If Fast Fashion Doesn't Provide ... Make It Yourself

This dress really came about because no mainstream retailer was making what I needed this summer.

I felt like it was a basic request: A knit maxi dress that didn't require a strapless bra. Because sometimes, when it is stupidly hot, a strapless bra is the last thing one wants to deal with.

But I couldn't find one! They're available in maternity, it seems (seriously? only pregnant women get to be comfortable?), and with skinny little spaghetti straps, but nothing with a strap that is actually wide enough to comfortably handle a bra. 

Fortunately, when I got frustrated happened to line up with when fabric and Simplicity patterns were on sale. 

Pattern: Simplicity 1358

Repeat after me: Simplicity patterns are never actually simple. 

So many modifications on this one. It called for bands at the armholes and neck, but after doing the neck, and seeing how horribly it rolled -- it makes for a nice pattern, but isn't quite like what I was picturing -- I decided to use bias tape at the armholes. It worked much better, and gave more of the look and feel that I was going for. The band issue could have been because of the thinness of the fabric, but I don't regret leaving them out for the arms. 

I haven't done a final hem yet, but I think I'm going to lop a good six inches off the bottom. I love the Romanesque drape and flow of it, but at the end of the day, I need to pick up the skirt to walk in it as is, and that's not very practical. I think doing the deep cut will let me keep that flow, but also let me walk like a functional adult.

With that said, I will definitely remake this dress in the shorter version -- likely View E. I have the fabric, and just need to do it. It should be a feasible project for a weekend, as long as I actually stick to it. 

Fabric: Mint Boho Scroll

I so rarely buy fashion fabric from Joann these days. But I wanted something on the cheaper side, and to be honest, wasn't thrilled with any of the knit prints that Mood had. At this price, I could totally justify buying the fabric and not feel guilty about making a dress that I didn't necessarily need.

It was very easy and pleasant to work with, and definitely reinforced that for basic knits and cheap projects, I'll check out my local Joann. The cutting staff were pleasant, and you really can't beat the sales and coupons. 

The fabric flowed perfectly for this project. It came out as the weight that I wanted, and drapes nicely. A good choice, all around!