Seamingly Smitten Maxi Dress Pattern Review

In June I shared one of my summer sewing goals was to make myself some maxi dresses.  I made it into a dress making challenge for myself (and anyone who wanted to join me) by noting some maxi dress patterns I'd found and was considering trying.  

Today I'm sharing my results with one: the 

Seamingly Smitten Racerback Maxi Dress Pattern.

One of the big reasons I decided to buy this pattern was the "real women" result photos.  This pattern maker uses a big pool of testers which means lots of finished dress images.  There were so many different body shapes & ages and they all looked great in the dresses.  Seeing all the different dress variations with lengths & finishing helped a lot too.  

The key change I made was instead of doing the racerback, I re-drafted the back bodice to be a normal tank style using a curved dressmaker's ruler.  I don't own any racerback bras and hate the whole "different color undergarment straps sticking out" look.  I didn't want to have to go buy a bunch of bras just for these dresses so I altered that bit.  Everything else about this pattern was exactly what I wanted so I did that minor change and, quite frankly, LOVE it.  

I made two versions of this dress.  One was with the cotton blend knit above (which had been in my stash for eternity) and the other was with some new double brushed poly knit I started carrying in my fabric shop that I wanted to test sew.  Both dress are flattering, super comfortable and I've gotten a number of compliments on them already.  

I used Swedish tracing paper to redraw the neckline area of the back to make it 

normal tank style rather than racerback.

I also want to mention that years go Seamingly Smitten was an advertiser here, but it's been quite some time since then. This, like any other recent patterns, were my own purchases, and I'm not any kind of affiliate, so this is an unbiased, independent review.

Pattern Review Time!

I made the empire waisted, petite size S (4-6).  One thing I really like about Seamingly Smitten patterns is all the sizing & style options that are included.  This pattern covers sizes 0-26, petite, normal & tall and has empire & normal waist and even has optional pockets.  There are also circle skirt and shorter length options if you don't want a standard length maxi dress.  That much fit variation being included in the cuttable pattern saves a ton of customizing time, which is a huge plus for me.  At a 5'0",  I usually have to do a lot of modifying to get the right fit.  I also end up wasting a good amount of fabric that ends up getting cut off the bottom.  Not this time!

I also liked that the skirt portion was printable.  Yes, it takes a bit of paper to make that bit, but it's SO much faster and easier to position that on the fabric that to wrestle with yard sticks and measuring for something this big.  It also made it easier for me to reposition the bodices a bit for cutting so I was able to make one dress with just 2yds and the other with 2 1/4yds rather than the suggested 3 1/4yds, which meant big savings & no fabric wastage.

There are two finishing options for the neck and arm areas: a full lining or doing binding (with the same or coordinating fabric).  I did the lining option on both which was very fast.  I find you're less likely to run into issues doing that if you've got a really stretchy or fiddly fabric, which some stretch knits can be.  There's nothing worse that a fabric giving you trouble at the most noticeable parts of your dress like the neckline.  

My white fabric was a bit thicker and about 30% stretch.  It made the front waist sit a little higher than I'd like, so if I were using a fabric like this again, I'd probably use the normal waist length, but I still really like this one.

The instructions are really clear and there are lots of photos, so if you're a newbie sewist you won't easily get lost or confused.  The pattern instructions recommended sizing down a full size if using fabric with a 4-way stretch.  I was a little concerned that it would be snugger than I wanted so I made the double brushed poly version in the same size and still think it's the best fit for me.  The bodice actually hits in the ideal spot on this one, so I'd definitely do it the same way for future 4-way stretch/DBP versions at this weight.  

This PDF pattern is also just $4 (thank you summertime sale prices!), over in the Seamingly Smitten Etsy shop, so it's an incredibly good buy.  I've already made two and definitely plan to make more dresses with it, so that price tag is a bargain.  With a little hemming tweak you could also use the bodice portion as a basic tank or tankini top too.  

Now I've got some beautiful, bargain priced, summer dresses that weren't too time consuming to whip up and I've got a dependable pattern so I can keep making myself more for future summers. 

My Pattern Review Score?  

Sew Into Spring With New Seamingly Smitten Patterns

Are you itching to update your wardrobe for Spring?  There are loads of easy PDF patterns that'll get you sewing up stylin' new outfits in no time over at Seamingly Smitten Patterns. 

Here's the newest pattern release: the Woman's Cowl Neck Tunic Pattern.  This ultra flattering pattern is sure to become a year-round favorite! It's design is super versatile - you create a top, tunic or dress in a look that YOU LOVE by letting you CHOOSE your own style! 

