I purchased this knit striped fabric from Michael's bulk fabric store in downtown LA and have been wanting to make it into a bias-cut maxi dress for a while now.
I'm only semi-satisfied with the results. I drafted the pattern myself and I wanted it to be a really, really simple, just rectangles except for the the neck and arm openings. The hardest part was the cutting, of all things. Getting the bias pieces cut so that stripes went the right direction was not easy. There are seams at the center front, center back and side seams.
An elastic waist combined with a long bodice piece creates a blouson style bodice. (Inspired by this dress.)
The fitting at the neckline leaves a little to be desired as in it could be a little better fitted. But, to look on the bright side, it's nice and comfortable. The neck and armholes are finished with bias binding that I attached using the serger.
I think I'd like to make a braided fabric belt to go along with the dress. So, more on that later.
I'd like to make another maxi dress and really perfect this pattern but next time I won't do the bias cut. It just made it a little too complicated. All that alignment was too much trouble!
