OonaPalooza Print Explosion!

It's Oonapalooza month! That's the theme that the Sewcialists have chosen for July: be inspired by the inspired style of Oonabaloona. 

I first discovered Oonabaloona via Pinterest, long before I started my own blog. Then, when I began following the sewing blogosphere more closely and started this blog, I realized who she was in this commmunity. Always fun and inspiring and full of creative ideas...and lots and lots of maxi dresses and crazy prints too!

I always thought that people who are short like me should not wear maxi dresses. Look at Oona, I thought, if only I was as tall and glamorous as she is, I could carry off some of those maxis she wears! Imagine my surprise when I finally clued in that I am just as tall as Oona -- nearly 5'2"! Unfortunately the "glamorous" part is not so easy...oh well!

So Oona's inspiration for this outfit is twofold: first, her example has given me the courage to try a maxi dress, and second, to try one in a fabulous floral print. I really like it, much more than I'd expected to!

I used an old pattern that I have had for probably close to 20 years but had never even cut out. It's Butterick 4597. I didn't alter it, as I wanted it ankle length, but I did grade out with an extra inch from the waist down. If I make it again I'll also shorten the torso by an inch, just so the waist flares a tiny bit higher up.

The pattern is designed for knits, but had a long zip in the back. Since I used a stretchier knit than called for, I eliminated the zip and just sewed up the back. Since there is some shaping in the back seam, I didn't cut it on the fold, just stitched up the seam.

Full view

I love that there is a knee-high slit in centre front
but it is hard to notice standing normally --
 here it is pulled over slightly just to show it off

And again

Just I was taking this last photo a bit of sun came 

through the clouds like a spotlight ;)

This was a fun pattern to finally attempt, and I love how it is fitted but not super tight. I never thought I'd actually like a maxi dress, but thanks to Oona's example I gave it a try, and really love it!

This is nearly my last make for this month of pattern stash sewing; another post will be forthcoming with my final makes. It's been an interesting experience, but I have many thoughts on it...