Saturday, February 23, 2013

DIY Chevron Maxi Dress

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.

36 comments:

  1. 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 :)

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    1. Thanks so much Olyvia! Wish I was a prof dress maker! I'm so flattered that you'd want to buy my DIY dress. :)

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  2. It is just perfect, I love it! Where did you get the fabric from?

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  3. Wow, you did such a great job with the dress! It looks amazing!

    xo

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  4. 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.)

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    1. Thanks so much! I recently noticed too that I am very attracted to red hues. LOL

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  5. Great work! The print lines up perfectly!

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  6. I 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 :)

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    1. Aww thanks! Maybe one of these days when I get better at sewing! ;)

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  7. Amazing! 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. :)

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  8. This 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?? :)

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  9. I 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!

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    1. It took me the whole weekend! But it was time well spent...

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  10. Awesome 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!

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  11. Saw 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?

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    1. Hi! I didn't use a pattern. See my update above. :)

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    2. Very impressive, may i ask how many yards total you purchaesd for this project?

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    3. I bought 3 yards, but that was enough to account for a couple of mistakes and large scraps to make a sleeveless shell.

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  12. You 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.

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    1. Thanks 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. ;)

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  13. Amazing job, Ping! Those hours were worth it because your attention to the details and having the stripes match up is just perfect.

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  14. Wow, nice job! Looks amazing on you!

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  15. Wow! Excellent! Did you buy a pattern or come up with it on your own? Carrie

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  16. Uh, 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?

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  17. WOW!!!! Just amazing...love this dress Ping!

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  18. Great 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!

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  19. What a fantastic job you've done to create a well fitted maxi. So precise with the lines matching up!

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  20. Hey Ping!!

    This 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.

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  21. 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.

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  22. Found 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!

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    1. PS - 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.

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  23. I'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!

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