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Boho Maxi Dress – “Just For You” Book Sewlebrity Sew Along

Boho Maxi Dress

I’m ready for summer in my new dress! I was thrilled to be asked to join the Just for You Sewlebrity Sew Along, a book event for “Just for You: Selfish Sewing Projects from Your Favorite Sew Can She Bloggers: 24 Simply Stylish Projects“* (affiliate link) by Caroline Fairbanks-Critchfield (who blogs at SewCanShe) & Sarah Markos (who blogs at Blue Susan Makes). The book has 24 projects (2 for each month) that are all perfect for selfish sewing, including bags, aprons, clothes, and accessories. I normally sew more for kids, handmade toys are my favorite, and can always use a reminder to make something for myself.

I got to sew the Boho Maxi Dress, a project from Claudia (who blogs at Mama Bear Says)! It was perfect timing, right as our weather in Iowa is starting to warm up and right as my three month old daughter is starting to sleep a little better at night. This dress was just the excuse I needed to steal away and sew for myself instead of doing laundry after she goes to bed!

{This post contains affiliate links, indicated by an asterisk*. Please refer to ‘legal stuff’ in the top menu for more info.}

Boho Maxi Dress

Technically I made more of a Boho Midi Dress – you can see the example from the book above. I’m pretty short (5’2) and wanted to make sure that I didn’t get swallowed up by fabric, so I shortened each tier.

Shirred Sun Dress

I usually work with knits but gauze was fun to sew with! The fabric I used ripped really easily and cleanly, which made cutting all the strips a piece of cake. This is a size medium- I think I could’ve actually used a size large for the bust. I forgot how quickly my measurements can fluctuate when nursing a newborn – which also explains the asymmetry in the bustline, she was due for a feeding on one side, should’ve waited to take pictures I guess!

Back of Dress

I think this would be pretty strapless or as a halter too!

Twirly Dress

Twirl factor! I like how subtle the gathering/ruffle effect was in this pattern.

shirring

I had only tried shirring once in the past without much luck, but I read their ‘tips’ page on the technique and it helped a lot!

Gathered Fabric

I love the texture of this fabric! Perfect for summer. This will be a perfect swimsuit coverup that is easy to pull on and off one-handed while wrangling beach gear.

Boho Maxi Dress

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Tina

Sunday 14th of June 2015

I love the color you choose. I am 5'3, can you let me know how much you shortened each tier? Thank you!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Sunday 14th of June 2015

Thanks Tina! I was hoping no one would ask me that.. normally I am really careful to take good notes on adjustments I make but I went to measure the strips I'd torn off as I went along and shortened and couldn't tell which strips were which! It was roughly 1.5 per tier - I cut them as the pattern stated and basted just a few inches of all three to check the length and adjusted from there. Sorry to be a little vague :)

VickiT

Sunday 14th of June 2015

I think the last thing I sewed for myself was a lap quilt.

janna

Saturday 13th of June 2015

The last thing I made for myself was a tote bag for a trip to Nashville

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 19th of June 2015

Nashville is so fun! Can't ever have enough tote bags either. Thanks for visiting!

Carla G

Saturday 13th of June 2015

I don't know if I've ever finished a clothing item for myself -- there's always something not right or I have to make something for one of my kids or mend something. I'm trying to make a summery blouse for myself which I'll get back to once the shorts for my son are done. :)

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 19th of June 2015

Carla, I hope you do get back to it, and love it! Thanks for visiting!

Laura Michelle Manning

Friday 12th of June 2015

Last thing I sewed for myself was a kimono top that's in testing.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 19th of June 2015

Laura, which designer's did you do! I have been seeing them pop up in the PDF group but I don't think I caught yours :) Thanks for visiting!

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