Stash Busting: Maxi Dress

Here's another stashbusting win: 2 more pieces of fabric from the stash used up for this dress. And another garment made in October that I've only just gotten around to blogging.

Unlike my Sorbetto top where I started with a pattern before going in search of the perfect fabric, this time I started with the fabric and then worked out what to make. This particular fabric has a white net overlaid with a cotton print featuring plastic sequins and cut out sections (so you can see the net fabric underneath). I have had it in my stash for around 6 years or so, and have already made a top from it. It is from the Remnant Warehouse, bought when the store was still located in Marrickville. I decided a maxi dress was just what my wardrobe needed, and a good way to use up the rest of this piece of fabric. I was also quite lucky that I had a piece of plain blue cotton in the stash that matched perfectly, which I used to line the dress to the knee, and bind the neck and armholes.

Binding!!

I came up with a million about half a dozen designs before I settled on this, fairly simple ankle length, v-neck design. The bodice is gathered under the bust, with a lightly gathered A-line skirt attached. I avoided making it too tight, so I it doesn't get uncomfortable to wear, even after a big meal.

I had a go using Vilene E12 Armhole Tape around the neck and armhole edges before adding an outside bind on these edges. I must say this tape does give a nice edge. Can you believe I've never used it before? I'll be sure to find myself a bulk supplier now! It saves me having to use interfaced facings.

Armhole and Neck Tape in place

My finishing touch on the inside was to use binding on the dress hem. Just a little something that no-one but me will see!

The hem!

Enough already!

(Thanks go to my mother and oldest sister who happened to be visiting me when I was fitting my toile of this dress. It's one thing to fit other people, but something else altogether when you have to stick pins in your own back!)