Thursday, May 24

Review: Martha Stewart's Elegant & Easy Dress

Martha Stewart's Elegant & Easy Dress

Size: custom

Pattern Critique: Can't get any easier than two rectangles. The instruction pictures had me confused for a sec, but it doesn't take much for me. This is an extremely quick sew - like less than two hours to measure, cut & sew, but I took some extra time ironing and seam finishing (Hong Kong.)

Fabric: Quilter's cotton blend purchased 1-2 years ago from JoAnn's clearance aisle. $0.99 silky cording for the tie.

Modifications: The instructions recommended adding 5 inches to your widest body part for sizing.
  • I added about 8 inches to make looser (the look I was going for.)
  • I added darts to the top of the back area to minimize bagginess and so I could tell front from back.
  • I tied wooden beads to the ends of the cording.
Results: coolness. versatility. I will definitely whip a few more of these puppies up for me & kiddo. This is an AWESOME stash reducer woo-hoo!!!

This dress will be very nice in a body skimming jersey knit, a flowing silky, stretchy denim or even a cool gauze - pretty much whatever you want. You have unlimited options on what you could use for the tie (I wouldn't recommend that slippery cording I used tho) Looks good with or without a belt and you can definitely play around with the length.




14 comments:

Erica Bunker said...

Very cute! I'm so glad you did this. You reminded me that I had printed this pattern out around a year ago and have yet to make this very simple dress. It looks great on you!

cidell said...

Gack. That's it? Two rectangles. I love me some Martha!

Unknown said...

That is cool! It isn't too far from the cha-cha-cha dress if I recall correctly... probably easier too. ~thx for the review~

Christina said...

Nice. It looks especially great with the belt.

Tany said...

Very nice and easy dress! You look great in it!

dawn said...

You look cut in it! I love how versatile you've made it too. Good job!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Great look! Love the versatility!

Barbara at Cat Fur Studio said...

Really a great look. I like how you styled it with the pants, too.

Adrienne said...

Very, very cute!!!

narcissaqtpie said...

This is my new fave. Thanks BUNCHES for the encouragement!

Jada said...

Now I love making super simple things.I will have to try this.All your looks with it were great.I love the color.

Unknown said...

Who knew two rectangles could look so good? Great job.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Thank you, sewl sista! The diagram had me confused too. Have you found other easy dresses?