Mucho Maxi Fun

I haven’t made a dress before. I haven’t sewn with viscose before.  So naturally a viscose maxi dress is the perfect project to kick off my latest mania for making my own clothes. I’ve decided to have a go at Butterick 6446.  https://jaycotts.co.uk/products/b6446-misses-pleated-wrap-dresses-with-sash#.XID5ZC2cZdg

I’ve watched several episodes of Great British Sewing Bee in preparation for this, including last months’ 70s Maxi dress challenge that inspired this undertaking. How hard can it be? If Alexei can pull it out of the bag, then so will I.

I’ve chosen a fabric romantically entitled Vision Viscose U79.   Only £7.50 a metre from Textiles Express, and a beige 100% cotton for the lining.

I suppose it is a little hallucinogenic. Perfect for a summer statement, and there will be little need to accessorise.   Perhaps just some oversized earrings and a few bangles.  I can already imagine sashaying along the waterfront.

Not one to be daunted by a new fabric I went online and got some great guidance from Fabric Godmother. https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/viscose-what-is-it/

What on earth is viscose? I’d always assumed it was a synthetic, but no it’s actually made from wood pulp. Well, go to the foot of my stairs.  Delicate handling required. Cool wash and even cooler iron. It damages easily when wet, as I discovered.  I shall lay out my pattern very carefully to avoid those pockets peeping out like tiny noses.

A word to the wise, after doing a cold gentle wash, spin it ever so gently, never wring it out and do your best to dry it flatish and without any obvious pulls or strains on the fabric i.e. don't just drape it over the clothes horse willy nilly like I did. I am taking no more chances and am treating it as if it was pure silk spun from cocoons of fairy hair collected at dusk on midsummers eve. So far so good.   I know I am being over cautious but that's how I roll.

I’m psyching myself up to cutting out the fabric. But I need a stiff cup of tea first. I’ll let you know how I get on.