Meeting Endless Summer Energy with a Maxi Dress

How are the temps still so hot?! I’m trying to make the best out of a blazing situation with a gorgeous swishy dress made in a splendid graphic print in an attempt to keep my cool when I am very much not. The heat persists, but so do I (while wearing sundresses)!

I really wanted a full length, all-fancy-design-details-included version of the new Chalk & Notch Noe Tank Dress since testing the pattern. This is View C. This version features a beautiful open back with a tie closure and the long gathered hem for maximum impact.

I chose the higher of two necklines. The pattern features full lining and I used the same fabric for both. I prefer to avoid any peeking-issues the easy way.

As I was scrolling through the challis options on the Fabric Mart site, this one stood out immediately, a beautiful kelly green with big abstract swipes of aqua. Simple, bold, (non-directional!), all of my favorite characteristics necessary for a showstopping dress. I wanted something very lightweight since the dress is essentially doubled with the lining, and I thought the drape of challis would be just swishy enough and also work well for the gathering.

Fabulous matching green thread plus lightweight interfacing, (I like a narrow edge around necklines like this for support) and away I go!

I switched up the construction method for the shoulder seams. At the stage where the front and back of the dress were completed and the lining was sewn to each half of the dress, I ended up turning the back dress right side out and inserting the straps right sides together inside of the front bodice straps, and then just sewed straight across the short seam. I was careful to align both straps seams on each side, and they came out great!

One other minor thing I did was stitch the dress lining to the bodice along the side seams just a few inches from the underarm down, and I’m going to wear my Noe and see if I need to further anchor the lining to the dress. The last thing I want is it hitching up on the inside, but I want it to be freeflowing as well.

Now you can find me beating the heat in my new green gown!

Happy sewing!

KATIE | @kak513

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