Greetings from the automat! Wait- where’s the pie? I thought this was like the Doris Day movies….dang.
Oh well, today I am bringing you an action packed pattern review as I mail out my correspondence. You know how I search for locations that won’t compete with my gaudy business and this seemed perfect. On to the show! 
I’ve honestly ignored this pattern for a while now- it’s that lower right picture. Turtleneck strangulation is all I see. It’s almost Burkha-esque. But look at details- lovely darted bodice, lots of frisky tucks. Looks like a job for my Alter ego Boxy Le Smut- the wearer of inappropriate garments!
I love it. It’s actually crossed over into LURVE. The shape is….shapely. Yup. Just that. Now I do have some issues about maxi dresses. Are they super dressy? Too much for work? Do I look like Endora at a PTA meeting? ….and is that so wrong? 
The husband admits to the dresses loveliness but thinks it’s too much. Thats pretty daunting- this man endorses my personal right to Loondom like no one else would!
About the pattern for those of you that want to join me at the post office on formal day:
Why do knit dresses need zippers? What would be the point? Had I thought this out more clearly (Lord, how many times have I put that in a review, or a deposition? Anyone? Over 50 at least I’m sure) I would have skipped the back seam. It made my print matching slightly off but I think it’s alright- for a first time with knit border prints. I’m easing out of my knit fears now that I have found the perfect stitch. Also, if I do this again, the sleeves have 8 tucks. Oops- I wrote tusks at first- well, I am a big girl……anyhoo. These tucks are made separately on each sleeve piece before the shoulder seam is done while watching Boardwalk Empire. IS Dr Valentin creepy hot or what? Ok, sorry, I digress. Could I not sew that shoulder seam then do the tucks to create perfect tucks instead of matching, matching, crying, screaming? Get back to me on that you greater sewist minds.
This really was a joy to sew. I really enjoyed all these little tucks and pleats and details and seeing how the print would end up- I like how abstract it is and am really quite pleased with the end result. Anyone working the maxi or just having any thoughts about their postal service?
photo credits: pattern review, meadhawg, google images. All images remain the property of their original owners.
I like it! I have often passed over this pattern for the same turtleneck strangulation. Love the post office photo shoot.
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I may have made some box holders uncomfortable!!!
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I love Endora! Your dress is fabulous, dahling!
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Thank you!!
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I like Maxi’s a lot as you may know (or maybe not!) I actually PREFER a Maxi… probably goes back to my being a child in the 70’s… I love yours- I love the fabric and I think you did a grand job… I do want to say- when I first glimpsed your picture in my reader I was instantly taken to Flashdance- Manhunt… when she spent half the time dancing up against a brick wall. Don’t really know why that came to me but it did! ~Laurie
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Ok, I totally temember that! But if I try the major head toss my vertigo will punish me!!!! The post office needs more strobe, I knew it!!!
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What a photoshoot!!! Endora…the star of that crap show…glamor and mystery all rolled into one and men could not resist her!!! Your bunnies look happy and the colors…OMG, sheer perfection on your skin and hair color. The drape is perfect and the sleeves are super! I don’t know about the sewing sequence but I think next time you will just do whatever the hell you want because the results will be striking! What a cool cocktails on the patio dress!!!!! I want one!
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Oh Agnes Moorhead, poor thing is forgotten in Citizen Cane, but Endora forever!!
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The photos on the pattern envelope definitely don’t do the pattern any justice at all. They should change it and use your photo instead. You’re totally rockin it and I definitely don’t think it’s too much at all… sorry hubby. I love the style and I adore your choice of fabric 🙂
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I swear people on Pattern Review have saved the big4 from their lousey envelope shots so many times! I think I bought this after seeing someone elses!
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I agree totally! When I want to find out what a pattern will really look like I tend to do a search for it on Pattern Review and see what other members have to say about the pattern and check out the pics they share. Plus I love searching Google images and visiting other bloggers who have shared their versions as well.
