Saturday, August 15, 2015

Mo' Maxis, Mo' Maxis!

I think I'm getting ready to bore the h*ll out of y'all cause I've got maxi dress fever!  I wore 3 out of the 4 maxi dresses to work a couple of weeks ago and decided that I need more of these McCall 6559 dresses in my life.  More, give me more...lotsa more! *LOL*

So I took a trip through "The Fabric Collection" dug deep and pulled out three more knits for dresses. Now this is the point where I would normally head off to Le Fabric Mart and purchase more knits. But I'm showing restraint and not doing that...because besides the three pieces of fabric shown above, I found two more amazing border prints (not to mention the couple of pieces that I picked up at Metro Textiles). 

I need to stop here and say how thankful I am for that wonderful wall of fabric! I probably could make another 10 maxi dresses with pieces of fabric from the wall...never mind the other awesome pieces of fabric I found! 

Now y'all know me. The fact that I made the original four dresses using just the pattern and fabric to bring them to life did not mean that my next versions would be the same. Originally I was just going to make three more straight from the pattern dresses, then "me" kicked in and this is what I ended up with... 

The first one was shortened and made the print the focus point...





This fabric although pulled from the collection is from Metro Textiles. I had it on when I went into the store the last time and Kashi recognized it right away. There was only 2 yards of this and I decided that I needed to feature the print because it's so cute!  This dress cost $8 - $4 per yard at 2 yards.


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The next one is so cool because I cut the stripe on the cross grain instead of the straight grain. Of course we all know that the stripes going vertically down my body is just more flattering than if they run around me. I also added a black lightweight bias binding to the neckline to add some definition to the dress. This was one of the features on some of the Avenue inspiration dresses and I incorporated into my 6th version.





I bought this fabric from Sawyer Brook Fabrics a couple of years ago. The tag told me how much and from where but not what I paid for it. I'm sure it was a little more costly than the ITY knits I bought from Fabric Mart because it was Sawyer Brook. 


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My third and final dress was inspired by this Avenue dress ~





I blatantly copied the back making my back piece from a black crochet lace from the collection. I took pictures of the process and will post them in a separate post if you want to copy this look.





The brown/black lace print ITY knit has been in the collection for at least 15 years. I bought this from Ebad Fabrics years ago. I'm sure that I paid no more than $4 a yard for this piece. 

The black cotton lace was purchased from Metro Textiles several years ago. I used maybe a 1/4 yard for the back so the entire piece has gone back on the shelf. Yes, I own a lot of fabric and the collection is very deep...very deep...considering I auditioned two separate brown stretch laces for the back before deciding on this black piece. 

Let's say this one cost $12 to make while the one I copied was originally $60 and is now marked down to $25, though I think their fabric choice is dicey, very dicey.

Soooooo these are the latest versions of the McCalls pattern. There will be more because hey I just bought more fabric for that specific purpose. After the last few weeks I've had I really want to spend some serious time in my sewing cave just haven't been able to get there!  I have about 6 weeks of summer sewing left and there are a few more garments that I want to make and they aren't all maxi dresses.

Lastly ~ my daughter is finally home from Houston...doing better than she was but not 100%.  We still have several more rounds of doctors visits and associated things but at least she's with me! Also, I tried to thank everyone who left a message on my last post (unsuccessfully) because I wanted everyone to know that I truly appreciated every kind comment left, every prayer and thought and each private email sent to me. For the kindness, love and thoughtfulness, I am truly grateful.

...as always more later!

57 comments:

  1. I love all of these, great fabrics.

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  2. I really like all the dresses, but my favorite is the first dress with the floral border. Very pretty. Did you have a pattern number for the cardigan? I like the look with the dress. Great job!
    Bonnie @ www.sewplus.blogspot.com

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    1. Bonnie - sorry it's a RTW sweater - an Isaac Mizrahi cardigan purchased from QVC.

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    2. I Love Isaac Mizrahi! He's one of my favorites on QVC! Thanks for the info!

