22 Jul Floral Maxi Dress, Brochu Walker Inspired
I knew the Brochu Walker dress was my dress the moment I saw it – even online.
I ordered the gently worn dress from The Real Real at a bargain price and have worn it repeatedly. It’s a maxi (midi on a taller person 😊) that doesn’t overwhelm me, and I was inspired to recreate this silhouette.
(PS… the one on the website at the moment is above the full retail price, but l’ve seen several much lower priced Havana dresses on the website. If you visit the Brochu Walker website, you’ll notice it’s offered in 16 different colors!)
I really like all of the solid colors, but I also envisioned it in other fabrics, such as the florals seen in the dreamy Charlotte Brody dresses.
Greetings!
Simplicity 8384 was in my surviving stash of patterns and the bodice looked similar to the dress’s bodice, especially the neckline. I used this bodice in the seersucker maxi and continue to tweak it! The darts in the bodice allow for a more customized fit than the RTW.
This go around, I was all about creating a dress with lots of feminine details. I added sleeves embellished with 1 1/2 ruffles and added a ruffle around the collar band.
I bought five yards of the cotton poplin from the now out of business Fabric.com two years ago and used all of it! The lightweight fabric is perfect for gathered tiers, and if I had more I might have tried one more – I know, too much of a good thing. I like it just the way it is.😊
At 5’2″ it’s easy to turn a maxi into a midi! For the skirt, I followed the same path as the seersucker maxi, cutting three tiers the same width. I shortened the length of the top tier by one inch and the bottom tier by two. Three inches was all it took!
I also made a sash for the dress. I’m still experimenting with widths. The maxi sash was three inches wide and this one is two.
As much as I enjoy sewing summer dresses, I see sewing this dress for the fall and holiday season using sleeve and collar variations. Hopefully there will be more!
Enjoy your weekend!
Jackie Armstrong
Posted at 09:40h, 22 JulyYour e-mails are cropped off at one side and no pictures are included so I am trying to sign up again.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:55h, 22 JulyI am so sorry! I think there has been a glitch with this post and I believe it is a WordPress issue. UGH…..
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:57h, 22 JulyPlease click on the title of the post in your email and see if that helps.
Pat
Posted at 10:03h, 22 JulyFYI I had the same problem. It worked fine for me if I clicked on the post in the email. Good luck!
Madeline Rodriguez
Posted at 09:49h, 22 JulyLove this look!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:13h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Madeline – so nice to hear from you!
Laura Casey
Posted at 09:57h, 22 JulyOh my this is PERFECT on you! I’ve bought a beautiful cotton voile in red and pink, a block print……yes 5 yds, and you’ve inspired me to make a summer dress to take with me to visit my sister…YOU ALWAYS INSPIRE!
Thank you, LAURA
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:12h, 22 JulyThank you, Laura! Good luck with your dress – Is this a trip to London?
Dagmar Perez
Posted at 09:57h, 22 JulyHi Sarah,
Your blog emails come through but without the pictures. There are large blank spaces where the pictures are supposed to be. Is anyone else having this problem?
Thanks,
Dagmar
Atlanta, GA
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:04h, 22 JulyDagmar, I think several people are having this problem. Sorry. Please click on the title of the post in your email and see if that helps.
Leigh Rollins
Posted at 10:08h, 22 JulyI did but clicked on the the title of the post.
Leigh Rollins
Posted at 10:08h, 22 JulyI really prefer your version of the dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:10h, 22 JulyAh…. I appreciate that, Leigh! I really love the fabric of the Brochu Walker and hope to find something similar.
Liz Lancaster
Posted at 10:17h, 22 JulyLove this dress!
I so enjoy your blog. Glad you are back at it, but also glad you took the time away you needed.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:09h, 22 JulyThank you, Liz! So wonderful to hear from you 😘😘
Helen McCleneghen
Posted at 10:21h, 22 JulyCan you give a few details of the proportions for the skirt?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:51h, 24 JulyHelen ~
For the seersucker maxi, the tiers were (1) 8.5 x41 (2) 10.x59 and (3) 14x 102. For the floral I adjusted the length of the top layer by one inch and the bottom layer by 2.
Lisa Jones
Posted at 10:34h, 22 JulyBeautiful dress. I have never made myself a tiered dress, but this has inspired me. Did I read correctly that the width of the third tier is the same as the first? Thank you..
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:08h, 22 JulyThank you, Lisa. Each width is wider than the one above. I see why you’re confused. I said each tier is the same width as the seersucker maxi tiers, but the lengths are different. If you’d like I can measure and send the measurements to you.
Jane in Colorado
Posted at 00:17h, 24 JulyFantastic make! It’s so marvelous to have you back in the sewing world.
I am also a bit confused with how you designed the tiers. I am thinking you used a fixed amount – like 15″ for the width (short side) of the tier then increased the length of each tier (long side). How did you determine the length? And I’m super curious about the width measurement. I, too, am 5’2″ and have been hesitant to were any type of “maxi” style dress/skirt as they make me look frumpy.
