Sunday 1 December 2013

Floral Anna Maxi


After seeing Sew Busy Lizzy's Anna Dresses from By Hand London, I was sold on this pattern. You can see her versions here First Anna , Second Anna , Third Anna. I bought the pattern but then it sat unused for quite a while because I couldn't find the ideal fabric I had pictured using. I traced off size US10/UK14 from the shoulders down to the bottom of the armhole and then graded up to a size US12/UK16 at the waist. I cut the skirt at size US12/UK16 because I didn't want it to be tight across the tummy region.


Photo of Pattern envelope.
Eventually I found this fabric on the Lincraft Online Store. As you can see, the photo of the fabric was very blurry so I was taking a bit of a risk ordering it. However, I was very happy with the print when it arrived. The spun rayon is ideal for this pattern. It's so soft and drapes beautifully to create a very feminine dress. It was OK to sew, but keeping the pins in the fabric was a bit of a nightmare.

I did make a muslin of the bodice to check fit as I had read that a lot of people had trouble with the neckline gaping. I'm so glad that I did because it was easy to adjust the pattern to eliminate the gaping. I used this tutorial by Ginger Makes to adjust the back neckline, and then I used the same process to eliminate the gaping at the front neckline as well. I pinched out 2cm at each side of the back neckline and 1.5cm at each side of the front neckline. I also stay stitched the neckline as soon as possible after cutting to avoid the fabric stretching during handling.


No neckline gaping
This dress is super long. I cut off 9cm from the length and I am wearing this with very high heels. (I'm 5' 7"). 



The neckline is finished off with facings as instructed in the pattern. These are not interfaced and are very floppy. I under stitched to try and avoid them rolling out. (This is not mentioned in the instructions). They do suggest top stitching but I didn't want that look for this soft feminine dress. I also anchored the facings to the shoulder seams with a few hand stitches to keep them in place. This method has been successful.


Closer view of front bodice pleats
Back neckline and invisible zip.
I didn't add the thigh high split to this dress so it made construction a little simpler. I finished off all the seams with my overlocker in a cream coloured thread which I felt was quite neat, as they would not be seen at all while wearing the dress. I simply turned twice and top stitched narrow hems on the sleeves and the skirt.


I hope this railing doesn't break.
This fabric was a bit transparent so I wore a nude coloured slip underneath.



I added my denim jacket (store bought) for warmth as it was a little chilly tonight. I think it gave the dress a nice casual vibe.



Credit for these lovely photos all goes to my very patient partner who actually specializes in Wedding Photography. You can see his work here Photique Photography.

In closing, I must share what happened after these photos were taken. We went into town for dinner at one of our favourite restaurants. As the waitress seated us she complimented me on my dress. When I told her that I made it myself she was genuinely amazed and gushed about how pretty and feminine it was. This really made my night. I guess that's just one of the rewards of sewing your own clothes. So satisfying.

And, by the way this is not the last you will be seeing of this pattern. I have the next one cut out already...but this next one will be quite different.

Happy Sewing

16 comments:

  1. This is just gorgeous - you wouldn't pick it as the same pixelated fabric sample from Lincraft! And the background for the photos is so suited - partner does indeed take perfect shots (but the dress steals the show) ... J

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    1. Thanks for the lovely comments Judith. I was pretty lucky with the fabric, I think. My partner chose the location for the photos and I agree that he chose very well. Sometimes it's nice to take photos in different locations so you are not looking at the same boring background over and over.

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  2. Very pretty! I really like it with the denim jacket ... gives it a nice "edge."

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    1. Thanks Debbie. I had the denim jacket in mind the whole time I was sewing this dress. There's just something about denim and floral that look good together.

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  3. I love that you can wear it dressy or casual -- a beautiful dress, very flattering on you:)

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    1. Thank you Angela. I think I will get lots of wear out of this dress over the summer, as it is quite versatile.

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  4. Very Nice floral, looks simple and gorgeous, I like the combination of the denim Shirt it gives a little boldness to the colors.

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    1. Thanks BiKe for your very kind comment. I love the floral too...very feminine.

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  5. Well done. The dress looks great on you. The fit is perfect and the style is flatter.

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    1. Thanks for you kind comments Cennetta. They are very much appreciated.

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  6. This is a beautiful dress and you look lovely in it. So many lovely Anna's out there. I am almost convinced, but then I see my huge BurdaStyle magazine collection and reality kicks in. I don't need another pattern...
    -Sewingelle

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment Sewingelle. I am envious of your BurdaStyle magazine collection. I have never even seen one, yet I am reading about them all the time.

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  7. Your dress is lovely! I really don't want to buy this pattern but your lovely version is pushing me just a little closer. I have so many lovely patterns and so little time!

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    1. I know what you mean, but this is a great pattern. I have almost completed my second Anna which is quite different. Will be posting about this one very soon.

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  8. This is so lovely! And now I think I need to make a denim jacket...

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    1. Thanks Lizzie...you were my inspiration to make this dress. A denim jacket with your "Anna Rose" would look wonderful. Can I recommend the Style Arc Stacie Jean Jacket.

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