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This community is so helpful to eachother!
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That is lovely, and the fabric is perfect! I would not give the pattern a second look either, and I am so glad that you have. Best add it to the shopping list now! I have always been a bit concerned about maxi dresses – I am a cuddly person myself. Thoughts of ‘tent’ dresses flit through my mind, but this is very flattering. Thanks for clueing us in!!
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I did worry that I was going to look like Hagar the Horribles wife Helga, but Im really pleased with it!
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Mystery solved. Now I know why the Post Office closes at Noon on Saturday. It is closed for photo shoots, apparently. (I had no inkling of this and my Father was a letter carrier.) You’d think I’d have a clue.
I love what I see here, though. I love the fabric and think the maxi style really shows it off perfectly. I hope you enjoy wearing it as it looks so flattering on you.
Also, please keep us “posted” as to the next formal day at your zip code- we’re missing out!
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We did worry that there was some obscure federal law against excessive cleavage in such a location. I will be waiting for my summons now!!
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I can’t believe that Mr. B thinks it’s too much! I have to disagree! It’s fan-max-tasmic!! Caliope has asked that you wear it to her first pta meeting. Although she is asking that you add a fancy cigarette holder for effect.
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Jeweled flask and cigarette holder on order!!
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I think it’s great looking! It’s so flattering on you – and I love how you mastered the border print. Well done…!
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Aw thank you ao much!
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I think this dress is fabulous! Maxis are the best (no tan or leg shaving required). Please tell – what is the perfect stitch for knits? I loved the photo shoot, and I learned a bit of Zip Code trivia today!
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Wasnt that stirring data? Who knew the zipcode had a wiki page- what fan maintains that!? I discovered the ‘lightening’ stitch on my machine- happy days!
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I’ve seen this pattern and wondered how it would look in the real world. I really like it! Flattering cut for you and I love that fabric. I only have one maxi dress and it is a summer knit. For some reason maxi dresses remind me of summer sundresses.
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Thats what Mr B said! About the maxi being a summer thing- he hadnt been wondering about the pattern!😛
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I seem to think of maxi dresses as summer-wear, but I love your autumnal take on the look. Your photo shoot location is just awesome, makes me wonder what the lighting is like in my local USPS branch.
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I saved the drop off area for some frisky holiday shots! Can we make the maxi year round? Dare we?
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You could wear anything you want and rock the look with masterful photo shoots like this! Where in the heck do you find such a clean & well-lit post office???
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The hobos like it neat!
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I love this! I have this pattern and now that I have seen yours I MUST go and cut one out immediately! I can only aspire to look as wonderful in mine as you do in yours. It is very very cool and of course it isn’t too much – more is never enough!
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Oh this would be great on you!!!!
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I like this on you – does it have a cut on sleeve or is the sleeve part of the bodice – I couldn’t really understand about the pleats and am too lazy to check the line diagram. I think the choice of fabric pattern works really well as a maxi and on you.
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The sleeve is all one piece with the bodice- I really dont think i explained the sleeve pleaty business well, you make them while the pieces are still seperate, then sew the shoulder seam.
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This dress may be the most beautiful thing you’ve ever made. As for the zipper, while they’re not always necessary with stretch fabrics, they make garments easier to get in and out of…with the V neckline you can certainly try a second dress without the zipper, and have a go at your simplified sleeve construction idea as well. Go for it, because this pattern suits you!
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Thank you so much!
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Wowzer. This dress is super flattering and all kinds of awesome and your photo shoot is the best. I am imagining queues of bemused pensioners just out of shot…
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Im not sure what was more disconcerting – people trying to get their mail or the photog-husband repeatedly saying ‘dont do that thing with your head’!
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As usual, you have created a thing of gorgeousness *and* you have taught me something about zip codes — I’m now wondering if the same is true for postal codes. Probably. Probably.