Welcome back!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:44h, 24 JulyJane ~ Many thanks for your comment and it’s all about the fit isn’t it? For the seersucker maxi, the tiers were (1) 8.5 x41 (2) 10.x59 and (3) 14x 102. For the floral I adjusted the top layer by one inch and the bottom layer by 2. You won’t look frumpy!
Dara
Posted at 10:35h, 22 JulyLovely as Always! Thank you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:06h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Dara 😘
Bernadette
Posted at 11:00h, 22 JulyThis is a lovely recreation of the sample dress. Glad you are back to posting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:06h, 22 JulyThank you so much, Bernadette!
Roz headley
Posted at 11:11h, 22 JulyLovely dress but your posts are not coming through clearly. Some pics are cropped and others are grayed out. Eventually after much clicking around I did see all the photos. I’m really happy you are back sewing and posting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:05h, 22 JulyThank you, Roz and I’m sorry about the issue. Several other people are experiencing this too. It could be a WordPress issue and I hope to have it resolved soon.
Marie in AZ
Posted at 11:22h, 22 JulyLovely! The floral print you used is simply charming. I think it would look great in a Liberty of London print as well! I might give that a try. Thank you for the inspiration. I always enjoy and look forward to your posts.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:04h, 22 JulyIt would look beautiful in a Liberty fabric, Marie! If you make one please send me a pic 😊 Many thanks for the comment!
Jennifer Vega
Posted at 11:28h, 22 JulyYour dress is beautiful! I love the colors and the added feminine details. The fit is perfect – I’d like to try my hand at a dress like this but I am very intimidated with button sewing, even after 13 years of sewin my clothing lol. Great job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:03h, 22 JulyThank you, Jennifer! You can do it! Practice your buttonholes on a scrap piece of fabric until you get it right. The good news about this dress is it only need two buttons!
Marla Cooprider
Posted at 11:30h, 22 JulyFor some reason I can’t see your pictures on your emails. Not sure why. 🙁
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:01h, 22 JulyUgh……. Several people are having this issue. Please click on the title of the post in your email and see if that helps.
Thanks for letting me know, Marla.
Julie Greene
Posted at 13:32h, 22 JulyThis flowered dress is lovely. Loved the seersucker too. My question is: without the buttons all the way down the skirt, how do you get in and out of the dress? Is there a side zipper?
So glad you are back!
Thanks, Julie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:57h, 22 JulyHi Julie and thank you! The dress does not have a fitted waist so it is easy to slip over my head!
Julie Greene
Posted at 14:08h, 22 JulyThank you. I am going to try that patter with a tiered skirt. Julie
Jean Kerr
Posted at 14:12h, 22 JulySo nice for us that you are back. Your style is wonderful. I love the print from fabric.com (I miss them). It is always great to hear (or read) all about the details, designing, and thought that goes into what you make. Again, so nice to have you back. Jean
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:23h, 22 JulyThank you so much, Jean for your lovely comment! It’s nice to be back. Fabric.com was a great online store and I too miss it. Such great prices and large inventory.
Jean Sohl
Posted at 14:14h, 22 JulyI love your posts and the neat clothing you make. However now the emails do not contain the pictures.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:20h, 22 JulyJean – Several people are experiencing this issue. Please click on the title of the post in your email and it should open the post and all of the content. Sorry about this!
Sandy
Posted at 15:57h, 22 JulyThis dress is perfect for you. The floral and color are so pretty. Again, it is a wonderful example of much sewing your own tops ready to wear.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:37h, 22 JulySandy, I agree….. there’s nothing like sewing your own garments. As pretty as many RTW clothes are it’s just not the same. Many thanks for your comment 😊
Barb S.
Posted at 16:01h, 22 JulyYour email goes off the side and cuts off the words. I have tried it in both Firefox and Chrome. This is not the first time – last email behaved the same. The only way I could view this post was to go to your website and click on the blog entry. Maybe this is a problem with the post program. I enjoyed your post, when I was able to see it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 16:35h, 22 JulyBarb, I’ve had several comments about this issue today and am not sure what’s going on. Please click on the title of the post in your email and it should open up the post with all of its content. Sorry.
Liz Thompson
Posted at 17:09h, 22 JulyI have been having the same problem with all your latest posts: no pictures. Mostly just blank. I discovered if I clicked on the title, it takes me to the post on your blog. Seems when it arrives n an email, it wont open properly. But I know how to reach it and not miss your fabulous posts so I am OK now.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:58h, 23 JulyThanks for letting me know, Liz………I’ll get this figured out. 😬
Connie M Vogt
Posted at 17:10h, 22 JulySo happy to see you are back to blogging again! We’ve missed you and your inspiring posts.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:59h, 23 JulyThank you, Connie! I’m so happy to be sewing and back in touch with everyone 😊
Cheryll Kaczkowski
Posted at 17:29h, 22 JulyYou are proof that those of us under 5 feet 3 inches can wear this style. By graduating the depth of each tier, you have created a silhouette that balances height. I prefer your version, the florals are perfect for Summer. Thanks for sharing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:01h, 23 JulyMany thanks for your comment, Cheryll! It’s true – we can wear most any style provided the proportions are balanced. 😊
Joan
Posted at 18:14h, 22 JulyFirst, thanks very much for repeating the details of altering the knee area and inseam for fewer creases on your Eleanore jeans.
