This DIY Chevron Maxi was inspired by the BR Chevron striped ponte dress (see my review here). I tried on the BR dress couple of weeks ago and really loved the design and chevron print, but wasn't crazy about the fit or the price so I decided to make my own.
I also have a very hard time finding maxi dresses that are the right length so I decided to run with the chevron idea and make a maxi instead of a knee length dress. I thought a long dress would also show off the chevron print and create more drama.
This maxi may looks very plain and simple, but it is definitely the most difficult DIY I have done to date. In order to create the chevron print, I had to cut the stripe material at a bias. It took me hours to line up/angle all the stripes so they meet at the seams. Cutting at a bias also wastes a lot of material and leaving behind lots of scraps. I'm glad the girl at the fabric store advised me to buy an extra 1/2 yard of fabric.
This is by far my favorite DIY project and I hope you guys enjoy it as well.
H&M Denim Jacket. Size 2. (similar here & here)
DIY Chevron Maxi Dress. (similar here, here & here)
Coach New Kristin Python Crossbody. (similar here & here)
Nine West "Metric" Wedge Sandals - Size 5.5. (super cute ones here!)
And on a total random note, I got my tix to the Justin Timberlake & Jay Z concert. Ahhhh super excited!! LOL!
*UPDATE -- since a number of you asked this question, I thought I'd answer it here.
No I didn't use a pattern. I did take a good fitting tank top and used that as a guide for the top and made changes to the neckline. The skirt part I came up with on my own with my waist & hip measurements in mind and also adding a few inches for seam allowance. The shape of the skirt is A-line and constructed using 4 separate panels. I also draw out my pattern on a newspaper before I start cutting the fabric to be on the safe side. My garments never fit me perfect when all the pieces are sewn together. I have to do a number of nip tucks before I come to a piece that fits me the way I want it.
Wow! and I thought your DIY V-day red dress was amazing...this one is even better! I cannot believe you made this dress yourself! Are you sure you are not a professional dress maker? haha, I'm in awe. I would totally buy this dress if you ever decide to make some to sell :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Olyvia! Wish I was a prof dress maker! I'm so flattered that you'd want to buy my DIY dress. :)
DeleteIt is just perfect, I love it! Where did you get the fabric from?
ReplyDeleteThe fabric outlet in the mission area.
DeleteWow, you did such a great job with the dress! It looks amazing!
ReplyDeletexo
Wow. This dress looks expensive as it drapes and fits you PERFECTLY. The color complements your skin tone sooo well too! (I think you may have found your signature hue.)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I recently noticed too that I am very attracted to red hues. LOL
DeleteGreat work! The print lines up perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this on you!! Fantastic DIY job! If you ever consider opening up an etsy store and making another one of these dresses, I'd totally buy it :)
ReplyDeleteAww thanks! Maybe one of these days when I get better at sewing! ;)
DeleteAmazing! Such a beautiful job. I had to stop myself from adding an obscene amount of exclamation points. Keep up the sewing. Can't wait to see more. :)
ReplyDeletethanks!!!! lol
DeleteThis looks amazing! It looks like you've been sewing for years and years. You sure you haven't just been holding out on us in the past?? :)
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how long that must have taken you. I don't think there are any manufactured dresses out there that would have perfectly aligned stripes, and fit you this well. Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt took me the whole weekend! But it was time well spent...
DeleteAwesome Job! It looks absolutely stunning. Love the way you have it lined up perfectly! If you get bored with your current profession, I bet the dressmaker would love to have your talents!
ReplyDeleteSaw extrapet tweet and decided to have a quick look...im not one to comment but wow, amazing job. did you use a pattern or come up with the whole thing yourself?
ReplyDeleteHi! I didn't use a pattern. See my update above. :)
DeleteVery impressive, may i ask how many yards total you purchaesd for this project?
DeleteI bought 3 yards, but that was enough to account for a couple of mistakes and large scraps to make a sleeveless shell.
DeleteThanks!
DeleteYou did an AMAZING job with the dress, Ping! The lining up of the chevron print must have taken FOREVER. Did you use a pattern? I'd love to try it one of these days, hopefully after tax season passes, I can get back to doing more DIY-ing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Cher! Yes, lining up the stripes took forever. I didn't use a pattern...read my update above. Good luck with tax season!! Hope you get time to work on your DIYs. ;)
DeleteAmazing job, Ping! Those hours were worth it because your attention to the details and having the stripes match up is just perfect.
ReplyDeleteWow, nice job! Looks amazing on you!
ReplyDeleteWow! Excellent! Did you buy a pattern or come up with it on your own? Carrie
ReplyDeleteHi Carrie! Read my update above.
DeleteUh, have you seen retail "chevron"? There's always something mis-aligned. This is flawless, seriously beautiful work and you look amazing in it! Will you be wearing when I see you? Or maybe another DIY?
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!! Just amazing...love this dress Ping!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I'm so impressed. I wish I knew how to sew, but I really have no idea how to begin. I'd totally buy one if you ever decided to do this on the side!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic job you've done to create a well fitted maxi. So precise with the lines matching up!
ReplyDeleteHey Ping!!
ReplyDeleteThis dress is amazing! My favorite of yours, too! :) You are a natural. We are visiting my parents tonight...I might walk out of there with my sewing machine. I have some giveaway clothes I made be willing to play around with before trying to buy fabric.
Also caught up on your V-Day post...you and Tim look great! He was looking stylish! Bummer about Morton's...the quality at the one in Vegas has gone downhill.
gorgeous dress ping! i love the scoop neck back. Very impressed that you made that pattern by yourself without using any sort of guide! Well done! you look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteFound you via @extrapetite. You did an incredible job on this dress! It could totally be a $200 dress from Ella Moss. I just bought a sewing machine myself (it is literally still sitting in the shipping box) but now you might be giving me the motivation I need to start using it!
ReplyDeletePS - I was starting to read through your earlier posts and had to come back and say that I like your chevron dress much more than the original BR dress.
DeleteI'm still in complete awe that you made such an incredible dress and that all the lines match up! Looks great and yes you should start selling your clothing!
ReplyDelete