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maxi dress

Maxi Eliana

by Pauline Alice 3 December, 2015

written by Pauline Alice

I wanted to show you this dress since I made it for the CSF fair in Paris last month. I teamed up with Henry Henriette, a pretty fabric and notions store in Nantes (they also sell online: here) as we shared our booth and we were all wearing Pauline Alice x Henry Henriette outfits.

I made this Eliana dress in a soft rayon fabric, perfect for fall. The fabric drapes so nicely, I love walking in this dress as the skirt moves so beautifully.
To make this variation of the Eliana dress pattern, you just need to lengthen the skirt pieces. For mine, I added 50 cm to the skirt hem and widened the skirt to use the whole fabric width. In order to keep the fabric length recommended, I cut the skirt back piece in two instead of on the fold and planned quite ingeniously the layout. But I’m happy to report that I was able to make the maxi length version in the original yardage (ok, I’m quite short so it might have helped). Here is the layout I used:

For the rest, I followed the instructions: bias binding for the neckline, elastic for the waist, pockets. I love the bohemian vibe of this maxi Eliana.

Have a great week end,

3 December, 2015 19 comments

Maxi Camí

by Pauline Alice 13 October, 2014

written by Pauline Alice

For the last couple of years, every summer has been filled with weddings and it can become quite difficult not to repeat outfits when you don’t want to buy (or in my case, make!) a new dress for every occasion. But at the same time, I love weddings and the opportunity to dress up and wear something with a little bit of extra glamour for one night.

So this is what I wore at 2 weddings this summer, one in France and one here in Valencia last week-end. I took this picture just before leaving for the reception and I’m so embarrased at the horribly wrinkled skirt (the fabric doesn’t press well to my defence).

On a side note, I wore my multicolor Alameda to 1 wedding and a dark blue jumpsuit to 2 weddings. And I still have 1 to go in November so if you have any idea…feel free because I’m quite at a loss as to what to make! Yes 6 weddings just this year!

I used my Cami dress pattern for the bodice and sleeves. I made the 3/4 sleeves without the cuffs and just rolled the ends. As you can see, I just stitched 3 buttons on the bodice as I wanted the neckline to stay open quite low. I didn’t make any other changes to the original pattern.

For the skirt, I drafted a long half-circle skirt with a little bit of gathers at the waist. It took a lot of fabric but the way it flows and moves when I walk is absolutely perfect. And of course I added the pockets from the Camí dress, so practical!

The back is cut on the fold while the front is in two pieces, that way I extended the button placket til mid-thigh. I have to say I had some “Angelina Jolie’s leg” moments 😉

I also made a sash/belt folding the fabric in two. I debated about a contrasting leather belt but at the end, I liked the look of the fabric one better: I think it elongated my petite frame.

I had a very specific shade of pink in mind for this dress: I call it “capote” pink. “Capote” in spanish is the name of the bullfighting cape, it’s a bright fuscia colour usually with yellow lining. I didn’t go with the yellow lining but I found this twill with peach skin finish in the right shade on sales. The price was really low (I also suspect that it’s because it was a blend) so I grabbed 4m.

I hope you like this variation and that you’ll try it! It’s very easy (you only need a good yardage!) and it makes a dress easy to wear and with impact!

Have a great week! I’ll be in Vicenza for the Abilmente Fair, come say hello if you’re there!

13 October, 2014 23 comments

Blog My makes Sewing projects

Silk Maxi Dress

by Pauline Alice 18 August, 2014

written by Pauline Alice

I’ve always loved maxi dresses, flowy and romantic skirts. You see, I had more of a bohemian/hippie style when I was in college so sometimes the urge to wear loose dresses comes out.

This summer, during the sales, I found this amazing silk fabric. And I thought it best to make a simple dress to emphasize the lines, tribal pattern and beautiful colours.

I just cut the fabric along the lines (very easy to follow) and gathered 3 tiers. The bottom one is 3 m wide (twice the fabric width), the second one is 2 m wide, the third one 1,5 m (one width). Then I gathered the top one to a small bodice, self-lined as the dress is to worn bra-less. The bodice is also gathered at the neckline and I added an elastic at the back. I made the crossed-straps with a length of fabric folded in two like bias binding.

That’s a very comfortable dress to wear during summer. The silk is so light and soft against the skin and I think it would also look great with heels and without the belt for a party. And don’t let anyone tell you maxi dress are not for short girl: I’m only 1,55 m (5 ft 1) and I love this look!

18 August, 2014 29 comments