Melly Sews Empire Waist Maxi Dress Pattern Review

More maxi dress making over here!  Today I'm sharing my latest maxi dress make and accompanying pattern review of Melly Sews Empire Waist Maxi Dress Pattern. 

In June I shared that 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 and this is one of them.  

A few weeks ago I shared my results with the 

Seamingly Smitten Racerback Maxi Dress Pattern:

And now I'm onto Melly Sews Empire Waist Maxi Dress Pattern.  One of the big reasons I decided to try this one was that it was free.  You can't beat that price!  Another was that I've sewn some of her other patterns and they were straightforward, simple sew items that were really flattering, like this Blank Slate T-Shirt Pattern: 

So I felt confident giving this pattern a go and it did not disappoint.

The finished result is definitely flattering and comfortable.  I LOVED the colors and print of the fabric chosen for her sample, so I was hoping I could make one I liked as much with fabric I had in my stash.  My 4 way stretch knit was one I'd bought on a vacation eons ago while in Canada (because prioritizing going to fabric stores on vacation is totally normal, right?).  I'd been saving it to make myself something to wear, but hadn't found the right thing until now.

As I've mentioned in past pattern reviews I'm not any kind of affiliate, so this is an unbiased, independent review.

Pattern Review Time!

The big plus for me was this free pattern came in my size, S (4-6).  If you need bigger, you'd need to scale it up accordingly.  The original pattern tutorial (which is where the actual pdf pattern pieces can be found) was called the Striped Maxi Sundress and also featured a drawstring waist.  I skipped that bit and just ran elastic through the casing and sewed it closed.

The bodice is the only printable part of the pattern - you do have to measure out the skirt portion.  My print was non-directional so I was able to place my pieces creatively to make the entire dress from 1.5yds rather than the 3yds indicated in the how-to.   

The dress is self-lined at the bodice which was SO nice and easy to sew.  No fiddly bits on the neckline or arm areas, which made it come together really fast.  

It's also nice in that it gets the all-important neckline right.  It's not too low and lies flat at the chest:

The instructions are really clear and there are lots of photos, so if even you're a new to sewing or just to sewing with knits you'll be fine.  Melissa also has a helpful YouTube channel, Melly Sews, where she shares a lot of tips & help for apparel sewing, modifying patterns and sewing with knit fabric.  

Now I've got another beautiful, bargain priced, summer dress and another go-to maxi dress pattern for future seasons. 

My Pattern Review Score?