Fiesta, fiesta! (Cora's Maxi Dress Numero Dos)

I really loved the first dress I made using this pattern so I decided to make another in a shorter length.

I had a hunch that it would probably be longer than my knees but I didn't bother shortening the bottom tier.  I figured I could make a giant hem and call it a day.  After I finished sewing the giant hem, it was still longer than I wanted but I figured I would leave the length in case it ever shrank after being washed.

I didn't really think the construction of this dress all the way through because I didn't consider what the fabric would look like chopped up.  Once I started assembling the tiers I noticed that the print didn't match and the colors were slightly off.  I freaked out for a few seconds and then I convinced myself that it really wouldn't matter because no one would really pay that much attention and notice.

When I constructed this dress, I made some modifications to the bodice and the bodice assembly.  I didn't sandwich the straps between the ruffle and the bodice (like I mentioned doing in my other post) because I thought it might make it difficult to insert the elastic.  Instead I made the casing by flipping the ruffle over the bodice (see pictures below) and top stitching...I then attached the straps afterward to the inside of the bodice.  I also added a casing at the bottom on this dress.  I used single fold bias tape and I sewed the bottom to the bottom bodice seam allowance and then top stitched the top of the casing.  I used 1/2" single fold bias tape, however in retrospect, I should have used a larger size.  I like the elastic at the bottom, I think it helps ad a little shape to the dress.  I intend on going back to my full length dress and adding an elastic casing at the bottom.

I love the outcome of my new dress, it looks so festive, hence the name of this post!

Going Boho - Cora's Maxi Dress Pattern Review

I'm a sucker for long billowy dresses, so it was love at first sight with this pattern. I actually own a RTW dress that is a similar style; however, it's too long to wear with flats and it's strapless (which means I don't wear it often).

The fabric is linen from JoAnn's.  The pink color is almost the same shade as the two skirts (the Cascade and the Mabel) that I recently made (with fabric I also bought at JoAnn's).  I might be obsessed with this pink.

This pattern is rated for an intermediate beginner however I think anyone can make it.  The most difficult part of this dress is gathering the tiers and sewing them.

The pattern is well written, however there are a few things I would change if I were to use it again.  I followed the instructions on attaching the bodice ruffle to the bodice and I found the casing to be a little bulky.  I would probably sew the bodice ruffle to the wrong side of the bodice and the flip it to the outside to sew the casing as instructed.  I think it would reduce the bulk and make it easier to thread the elastic through.  Also, you could attach the straps between the two layers.  To secure and reinforce the straps you can top stitch them as directed in the instructions.  Another thing I would change is adding an elastic casing at the bottom of the bodice (to match the one at the top) instead of only sewing two rows of smocking stitches.  The dress just hangs and looks like a maternity dress on me.

All these gathers look cute but they are a pain to sew, especially when you have soooo much fabric.  I used my walking foot and lots of pins to keep the gathers in place as I sewed.  The pattern calls for top stitching above the gathers but I opted to use my serger to trim and finish the gather seams.  

I really love the dress (even though it took more than 5 yards of fabric!).  And of course I had to make a flower crown to wear in my dress pictures.  I didn't think my pictures would be complete without one...I mean, come on...who doesn't love flower crowns?  I will show you how I made my crown in a separate post.  

This is probably my favorite thing I have ever made...I love the dress so much that I might need to make more.  Perhaps I will make a matching version for Violet.  :)