I know what you mean about maxi dresses, but this one is too beautiful to save for special occasions. The shape is really flattering. I think it’s just a matter of people not being used to long daytime dresses anymore. Bring them back! If anyone can, it’s you.
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I aim to try- its alot of fabric to not take out once in a while!!!
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I have this pattern and have passed over it too, mostly because it is for knits after all and I have yet to find that perfect stitch. But your print and execution certainly make it a WOWZA maxi. Where’s that pitcher of martini’s?
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The mailman took it!
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I lurve it too!!!! I would wear that to work … ok, I’d cover up the ladies, but I work with kids! 😛 The colours and print are gorgeous on you, and the cut is awesome! You are going to make more, right? RIGHT??? (Make more!)
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I might admit to throwing on a camisole when I went to work- the glare of my pale bosom is too much for people. I will definitely revisit this pattern- since YOU showed me the wisdom of making repeat pattern friends!
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Too much? Nah. Just enough. Stunning fabric too.
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Thank you! Fabricmart is a wonderful thing!
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Thanks so much for posting this and your fabulous photo shoot. I have this pattern and haven’t made it yet, but now I want to.
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Try it! It was a fun make!
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Amazing dress and great photo shoot. Get after that mailman with the martinis!
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I needed a martini after I pulled something climbing that countertop! Wheres a boost when you need it?
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I just bought some ETRO stretch velvet and was wondering what dress to make for the dinner party next weekend. Now I know what to make……
Why not maxi’s in the fall, winter or spring?
Gorgeous!
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Maxi should be perrenial- lets make it so!
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That dress is fantastic! The shape and length look great on you.
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Thank you- I gelt kind of retro slinky in it!
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What a great dress! I LOVE it. I love the colors, the big, wild print… I don’t think it’s too much. Well, maybe too much for the office but you could wear it out shopping or for an elegant garden party or maybe just at home when you have a Lady of Leisure day.
And I love the shoes.
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Shoes were kind of hard to decide on for this, but I thought the openness fit well. I need a lady of leisure day!
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HAA HAA HAA HAAA, I so want to join you for formal day at the post office. I also want to be there while you’re taking photos for your blog. It would be the most delightful outing ever. I think you’re working this dress like no bodies business. Great use of a boarder knit and the little jewel at the bust line is delightful.
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We are a foolish parade trying to discretely vamp in the post office queue!!!!
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This is such a nice dress on you! 🙂
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Thank you !
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Absolutely wonderful maxi! What do husband’s know?
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oops, husbands
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He tries, he does…..
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You rock that look. I love the maxi dress and tend to wear mine on the weekends – shopping, grooving with friends, picnics etc. Love the exotic feel of it flipping around my ankles. Your version is fab. Love the dress and fabric. I have the pattern but it sits in with the hundreds of others that I bought and then ignored. I may get promoted now.
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Come on, make it and join me on the mail services veranda!!
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Oooh! I like! But, if you are concerned about it being “too much”, you can always cut the skirt down some. I’ve eyed this pattern several times myself, but I’ve always been put off by the versions on the envelope too. I think I can now safely say it’s not frumpy in real life. 🙂
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Its almost like her hair becomes a turtleneck in the picture!!!
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LOOOOOOVE.
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Great dress!
Some of my coworkers wear maxi dresses to work. With light sweaters or shrugs to de-fancify them. Keep the shoes simple too.
I feel they are too vacation-y for work. Mind you it depends on the fabric choice.
Anyway, lovely dress. So you!
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Im with you- ive seen it work, but maybe in a more sedate fabric….
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Your dress looks fabulous. It is a party, a celebration .. Love the pics too, especially ‘rent-a-box’. Laughed out loud when I read that.
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My photographer has a real way about him!
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Too much? No way. It’s just right. I thought the model was wearing a hajib on the pattern envelope (which would be great because yay diversity), but that’s just her turtleneck blending in with her hair.
