A Marimekko Vogue 9371

I've made the decision to only sew from my fabric collection this summer ~ no fabric purchases until September 15th. I'm participating in #projectfabricfast on Instagram.  So I've been challenging myself to make garments from the collection ONLY. 

I really like my first Vogue 9371 but due to some health challenges, my ankles are swelling during the day. It's one of the reasons I'm making maxidresses this season. BTW, I'm fine and I don't need any suggestions about how to deal with the swelling but appreciate your concern.

When I picked the pattern, I was drawn to the drape depicted in the cover art. However, after making the pattern alterations to give me the drape and length I wanted, I ended up with very large and wide pattern pieces. On a regular piece of fabric, the pieces would have to be cut singly which ate up alot of yardage. I thought a 4 yard cut of 56" wide fabric would work but no...I needed at least 5-6 yards of fabric.

My first thought was that I owned nothing in that amount of yardage that wasn't a wool. I b*tched and moaned to Gaylen about how could this be. I started to run options through my mind. I even went to Fabric Mart and loaded the cart with a rayon challis because it was 60% off making it about $4 a yard. A reasonable price to me for 6 yards of fabric.  The only thing that stopped me from purchasing it was knowing it wouldn't get to me for a week. I was worried I would've moved on by then. So that large amount of fabric would just sit in the collection ~ nah ~ been there, done that!

Finally I got up and started going through the collection. I was looking for anything that could be color blocked or if hopefully there was 5 yards of something I hadn't remembered. Instead I found a Marimekko extra long twin, set of sheets...and OMG! The heavens opened up and the fabric angels sang!!!  That is how I ended up with a Marimekko Vogue 9371.

Supply List ~
1 flat Crate & Barrel Marimekko sheet
1 fitted Crate & Barrel Marimekko sheet
12 - 7/8" 2-hole white mother of pearl buttons from the button collection
White bias binding

Pattern Alterations ~

1. The first alteration was to slice both the front and back pattern pieces and spread them 1/2" at the top with a 3" width increase at the bottom.
2. At the lengthen line I cut and added 3"
3. Then I added another 3" at the hemline.

Construction ~
I did have to cut the elastic off the fitted sheet and press it out before I could cut the pattern.

After pressing the sheet out, it handled just like regular fabric and I was able to cut out the extra large pattern pieces easily.

The only design change I made to this version is that I added inseam pockets to the dress using the pocket pattern from my Myosotis Dress.

When I was thinking about how I wanted this dress to look in pictures, I kept thinking of the flowy dresses my Mother use to wear to parties in the 70s. Lotsa hair that was enhanced by a wig piece and a huge scarf tied around it all. I wanted to emulate that look with these pictures and I believe I was successful.

A few pictures ~

And with a little twirl...

To keep this from looking muu-muu like, I kept a closer fit at the bustline and shoulders. I added to the body of the dress so it would have greater flow at the lengthened hemline.

Also, I did not prewash the sheet. I'm hoping and praying that since it's a sheet it won't shrink.

Other than that, this is my "Throwback to the 70s - Marimekko Vogue 9371." I know it's bold and loose but that's how I'm feeling this summer.  A little Maude-ish, a little free and definitely so-so comfortable.

...as always more later!