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    3. Bonnie - here is the cardigan - I bought it in a couple of colors:
      http://www.qvc.com/As-Is-Isaac-Mizrahi-Live!-Essentials-Cropped-Cardigan.product.A272942.html?sc=A272942-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-25-_-A272942&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/42/a272942.001?$uslarge$

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  3. 'Oh, Carolyn, I've just now read about your daughter's very serious illness as I've been on vacation and totally unplugged. Since I live in Houston I sincerely would have loved to offer whatever help you needed. It is so scary to have a sick child and cope with a strange city. I so wish I had know and been in town. You must know how close the sewing community has become via wonderful bloggers such as you. Promise me you will contact me if your daughter needs to return to Houston for further tests or follow up. I will send you my email address and phone number. Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen - that's really sweet but my best friend lives in Houston and when my daughter goes back to pick up the last of her things, she will stay with her. I hope you at least had a great vacation!

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  4. My email address is karenhmulkey@gmail.com

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  5. Oh my, these are fantastic. You really have your groove going, Carolyn. The wavy stripe is absolutely super, I love it! So glad your daughter is OK, and may she continue to improve.

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  6. I thought that I was done with summer sewing until I saw your dresses. I am so copying the last dress. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. I drafted the pattern last night and pulled out fabric from the stash. I discovered that I had used up all of the stretch lace.I didn't have enough fabric for a maxi so I changed it to a knee length dress. I am substituting a double layer of black mesh. The fabric is on the cutting table resting before I cut it out. Thanks,

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    2. Towanda - that sounds awesome. I'm sure you're going to look amazing in it!

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  7. So glad your daughter is on the mend. I especially love the print from Kashi.

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  8. Great new dresses and thank you for sharing the cost of the fabric. I enjoyed that feature and does show sewing saves you money. I am do happy to hear your daughter is hone with you. Thoughts and prayers your way.

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  9. This style suits you so well Carolyn, and the fabrics are just lovely.

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  10. I find the navy dress with flowers so adorable! It's something I'd happily make for myself, if only I could find a similar fabric :)

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  11. Hello from Melbourne Australia! Just wanted to say that my favourite dress on you is the striped dress. Such a clever trick and so very flattering. Just gies to show what happens if we dare to think outside the box. So glad to know your daughter is on the mend.

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  12. I love how you use border prints, something I struggle with incorporating into a garment. I love your maxis and my favorite is the stripe. So creative. You rock it, girl! Glad to hear your daughter is doing better.

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  13. Love all of your dresses especially the one with the lace in the back.

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  14. Maxis are so addicting. I nothing beats the ease and comfort. That blue floral is **gorgeous**

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  15. Nice new dresses. Love the one with lace in the back.

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  16. I want ALL of your maxis! Best news: your daughter is recovering.

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  17. You are such an inspiration in your new maxi dresses...having a cool stash helps with your ideas and final results! Having an ill child is just the worst thing for a mom to go through. Wishing you much strength and blessing in her recovery time.

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  18. Love the maxis! But especially love the news that your daughter is getting better and that she is home with you. Take good care!

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  19. Well now...you have to make like 5 more of the Avenue inspired dress!!

    I love them all but THAT one...WOOHOO! LOVE!

    And yes, so happy to hear that your baby is on the mend. Best wishes for continued recovery!

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  20. Really like what you did with shortening the dress to focus on the print. Maxis are a great way to cope with hot weather...nothing binding. Continued prayers for your daughter. So glad she is home with you. That alone has to help her healing.

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  21. You really know how to work a print, all of the dresses are striking.
    You are wearing these to work? Quite a bit different from the last job!
    So glad your daughter is doing better. This seems like it's been a long haul for you but hopefully the end is in sight.

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    1. Yes - this is pretty much my work outfit now. A maxi dress with a cardigan or a maxi skirt, tank top and a cardigan. The dress code is totally different in my new job vs my old one.