You can make it with 3 necklines (cowl, drawstring cowl or boat neck), 3 sleeve lengths (short, three quarter length or long sleeves), 

There's also optional drop waist bottom panel, a kangaroo pocket and sleeve tabs for more detailing.

You can use double knit, interlock jersey, lightweight to medium weight knit, as well as activewear, sweater, ponte or light weight terry fleece. It's also a great way to easily mix multiple prints & solids. 

If you want to get a jump start on that Easter or Spring dress, there's the Sazerac Dress Pattern.  It's got 3 sleeve options as well as choice of scoop or v-neckline.  It also works with both wovens or knits:

For everyday looks, there's the Women's Hooded Raglan Pattern, with a banded waist and cuff details:

as well as the Women's Raglan Top Pattern, which has rounded and split neck options. 

          

Why Try Seamingly Smitten Patterns:

• Fast sewing!  These patterns are designed to be simple to cut and assemble.  Ideal for beginners.
• Tons of detailed photos.
• Easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions.
• Photos for each step (no more guessing what the wording actually means!).
• Tutorial-style directions & extra tips to save time.
• Sizing charts to get the right fit - including petite & tall.
• Instant downloads so you can start sewing right away.

Whether you're just learning to sew or have years of experience, these patterns are easy to use and a great way to make new things in no time. Just what's needed to add a touch of Spring to the wardrobe!



Seamingly Smitten is a paying featured advertiser at Sew Can Do.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my honest experiences using & purchasing patterns from this shop. For my complete disclosure policy, click here. 

New Seamingly Smitten Patterns & Half Off All Patterns!

Earlier this week I shared how I was trying to break my longtime fabric hoarding habit.  One of the best ways is to make things with said fabrics, so today let's take a peek at some new quick & easy Seamingly Smitten Patterns. Patterns like these can help bust that fabric stash fast!  

Here's a brand new pattern release: the Woman's Raglan Hoodie Pattern.  This classic style is super versatile since you can use double knit, interlock jersey, lightweight to medium weight knit or light weight terry fleece. 

It's also a great way to easily mix multiple prints & solids. 

It has 3 sleeve options in short, three-quarter and long for year-round fashion options.

And to make the perfect custom loungewear look, just add the Women's Pajama Pant Pattern.

The pattern works with loads of different fabrics - cottons, blends, jerseys, cotton lycra, flannel and fleece.

It's got three waistband options, full and capri lengths and handy side pockets too. 

Every pattern at Seamingly Smitten is 50% off now through February 4th.  No code required!

Why Try Seamingly Smitten Patterns:

• Tons of detailed photos
• Easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions
• Photos for each step (no more guessing what the wording actually means!)
• Tutorial-style directions & extra tips to save time
• Sizing charts to get the right fit - including petite & tall
• Instant downloads so you can start sewing right away

Whether you're just learning to sew or have years of experience, these patterns are easy to use and a great way to make new things in no time. Just what's needed to turn those fabric piles into wearable styles!



Seamingly Smitten is a paying featured advertiser at Sew Can Do.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my honest experiences using & purchasing patterns from this shop. For my complete disclosure policy, click here. 

Seamingly Smitten Patterns

Instead of fighting the crowds and standing in line this Black Friday, why not get a new PDF pattern you can buy, print and use in minutes instead?  And how about for a full 50% off?!?

All Seamingly Smitten patterns 

are half price through December 4th. 

NO CODE REQUIRED!

It's just in time too, since there's a new pattern release, the Sazerac Dress Pattern:

It has 3 sleeve options as well as choice of scoop or v-neckline.  It also works with both wovens or knits:

For a few other fun choices, (which I've used myself), there's the Women's Dolman Top Pattern, which I used to make this cute top:

The Women's Raglan Top pattern, which I've used loads of times, including this ruffle knit version:

as well as the Women's Reversible Fur Vest Pattern.  This is the cuddly version I made:

And for the little ladies, there's the Adelaide A-Line Dress Pattern I used to make this:

and this adorable Sadie Grace Nightgown Pattern.  So cute for making Christmas pajamas!

Every pattern at Seamingly Smitten is 50% off for the next week, so grab those deals and get sewing:)



Seamingly Smitten is a paying featured advertiser at Sew Can Do.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my honest experiences using & purchasing patterns from this shop. For my complete disclosure policy, click here. 

When You Just Need A Sewing Win.

I swear the universe has been plotting against me sewing this month.  Between the myriad of homework, projects, and extra activities my oldest's new school has thrown at us, homeschooling my other two kids, all the extra events, holidays, birthdays crammed together plus, fabric testing, a power outage and a massive cold, it's been almost impossible to sew for fun! Luckily I can check this little number off my list, despite a serious lack of sewing time.

