I made a not so basic Summer Basics Maxi Dress and I am in love! I think a basic tank dress pattern is perfect for standout prints. It’s a pretty simple A-line silhouette with an empire waist and it just skims over the body in all the right ways. Very suitable for a busy print that needs to shine on its own without too many other complications or distractions.
My fabric is definitely busy. It’s an absolutely stunning tile print ITY knit in a mix of pastels and brighter colours. The tiles have a mix of prints and different lines as well. It’s such a fun print and I knew it needed a pretty simple pattern to show it off. If you know me, you know I love a good maxi dress. A girl can never have too many maxis in my opinion! They make it look like you’ve put in so much effort getting ready, but you really just threw on a dress.
Because the print is so busy, I wanted to find a way to break up the bodice and skirt so you could actually see a separation. I also didn’t want to have to match lines in the tiles. I decided to turn the skirt pieces on the bias. Ofcourse you’d need extra fabric if you go this route. I had 3 yards on hand. Luckily, the back skirt pieces are cut with a center back seam to save fabric which is definitely needed for cutting on the bias. It also makes it so much easier to do a sway back adjustment if you need to. I had no idea this would happen, but I look so much taller with the tiles running diagonally! So that’s definitely a tip if you’re a shortie like me. Diagonal lines give the illusion of extra height!
Let’s chat about the pattern a bit. The Summer Basics is a tank and dress pattern and it does have a few options as do all of Love Notions patterns.
Options
- Fitted tank top
- Knee length dress
- Maxi length dress
- Shelf bra option
Sizing
- XS-5X
- Full bust option
The armholes and neckline are finished with binding which is super easy to sew and there is a really helpful video in the tutorial too. I’ve seen alot of sewists asking about doing bands instead. That’s a really easy change to make. Bands should be 85% the length of the space you’re applying it to. And ofcourse you can pick your own desired width. The joy of sewing!
You can get an extra 10% off any Love Notions pattern using the code: ISLAND10 at checkout! It’s my personal code that is always running even during sale events so make sure to grab that advantage!
I really wanted to do a Youtube video about this dress. I don’t know if you can tell from the photos, but I am practically a zombie right now. I had my first dose of the vaccine the day before this shoot and I felt like I was passing out the entire time. I had no idea it would be this bad. I literally feel like I’ve been hit by a big truck. That being said, I probably won’t be able to do as much for this sale as I’d imagined but I hope you love everything I do manage to share this week!
Toodle-loo
Keira
Your dress is lovely and the idea of turning on the bias would not have occurred to me but I love it! I hope you feel better quickly.
Author
Thank you so much! Still in bed but there’s been some improvement for sure.
Hope you feel better soon. Love your dress
Author
Thank you so much! 🙂
Today should be a better day! Your dress is lovely!!
Author
Thank you so much! 🙂
You look lovely! This fabric is so sweet for a maxi.
But didn’t we talk after I got the first dose? I could have sworn we did. I would have been able to prepare you for the onslaught. Sending hugs because the side effects are a real mess.
Author
Thanks! Abeds for the hook up. Girrrrrl… nobody warned me!
Kiera, love the new twist on this dress and of course it’s lovely on you!
Author
Thank you so much! 🙂
Love the dress in general but really love how you hacked the pattern to feature the print how cutting the skirt pieces on the bias aided in customizing the fit of the pattern (really brilliant idea – which I will likely copy in the future).
I also enjoyed the beautiful scenery in the background and the photos are amazing. As always you look great and the dress suits you and you do not look any worst for wear especially due to the fact you recently had your COVID-19 vaccination.
Just wondering what is the name of the tree or bush behind you in the photos that has the big, beautiful yellow blooms?
Author
Thank you so much for all the kind words! I am so happy I actually know the species so I can tell you lol it’s the Poui Tree!
I love that Maxi! You did a wonderful job at the make. The color looks perfect on you & love how you did the body of the dress on the bias-makes it so interesting. I pray you will be up & about soon. I had my second vaccine & I was out of commission for the week, so I know your pain. It does pass & you will feel yourself in time. So glad I was expecting my body immune response so I was able to get some sewing done before & rested when I had to. Take care
Author
Thank you so much! I’m still not 100%. Getting there slowly!
Love the way that turned out.
Author
Thank you so much! 🙂
What kind of stitch is that on the neckline, is it a twin needle where one of the stitch is hidden in the seam? Or is it a cover stitch? Or did you top stitch something down underneath, hence the single line of stitches? I have this pattern but I’ve never made it!
Author
Hi Janelle. This is just one line of topstitching to keep the seam allowance in place. 🙂
I love your dress, it is so inspiring! Hope you feel better soon so we can admire more sewing projects!
Author
Thank you so much! Luckily this is an older post so I am 100% back in good health now. 🙂