Summer Maxi Dress (Butterick 4443)

Overall: This was a really refreshing dress to make! I came at a time when some relaxation was needed. I am finding myself lately wanting to sew when I am stressed and when I am inspired. Both of these moments energize me create. I am so thankful for the creative outlet in my life.

Fabric: For this dress, I used a sale fabric from JoAnn's Fabrics. I can't find anything like it online, but what a pleasant surprise--for $5.00 a yard. It is a cotton slub shirting with silver streaks in it. It is so incredibly light. Reminiscent of a linen with a really soft hand.

Pattern: I used Butterick 4443. I only used the skirt. The pattern provides an area that says shorten or lengthen here. I added about five inches in that section. At the bottom, I added 15 inches. WHEN I sew this pattern again, I will add about six more inches to compensate for my high heels--or boots for the winter. I used Vogue 9123 for the bodice. To be honest, I don't really know why I did this. The pattern has princess seam and probably would have come out better. I did not want to line this, so I just did a rolled hem on every raw edge. I liked the way this turned out. I also added pockets to the skirt. You can really use any standard pockets from any pattern. I happen to like pockets, but with my hips being the blessings that they are, it is important not to accentuate them.