This A-line dress has got my favorite animal theme - hedgehogs - and was one of those projects that didn't involve troubleshooting, designing or crafting drama. Just a good, easy sew.  Sometimes you need easy wins!

I'd been hoarding this hedgehog fabric for longer than I'd like to admit (several years at least), so it was great to finally find a way to use it. Only about a 1,000 other stash fabrics to go now...

One of the things I really like about this dress is that it's fully lined. Quilting cottons being able to be worn in Fall & Winter is a real plus.

I first used this pattern, the Adelaide Dress by Seamingly Smitten, two years ago (my original review is here).  It was another instance of making cold-weather-themed quilting cottons wearable.  The first dress was one of my little lady's favorite outfits that winter, just like this one has become this fall. Looking back at this picture I can't believe how much she's grown - her braids are twice as long now!

This time around I used a solid for the sleeves and back panel, which gives it the illusion that it's a sleeveless dress over a top:

Once again, I deviated from the original pattern by doing lines of shirring with elastic thread around the neckline, which gives it the perfect fit on her narrow shoulders and has plenty of give for her to dress herself.

If I do ever have some extra time I may make one with corduroy and spice things up with knit sleeves.  My "need to use" fabric pile is overflowing, so there's no shortage of fabric. Fingers crossed Thanksgiving weekend will be a time of plenty....for sewing!!  

New Fashion Patterns & 50% Off from Seamingly Smitten

The costume making season is winding down and that means one thing: more time for selfish sewing!!! I have been missing it big time, so today I'm sharing a few new patterns that are a great for whipping up stylish women's fashions in next to no time, so we can sew for ourselves a bit.  I already bought one of these and am sharing my results with it below.  And I've got a code for saving 50% off ALL pattern purchases at:

Looking for a top pattern that is ultra flattering and beyond easy to make?  Check out the new Dolman Sweater pattern.  It's asymmetrical, oversized collar gives it a stylish shape that looks great on any body type.  It's an item that can easily be worn with leggings, jeans or skirts, so it's a good go-to wardrobe addition. I L-O-V-E it!!

It's also a great way to sew up medium or heavy weight knits, pontes or sweater knits that are extra comfy.  Added bonus - there's just one pattern piece to cut out (the sleeves are built in), so this is a super quick sew!!

I couldn't resist this pattern - it seemed ideal.  Uses lots of fabrics, easy to make and looks shop made.  Usually loose fit tops look ultra baggy and shapeless on me, but this has a great fit in all the right places.  I bought & made myself one in the very same day.  I used some nubby sweatshirt fleece I had in my stash.  This looks way nicer than the boring sweatpants I'd planned to make with this fabric:  

I totally love how put-together it looks (yet it's crazy comfortable) as well as how unbelievably quick it was to make.  I made the small and only needed 1.5yds of fabric.  Despite me being a slow sewer, it only took me 90 minutes from print to finish.  I'm totally making more of these!!

And there's the Pleated Swing Dress pattern.  It features a pleated neckline, modest coverage racer back and simple straps for a flowy silhouette.  Perfect on its own in warm weather or paired up with a jacket, leggings and boots for cooler climates.  

Since you can use either drapey wovens like voile or knits like matte jersey, cotton lycra, jersey silk, peach skin or stretch lace, there are lots of fabric options.

       

Why Try Seamingly Smitten Patterns:

• Tons of detailed photos
• Easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions
• Photos for each step (no more guessing what the wording actually means!)
• Tutorial-style directions & extra tips to save time
• Sizing charts to get the right fit - including petite & tall
• Instant downloads so you can start sewing right away

For the next week you can save 50% on all Seamingly Smitten patterns by using the code SAVE50.  

It's a perfect time to stock up on some classic styles:

            

Drop Shoulder Top pattern

Yoga Pants

Or something for the kiddies:

               

Maddie Peplum Top

Belted Cargo Pants

I find I wear items I'e made with Seamingly Smitten patterns over and over, which is sign that their good additions to my pattern library. And they're always quick to sew up, which is critical when you don't get a lot of time to sew (which applies to most of us!).  Whether you're just learning to sew or have years of experience, these patterns are fun & easy to use. Check out Seamingly Smitten today and get yourself sewing for you!

I purchased the Dolman Sweater pattern myself.  Seamingly Smitten is a paying featured advertiser at Sew Can Do.  The opinions are completely my own, based on my honest experiences using & purchasing patterns from this shop. For my complete disclosure policy, click here.