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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Maximum style - minimum effort

I've finally gotten on the maxi dress bandwagon. Yesterday I hammered out these two beauties and am wondering why I waited so long. Oh, I know why. I didn't think the maxi would be age appropriate for me. On the cusp of being 55, I don't want to make the mistakes I see a lot of  "old women" make--trying to wear the latest trend when it is not for them! After encouragement from a couple of friends I decided to take the plunge.





Because I have "fit phobia" I started by taking the bodice of McCalls 6083. I think larger cup sizes can always benefit from some additional shaping in the bust, I started with a size 20 bodice. I added a bust dart, used a tape measure to measure from waist to floor. I added only one additional inch -- the weight of the dress would add some additional length. I sewed bodice, then the skirt. Stretch the bodice to fit the skirt. Added a half length lining to the skirt only. Sewed a one inch seam for the lining at the waist. Turn that seam toward the bodice and stitched down on the bodice, leaving an opening for the elastic. Turn under a casing on the upper bodice and inserted elastic and voila! Both fabrics had been marinating in my stash and all the notions were within arms reach...I love having a stash!

So tell me..yea or nae on the maxi??

28 comments:

  1. Yea on the maxi. So you put in a bust dart on the side? I can't tell from the pictures.

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  2. Hasn't anyone told you that 55 is the new 35?!! Hey, you're rockin your age and rockin the style. You're a great role model.

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  3. Most definitely a yes...And that from another 55 year old!

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  4. An overwhelming two thumbs up on the maxi dresses. You're rocking them!

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  5. They are a definite yay! You look good! I'm ahead of you by a few years, and I'm gonna make me one or two or three. I thinks maxi's are very age appropriate - anyone can wear them!

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  6. Definitely a "yea". I especially love the diagonal stripes.

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  7. Those are fabulous maxis and you look great in them. I think the maxi is age appropriate for you. In fact, I know and 83 year old woman who sports a long dress and she is so cute in it! Wear them, love them. Life is short!

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  8. YAY YAY YAY for the maxi dresses! They are just FABULOUS on you! I love them both, but I really like how you've matched the stripes on the second one, between the bodice and skirt :)

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  9. Just as I suspected,you look FABULOUS, I don't know which one I like better. I love the necklace.

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  10. It's a great look! I just passed the 55 mark myself love the look. I might have to try it myself.

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  11. The maxis look fabulous on you and ... Can I say told you so...lol.

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  12. You always look fabulous, and you wear these maxi dresses all too well. A definite yea!

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  13. yes, Yes, YES! I like them both! (not that I'm biased, but I always make my skirts and dresses long)

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  14. A definite YES! You look fantastic in both dresses.

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  15. YEA absolutely! You look wonderful!

    Gail D.

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  16. Awesome, you looks stylish and yes the maxi dress can be worn by any one regarless of age. As long as style is appropriate. My mom is 73 years old and I am making a maxi dress for her.

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  17. I think they look great on you. I'm not a fan of the tube look so I would include a lightweight cardi or shrug. But I love the look.

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  18. You don't look your age anyway (wink)!!! You look great in these!!! Definitely a winner:)

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  19. You look awesome, great fabric choices as always.

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  20. OK that does it. I am making some of these too. You look terrific and I am going to use your instructions. Thanks so much for those.

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  21. Both of these are stellar! Yay for stash-busting!

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  22. Love these dresses on you! My life involves too many flights of stairs to wear a maxi dress, but I don't think I am too old for one.

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  23. You look fabulous and age is nothing but a number, in my opinion maxi dresses look great on everyone. It depends on the person not the age.

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  24. Rachel, You look fantastic! Both dresses are definitely in keeping with today's trend. Old lady? Nah..,

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