline slightly and narrow the should straps a little.
I think the Style pattern would be flattering and work well as a maxi, plus it is designed to be worn with a belt. I've had the pattern for some time, and you may remember that last year, Karen made a version, and had a very trying time with it . You can read about it here. Her finished dress is lovely though, and it's good to have a warning that I'll definitely need to make a toile.
I think, what I'm REALLY asking is, should I wimp out and make the Maudella? Or 'man up' and make the Style?
K x
I love the Style pattern . It's what you feel you would use.
ReplyDeleteMake the Style pattern! The square neckline will look super cute on you!
ReplyDeleteOh that fabric is really lovely, I always wondered what that stuff was called too!!
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with the other girls and say that the Style pattern would be my first choice, I think the shape will suit you perfectly, I am sure you will do a wonderful job of it!! So I say GO for it! :) x
Well, the Style is a winner so far!
ReplyDeleteOoooh maxidresses. I always intend to make one when summer kicks off and then...never get around to it. Maybe this year's the year?
ReplyDeleteI'd be inclined to go with the Style pattern if you're maxi-ing it! I feel as if the billowing expanse of a long, plain skirt needs something more structurey in the bodice to give it more of a more deliberate shape--as opposed to a totally plain tank bodice, which will just end up looking...plain?
That said, that fabric is certainly enough excitement on its own (seriously, I love kente-cloth-y things)...so you could definitely get away with either. Definitely do something with the straps/neckline if you use the Maudella though!
Another vote for the Style! I think if you go with the Maudella, you'll be wishing the whole time it was the Style one!
ReplyDeleteMan up, woman! The fitted bodice of the Style pattern will be oh so flattering and chic on a maxi dres, especially in that fabric you've got. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun print! I think the Style pattern would be much better for a maxi dress. Maxi dresses look better with a more defined shape around the waist - it prevents you from looking like you were swallowed by a pile of fabric.
ReplyDeleteGood point!
DeleteMake the Style pattern - I particularly think that the v-neck style with the cute shoulder detail would look wonderful in the fabric you have. Do it!! I look forward to seeing the result.
ReplyDeleteStyle! It's so pretty and Will be worth the effort :-)
ReplyDeleteGo for the Style pattern! I love that square neckline, it's just not like much else you see around at the moment. I agree with Badger - it'll definitely be worth the effort!
ReplyDeleteStyle for me too! It just looks more maxi dress-ish than the Maudella (lovely though it is). Maxi dresses are a revelation to me. I hemmed one for a friend last year and as she's the same size as me, tried it on to see if it was the right length. I was amazed at how flattering it was, having avoided them like the plague because of being a short arse. So with your slender figure and height I'm sure you'll look absolutely stunning - go for it!
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for your input everyone! Some great points. The Style pattern is the definite winner then :)
ReplyDeletePlease remember that my particular torso is a nightmare to fit bodices to, so that may well have been a lot of the problem!
ReplyDeleteAh I see, maybe that was it! I'm still planning to make a bodice muslin though, so hopefully any major fit issues can be tackled.
DeleteI read this last night and forgot to comment, blame the rum! I'd definitely go for the Style pattern, too. I'm glad everyone else agrees besides, you're a brilliant dressmaker and you'll do a grand job! x
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Style pattern - I think it would work brilliantly with that fabric!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else - that Style pattern is fab. Great fabric too!
ReplyDeleteI like the Maudella, but I love the Style. It just seems the more flattering of the two. Part of me wants to go against the grain of overwhelming support, & back the underdog; but I just can't!
ReplyDeleteI like the Maudella, but I love the Style. It just seems the more flattering of the two. Part of me wants to go against the grain of overwhelming support, & back the underdog; but I just can't!
ReplyDeleteMore votes for the Style! The people have spoken :)
ReplyDeleteHello - love this fabric and think it's perfect for a maxi. I had a go at lengthening a normal dress pattern a couple of years ago and it turned out OK but the amount of fabric involved when you're as tall as me was a bit of a nightmare - no rooms in my house were big enough to spread it all out! I used New Look 6557 and just sort of winged it really! I think the Maudella looks as though there wouldn't be enough fabric in the bottom half of the skirt to allow you to walk easily, if you just continue the line down, if that makes any sense! I prefer the Style as a maxi style anyway - good luck!
ReplyDeleteRe. crochet yarn - No, Rico Creative Cotton isn't my preferred yarn at all, I just have quite a stash of it because the colours were nice. I find it quite splitty and although it does feel soft and smooth when worked up, it is also quite stiff (maybe I've used too small a hook). I've just started making some scarves with Stylecraft Special DK and am loving it. It's acrylic but really soft and nice to work with. There's a good choice of colours and it's fairly cheap too so I'd recommend that. I've also made a blanket using James C Brett Kool Kotton which feels lovely and is nice to work with, but the colours aren't as exciting! Hope that helps! xx
Brilliant - thank you for all the info!
DeleteI'm definitely going to have the same problem with the fabric since I'm also tall. It'll be a case of clearing the living room and banishing the cats! Will check out your yarn recommendations too x
Sorry - comment essay alert!!
ReplyDeleteBefore even reading the whole post I was drawn to the Style! :o)
ReplyDelete