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  22. Some really great looks there Carolyn. I like the downwards, wiggly stripe, but my favourite is that lace back panel. I am just learning to use lace at the moment so this is very inspirational. Thanks! And good news about your girl.

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  23. So glad your daughter is doing better - prayers for continued improvement. I am glad you are sewing again because you have absolutely stunned me with these new versions of the maxi. I was thinking, "How many of these can she make?" before I saw the pics and saw how you used your fabric!!! They each look so different, I would never be able to make up my mind which one is my favorite. They ALL look great on you and all are unique. I will definitely be adding some maxis into my wardrobe with your inspiration.

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    1. Patricia - these were made prior to going on vacation. I haven't sewn a stitch since the middle of July! One some level I miss it but there has been so much going on that it's mostly been a thought here and there.

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  24. Wishing for the best for you and your family. Love the dresses!

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  25. I love all of your maxi dresses - fabulous!

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  26. Lovely desses! All three are gorgeous.

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  27. Great dresses! ..and I have been off the radar for a while and missed what happened with your daughter but it sounds a bit scary and I am sorry to hear that you have had to go through anything like that. I am sending well wishes to you and your daughter as you seem like such a nice lady and deserve good things to happen as far as I can see ;)

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  28. Glad to hear your daughter is improving....and I think, as I've said before, you look amazing in maxi dresses.
    My favourite is the first dress with the placement print...it is just wonderful.

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  29. Glad to hear your daughter is improving and, most importantly, closer to you. Great dresses, too. I like the vertical stripes dress the best, because you did it so well -- generally, vertical stripes look awkward (to me, anyway).

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  30. Glad to hear Daughter is home! I've been away from the computer most of the week and my iPad was dead! Don't want to know how that happened. Hope things continue to improve with the Girlie!

    Love those dresses - especially the short one. I have the same fabric as the middle and I know I bought it from Fabric.com and probably paid $4/yard. I wore 2 dresses this weekend that haven't had photos taken yet - need to fix that. :) g

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  31. Very cute love the photos! Glad to hear your daughter is doing better :-)

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  32. I LOVE your maxi dresses...I am not bored at all, LOL! The second and third are my favorite. I love how you adjusted the stripes so they would run vertical on the second one. I also love how you use black lace on the third one. Very nice overall!!

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  33. Love all of your maxi's! Are the people in your new work place starting to ask you about your sewing? Many young women seem to find it fascinating now.

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    1. No Denise - they haven't and I haven't volunteered that info.

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  34. Love every single of the maxis dresses that you have made.

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  35. Lovely dresses. I'm so pleased to hear that your daughter is getting better.

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  36. Each one of these is so fabulous! I can't decide which one is my favorite!

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  37. Lovely collection of maxis and you can never have too many.

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    1. Sheila - I don't know since I have plans to make a whole bunch more! *LOL*

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  38. I love maxis dresses and skirts. Lovely dresses!

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  39. So glad your daughter is doing better ! Continued prayers . All your maxis are pretty & look great on you. When you buy fabric for your stash - how many yards do you buy ? If I do t have a specific project in mind I'm always unsure how. I have to buy ? Thx

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    1. I pretty much have an idea of what I want to make when I buy fabric so it's based upon that. 2 yards for a dress, long skirt or top, 3 yards for maxi dresses and pants, 1.5 yards for a skirt. 2-2.5 yards for a jkt. When I buy 5-6 yards of a fabric it's usually to make some combo of the above pieces.

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  40. I have been on a blog tour these past few weeks, and the thing that I have learned is that anyone can look good in clothes that fit. However, what doesn't look good is too tight and too short. Your offerings are always elegant, and not over fitted and not silly short. It is my go-to blog!

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  41. gorgeous dresses as always and so glad to hear that your daughter has improved so much. Hugs to you both x x

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  42. I feel like I just looked at a fashion designer's catalog for maxi dresses. You look absolutely stunning and happy in your above designer catalog.

    I need to go find my m6559 now.

    It's good to hear that your daughter is healing.

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