Maximize May: Violet Flounce Dress by Bella Sunshine Designs and the Catalina Dress by Blank Slate Patterns
/Today we are on Day 2 of Maximize May! Today we are looking at the Violet Flounce Dress from Bella Sunshine and the Catalina Dress from Blank Slate Patterns. Are you looking to build your maxi dress wardrobe? Follow us all week as we Maximize May?
Violet Flounce Dress
Hi all, Tasha from Sewn at Seams here sharing my Violet Flounce Dress from Bella Sunshine Designs. This series is called Maxi-mize May but you may have noticed that the Violet Flounce pattern is usually either shirt or knee length. Well, I loved the flounce and two sets of straps, so I requested to make it anyway with the understanding I would be adding length.
The pattern did not disappoint and I can already tell it will get lots of wear. I used a rayon lycra blend so the dress is nice and light and flows when I walk just like a good maxi dress should. To make the pattern work for maxi length, I started grading out about 1 inch below my natural waist. I didn’t want to add volume to the dress as I lengthened it so I kept the grading subtle through the hips and then flared a little more mid thigh to allow for comfortable movement. The only minor change I made to the bodice was to cut the flounce 1.5 inches longer than the original pattern. I think the added length was more flattering with my bust size. I love how my modified Violet Flounce Dress looks at maxi length and it is comfortable worn loose or styled with a belt.
Catalina Dress
Hello, Heather from All Things Katy! I’m here to show you that even short girls can rock a maxi dress for today’s “Maximize May” feature. I’m only five feet tall but I love to wear maxi dresses!
Maxi dresses can help create long lean lines that elongate my figure (aka, make me look taller!). HOWEVER, I have a really hard time finding ready-to-wear maxi dresses that fit my petite height. So, I sew my own! For a point of reference, I sewed up the Blank Slate Catalina dress in a size small bodice, graded to medium waist and medium skirt, shortened for my height. I used a lightweight poly-spandex fabric. I love the simple, slightly dolman-style bodice (easy-to-sew, no set-in sleeves- woohoo!) and easy-fitting drawstring waist. Plus, let’s not forget the pretty, featured pockets! Love, love, love pockets!
So, even if you’re a short gal like myself, you, too can rock a maxi dress! ;-) Happy sewing!
Who says comfort and cute can’t be done? This set from Bella Sunshine Designs is perfect for lounging in comfort and style.