Today we have Abby with us and I think this is the first cap sleeve maxi version of the Catalina that I’ve seen. Read on to see how she modified hers…
Hi everyone, Abby from Things for Boys here! Iíve sewed up another Catalina Dress to share today. I'm writing to you from the depths of winter! Melbourne isn't exactly the coldest place on Earth, but we are set for the coldest day in 15 years this weekend, so of course it's the perfect time to be taking pictures of a summer dress. One minute after I walked inside, it started hailing. Ah, the things bloggers do for love! I made this dress last summer and I have had so much wear out of it. It's really comfy and looks a little dressier than your average casual clothes without having to go to any extra effort. The cap sleeves provide just enough sun protection (I am always getting sunburned on my shoulders). This is my second version of the Catalina dress, having also made the sleeveless short†version which you can read about here.
Because I went full length for the skirt, I made the skirt piece wider than the original pattern piece. I was worried it would be too tight at the ankles and make it a bit hard to walk. I cut my two skirt panels 30" wide (cutting my 60" width of fabric in half) and went from there. It adds a little more bulk to the waist, but not enough that it bothers me. The finished width of the skirt is perfect and it's comfortable to run around in but not so wide it's hard to manage. If you are making the maxi length with a narrower skirt, then I think you'd want a slit in the side seams to help you walk.
I have no idea what the fabric is that I used. I got it from some bargain fabric place. My guess is a viscose/poly knit. It's nice and soft and I love the little silver stripes running through it. The neck and arms are finished with some liberty-esque binding, which is from Daiso.
If you make this dress, don't omit the pockets...they are my favourite feature! They're a great size for stashing all sorts of things, so you can take your phone and keys and go for a walk without needing your handbag.
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