This floral midi is gorgeous and very flattering on you! From a 5’1″ person, thank you for explaining your process of shortening maxi layers to be more flattering. The ruffled neckline and sleeve are very pretty and add that je ne sais quoi!
(These terms midi and maxi seem dated; are there new millennium names for longer styles? Or perhaps ‘tea’ or ‘ballerina’ length: are these terms too formal nowadays?)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:04h, 23 July😂 I just call them maxi and midi…….. and that’s how the retailers advertise dress lengths. I might not have ever started sewing if I was 5’6 or 7 and RTW fit the way it should!
Many thanks for your comment, Joan!
Vanessa King
Posted at 18:17h, 22 JulySimilar problems with seeing the email, so I click through to the post on web page, then it works fine. Lovely dress!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 23 JulySorry about these issues, Vanessa and I’m glad you figured out how to get here.😊
De
Posted at 19:03h, 22 JulyI like the print and embellishments you added. This gives he dress a bit more class than the one from Real Real. Thanks for sharing your method for upgrading the look.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:07h, 23 JulyThank you, De! Amazing what a ruffle or two can do 😊😊
Billy Gunn
Posted at 19:11h, 22 JulyI liked the one you got from Real Real as soon as I saw you in it. But the one you made is. my preference!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:07h, 23 JulyAh…… thank you dear Billy!
Marysia Paling
Posted at 20:44h, 22 JulyLovely to see you sewing again. Like everyone else issues with no pictures showing 8n the email.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:08h, 23 JulyMarysia, If you click on the title of the post in the email it should load with all of the content. Sorry about this issue. 😬
Glenna Williams
Posted at 21:49h, 22 JulyYour new romantic dress is just beautiful. You do such good work on all of your sewing.I will be looking to see if I have Simp.8384..
Glenna
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:10h, 23 JulyThank you so much Glenna! I believe the pattern is still available if you don’t have it 😊
Kelly Mercer
Posted at 22:16h, 23 JulyI’m so glad you’re back! I get so much inspiration from you and I really appreciate how you explain all the changes that you make to a pattern. This dress is so beautiful. I like it more than the ready-to-wear dress. Thank you! Kelly
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:45h, 24 JulyThank you sooooo much, Kelly!
Catty Andry
Posted at 08:30h, 24 JulyThis is really cute! Is there a zipper? I will investigate!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:33h, 24 JulyThank you, Catty! There is no zipper. The waist is not fitted so I am able to easily pull over my head.
Lindsay S
Posted at 12:53h, 24 JulyThis is so beautiful! Could you describe how you tweaked the bodice of S8384? I’d like to make something very similar but I’m pretty new to pattern modifications
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:32h, 24 JulyHi Lindsey and thank you! I shortened the bodice length of 8384 by approximately one inch. The back of this pattern is gathered with elastic which I substituted with darts. I also adjusted the side seams for a closer fit. This was all done on a muslin of course 😊
Judy Duerson
Posted at 16:36h, 24 JulyI really like your version of the dress. Looks nice on you! I am glad you are posting again!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:25h, 24 JulyThank you, Judy. It’s so nice to hear from you and hope all is well in KY!
Aimee Groshans
Posted at 09:20h, 25 JulyWelcome Back ! Always inspired by your makes. I was excited to find I have S8384. Made up a muslin and not crazy about the elastic in the back. I’m glad I read through the comments that you replaced the elastic with darts, great idea. Would love to know how you made the ruffled sleeves and neckline. Thanks again for all the information you share.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 09:47h, 25 JulyThank you Aimee and it’s nice to be back! For the neckline, I cut a 4″ strip of fabric, twice the length of the neckline, folded the fabric in half, stitched the ends right sides together, gathered and attached to the neckband before attaching the facing.
For the sleeves, I cut two 4″ strip of fabric twice the circumference of the sleeve, stitched the ends right sides together so that it was a circle, folded the fabric in half, gathered and attached to the sleeve.
Hope this helps
Joan
Posted at 12:28h, 25 JulyThank you for the ratio and dimensions for adding a ruffle to the sleeve and neckline, Sarah. I wondered about the amount of ruffling (ratio) you chose.
brenda
Posted at 14:23h, 26 JulyI love this dress. I wouldnt have a clue how to adjust a pattern to make this but it certainly looks great on you. I am so glad you are back, I have missed your posts.
Jennifer Mariel Shaw
Posted at 17:44h, 31 JulyYour version of this dress is so beautiful! Customizing the pattern by adding the back darts as well as adding the ruffles to the neckline and the sleeves is brilliant! I am so happy to be reading your blog again. You are very inspirational with all of the gorgeous clothing that you have created.
Pamela
Posted at 13:33h, 01 AugustWhat a pretty girly dress! Really like the ruffles you added to the sleeves and collar.