For Mother’s Day I was invited to be an ambassador for a fun little sewing challenge called #sewmaxiformothersday . It’s a challenge started by Tea Ray Grover or @crumpetsteaandsewing and Crystal Collins @crystalsewsandstuff

There is just under a week to post your entries on Instagram. It’s one of my favorite challenges and I love participating. Here’s a little info on all that fun.

Since my mom (and dad)was going to be spending Mother’s Day with me I wanted to not just make me a dress, but make her one as well. She made me numerous dresses in High school so I could definitely make her one for Mother’s Day.

The patterns I used for our dresses were both Love Notions patterns, The Tessa Sheath Dress for me and The Laundry Day Tee for my mom. Neither of these dresses were a maxi so I was going to need to do a little pattern “hacking.”

First I needed to figure out how long to make mine. I tried on my most recent shin length Tessa and got a yard stick. Then I measure from the hem to the floor. That measurement was about 14 inches, so I knew that was how much longer it needed it to be.

Rather than alter the pattern I just used a clear ruler and a yard stick and cut the pattern 14 inches longer. For reference, I’m 5′ 5″ and this is a size medium. The pattern hem is slightly curved so I made sure to follow that. It’s easy to do with a clear ruler.

Another change I made was adding waist ties. You can make your own, or use this one from the Love Notions Blog. I wanted my dress to have and Empire Waist look so I sewed the ties above the waistline where it would be just under my bust. It was also super slenderizing.

Lastly, I wanted my dress to have Pockets. This is 2021 and no woman should ever be without them. It’s also something I added to my moms dress. I just made my own pattern by tracing around my hand and adding seam allowance. Below you can see how big it was in comparison to my hand. I made sure it was going to fit my cell phone.  I sewed the pockets on 8 inches below my arm pit.

I cut all my pieces out for my dress first, then went to work on altering my moms pattern. I had previously used the Laundry Day Tee pattern to make her a birthday dress. My mom is 5 ft even and I had added 1 inch to the bottom when I made it before. I wanted hers to be mid-calf length so I knew I was going to need to add 4 inches.

I cut both the front and the back pieces on the shorten/lengthen line and added in 4 inches to the pattern. Then I used my clear ruler to straighten out the side of the pattern. I was ok making these permanent changes to the pattern because I knew my mom would love the dress more if it was this length. 

Below are the altered pattern pieces and the drafted pockets. I just used the same pocket piece I made for my dress. I’m a giant compared to my little mamma so I knew this pocket would be great for holding her cell phone and tissues. They were sewed on 8 inches under the armpit as well.

Also, how great is this fabric? It was in the magic Walmart discount fabric bin I talked about in this post for $8/3yrds. It’s buttery soft double brushed poly knit. I wanted it for myself, but I knew it was going to be a dress for my mom.

I sewed both of out dresses up in one day. Mine was a little more tricky and took about 4 hours. I also ended up leaving a 12 inch slit on the back of my dress for movement. I don’t think it was necessary but it looked really cute.

My moms dress was simple and sweet and took maybe 2 hours. I love this pattern. It reminds me of the Carly dress sold online anywhere from $10-$45. I made this one for $8. Isn’t she just the cutest in her dress. She loves it and I’m sure she will wear it all the time like she does with the one I made her a few months ago.

So for Mother’s Day weekend, I gave my mom a nice little haircut and a fancy dress. Then my husband spoiled us both on Mother’s Day. It was such a wonderful weekend. After the mess of 2020, this was very much needed. Time with family is precious so I try to make the most of what I get.

Sewing gifts for loved ones is the best feeling. I put my heart and soul into it. Seeing them wear what I’ve made them and love it is the best feeling ever! So is envisioning something, sewing it and having it turn out just as you planned.

Happy sewing,

Koe