Maximize May: The Southport Dress by True Bias and the Midsummer Dream Dress by Striped Swallow Designs
/We are at Day 3 of our Maximize May series and today we are showing off the Southport Dress by True Bias and mom and daughter versions of the Midsummer Dream Dress by Striped Swallow. As always, Mac and Katy look amazing and are inspiring me to Maximize my own wardrobe!
Hi there - Mac from Harper+Lu here to share my Maximize May make with you all. When the idea for MaxiMize May was born - I instantly knew what dress would FINALLY come off my bucket list - the Southport Dress by True Bias! I have been literally LUSTING over this pattern since well before I knew how to actually construct garments, and trust me, this pattern did not disappoint!
To tell you a bit about it, it is a button front, slightly above knee or maxi sleeveless dress. As the mom of a weaning toddler, it's nice to know that I have the option to wear a dress that I can easily nurse in - and still feel put together! For this version, I made the maxi length out of a gorgeous rayon challis I've had in my stash since the Christmas before last, and used just 2 yards (I wasn't able to cut Bias tape for the neckline/armholes or drawstring) - score for being just about 5’3”! I used pearl snaps for the bodice to avoid buttonholes (best tip I ever learned from another blogger), but I do think they are just a little heavy for the really lightweight rayon challis. The pattern is drafted for a c-cup (3” difference between high and full bust) - but there is plenty of ease in the bodice in case you need a bit more room.
There's a lovely split in the middle of the maxi that I was really apprehensive about though I'm not sure why now, since it's one of my favorite features now - and came together beautifully. It allows air to circulate through the dress and will be perfect as the weather continues to warm up! I think with it's easy styling, and comfortable fit - the True Bias Southport could EASILY become the perfect summer staple. Kelli has even created a True Bias Southport Sewalong, so you may not even have to read the pattern instructions - how easy is that?!?!
Hi, I'm Katy from my china doll and both myself and my daughter are featured in Maximize May. We wanted a boho style dress to wear that is cool and comfy on our upcoming holiday that we are going on the escape the chill down in Australia. We decided to make the Striped Swallow Designs Midsummer Dream dress in a maxi length. It was an easy sew up, I added cluny lace to the trim of the ruffle and used cotton poplin for both dresses.
We are still Maximizing May with Mac and Katy's versions of two amazing maxi dresses. Mac sewed the Southport Dress by True Bias and Katy sewed the women's and girl's Midsummer Dream Dress by Striped Swallow Designs.