SUMMER MAXI PART 2 | BUTTERICK 6758
From muslin to fashion garment. This is what I mean when I say taking the time to sew a muslin (practice garment) is worth the extra effort. I don’t believe that every project needs to be proceeded by a muslin. I only sew muslins for the garments I’m making changes to or when I’m not sure about fit. This summer maxi dress turned out so well because I learned what needed to be done after sewing the muslin. Check out THIS POST to get details about the pattern and muslin I sewed. In the photo below, the white dress is the wearable muslin I sewed before making the orange dress.
Today’s post will be a little different. Since I’ve already shared the details about the pattern, this section will only highlight the differences between the wearable muslin and final garment. Then, I’ll share about the fabric, inside the garment and styling.
The neckline on the final garment stands up, while it flops down on one side with the muslin. This is because the orange dress was sewn with a slightly more structured fabric. They’re both lightweight Rayon (Viscose), with lots of drape, but the orange one has a smooth texture, and the white is a crinkled texture (called Crepe).
The skirt on the orange dress has a bit more volume at the ruffle. The white dress stretches more due to the Crepe weave. I hung both dresses overnight before hemming. The white dress grew in length, making it a challenge to achieve an even hem. The orange dress remained the same length and sewing the hem was a breeze. I still added an extra 15″ to the ruffle on the orange dress to extend it to a maxi length. However, I did not have to cut any away, as I did on the white dress. That’s because the more structured Rayon held it’s shape.
I love both dresses and plan to get lots of wear from them. I chose the more structured fabric because I wanted the benefits mentioned above. I do believe the orange dress will last much longer due to fabric quality. Here are some closeups of the garment on the outside.
Fabric Information
Now, let’s talk about this beautiful fabric. I used the SIGNATURE JEWEL TONE ECOVERO VISCOSE in the color Topaz from Core Fabrics. I love their Viscose fabrics and the color caught my eye immediately. There are many colors to choose from and the fabric has a perfect drape for this dress.
Inside the Garment
I used my Baby Lock Chorus Sewing Machine to sew the entire dress. I chose to sew French Seams for stability and longevity. Here are some closeup photos of the dress on the inside. The entire dress is sewn with French Seams, including the pockets (had to figure the pockets out). The side seams on the skirt are pressed to the front instead of the back because of my pocket construction. Also, I didn’t think about the exposed seam that would result when I sewed the pocket pieces to the fronts and backs of skirt before sewing French Seams. Therefore, I just used an overcast stitch on my Chorus machine to finish the allowance in those areas.
Notions Information
I used Gütermann All Purpose Recycled Thread in the color Rust from Core Fabrics. My buttons are from Downtown, Los Angeles (there is no website).
Styling Options
I plan to wear this dress for many occasions; church, meetings, lunch, dinner, baby showers, and anywhere I desire ultimate comfort. I’ve already worn it out to meet with a group of ladies. Here I have it styled with a pair of Animal Print Mary Jane flats, cream tote bag, gold hoop earrings, mixed metal bracelets and rings. I love everything about this dress and plan to wear it to church on Sunday.
What do you think?
I would love to hear your feedback. Scroll to the very bottom of this page to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by today! 💕
Other Related Links
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
- Baby Lock Chorus
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This Post Has 33 Comments
SMH 😆😍😍😍 I LOOOOOOVVVE IT Anita!! The Color, the modifications and the final fit! Orange is one of my most favorite colors lol. Your wearable muslin fabric is also pretty and looks comfortable!
I absolutely agree with you on when to make a muslin. For garments I know I want to make multiples of, I definitely make muslins for modifications and sometimes when I am in the muslin process, new ideas/design features also comes to mind 😍
Continued blessings to you!! Great job (as always )
Shon~
Beautiful! You look amazing !I love the accessories you paired it with! I am only 4’11” do you think this type of dress could possibly be right for me?
Just beautiful! And, as always, you look stunning. Fits you like a glove. How often do you work out?
Thank you Christine. I work out 5 days a week when I’m at my best.
Beautiful
Thank you
Hi Anita! It’s like Tina Turner said, You’re simply the best! Love it!
Oh my!! This dress is near PERFECT!! I like a little sleeve but I have a bunch of 60s sheer overshirts that would SOOOOO take that to another level. You can dress it up, you can dress it down. And don’t even get me started on the inside.I aspire to someday being good enough to show the insides!
Yeeesss! There’s so much potential with this dress pattern.
Thanks for sharing! Your modifications got me to take another look at this pattern and consider making as a maxi! It looks great on you!
Thank you. It’s a great pattern.
The color is stunning, sewing is impeccable!! I think the orange fits better around the waist. Truly gorgeous on you!!
Thank you, Charlene.
That color looks stunning on you, Anita! Another gorgeous project, with attention to every detail inside and out. I don’t know anyone else who would proudly show the inside of a sewn item, but your projects always look perfect both inside and out!
Thank you Susan.
I like those colors
Thank you Karen.
Beautiful Job as always. Thanks for being so inspiring, Bless ya ❤️
Anita, You are my example in Female Excellence in Beauty. Sincerely, Kim Oliver
OMGoodness! Well, that’s a huge compliment. 🧡
Anita, this dress is fabulous!! I love the color and of course, maxi dresses look great on you. It’s amazing how neatly you sew; the inside of your garments look so good and professionally sewn. I’m planning to dig through my pattern stash; I think I have this one. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Thank you for your kind words always, De! Have fun sewing your dress.
Hi Anita, I like both dresses, but that orange one is saying “oh, I want dance with somebody “ 😂. The color is beautiful. Keep on strutting lady!
Your dress turned out beautifully! I love the style. Great job as usual.
Beautiful dress Anita! ❤️
Thank you so much.🧡
The dress in both fabrics came out beautifully, Anita! I really appreciate you talking and showing the differences in how the fabric makes a difference in how the dresses hang and why you use the muslin when making changes to the pattern. I’m wondering if you are going to do one more dress using the pattern. I like straight skirts so I was wondering how it would look with just a straight skirts so I; no ruffle. It’s just a thought. Thank you for your thoroughness. Have a wonderful weekend!
Instagram: Lovy72
Thank you, Jackie! I’m so glad you appreciate the information shared here. I’m not planning to make the straight skirt version. I like it as maxi dress. But if I change my mind, you’ll certainly sew it here.
Amazing dress! I love it. I learn a lot reading your blog, Anita. You explain every project so well including how you skillfully manage to correct any “mistakes” that happen along the way which allows your readers to learn even more! Your photos are great. I can zoom in and see your construction methods which are quite impeccable. I am lurking on Core Fabrics now, thanks to you, as we all search for new material vendors (RIP Joann’s). Wishing you many more happy years of clothing construction.
Awesome! Thank you so much for your feedback. Making my heart smile.
Beautiful!!!!
Thank you 🧡
Love that you used a wearable toile! Both look fabulous! The inside of the orange maxi is so neat and professional! Hopefully one day I will use a serger like you did!