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Its very constricting in the pics- uncomfortably so!
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This is so not too much – it’s gorgeous! Perfect for the print!
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Thank you- I think Sometimes my fabric/pattern combos are like blind dates- but this was an excellent matchmaking!
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Love love love this dress! and fabric. and pattern. You look terrific in this! Anywhere, even the post office! My favorite of all the lovely things you’ve sewn.
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Ive watched you saunter about in gorgeous flowing makes and I envied in my heart!!!
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AHAHAHAHAHA! Love that you took photos in the post office! That’s amazing. I love this dress– it’s super cool!
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Thank you- I do love some action shots!
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HAHA! I love that you’re laying on the parcel prep table in the post office. I would likely be escorted out of the our post office(s) if I tried anything like this. I don’t think the dress is too much. Not at all, actually. I’m a big fan of the maxi dress.
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We might have sat in the car a bit waiting for the employees to leave!
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Wow! Girl, make more of this – great style, fit and colour – if only the post was as reliable.
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Heehee!
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Yes, I like the dress and how you model it.
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I love this so much! I can’t believe I held this pattern in my hand when I won the Wellington Pattern Pyramid, then picked something else. Well done for seeing the potential, this is absolutely stunning on you.
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Oh shucks- it is the fabric!!
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I think this is perfect for work! I may have a slight obsession with prints though, so maybe I’m not the most unbiased person in the room…! The dress looks sooooo comfortable and elegant at the same time, and the colours look great on you. I’m actually rather jealous of this dress because I want one now…
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We can be print obsessed together- its a good thing!
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Definitely! Print lovers of the world unite!
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Anyone could forgive you for feeling lukewarm about this pattern based on that photo… it’s pretty bad LOL. Your dress, however, is ten times awesome. I love the print – and that’s coming from me, Queen of Solids LOL. I love a sexy bodice paired with a maxi length – it’s so lovely on you 🙂
As for me, I’ve had about enough of the post office (although the staff are delightful enough to make up for it a bit)… our mailboxes got broken into a few months ago and we’ve been having to trek it out to the PO to get our mail ever since – I wonder what they’d think if I did a photoshoot there LOL.
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Public foolishness in gaudy apparel is good for the soul!
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I love this make on you!! The print is absolutely fabulous and combined with the style really flatters your figure.
I think it’s also crazy to put a zip in knit make, unless it’s a stable knit like ponte or something.
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It would have given my back that sezy rumply stegasaurus look Im sure!
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That fabric! I have a rtw dress made with the same fabric but in a blue/green colorway and I loooove it. Great dress. You look marvelous!
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Thats the closest anything Ive made would get to being commercial!!
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Evidence that no husband is perfect, as this is meant to be a maxi and nothing else. Sorry hubby, this print is too gorgeous to be on something smaller.
Boxy le Smut has impeccable taste, awesome photo locations, and is a total babe.
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Boxy blushes and nods!
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How does this fantastic post have so many comments and it leaves out the question that has left me breathless with anticipation- where the heck did you get those fabulous shoes? Brand please.
Love the dress. I would never be brave enough to try the print, but it really does work on you. I feel the same way about maxi’s.
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Ok, im in my closet caressing my precious ones and looking for a brand…..they are Blowfish Malibu! Thank you souch for noticing- i do love my hoof covers!
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I have this pattern and I tried to make the tunic. The collar directions make no sense. I managed to figure out how to do the front but not the back. Directions are horrible but the overall pattern is nice. I will have to try the V neck tunic or dress next. (I still have to figure out the back of the tunic.
Love your dress by the way!
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I wasnt fond od the back facing- it was floppy! Give it another go, im sure it will be adorable!
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Hi I have just started this dress view E mading it in a spandex material. Just sewn the 1st piece of front facing on to bodice which has gone ok, just can’t find out what the 2nd piece of facing is for 😛
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I will have to go back and check that piece out- Im having a mental blank!
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