Mix It Up Dress

I’ve been eyeing the George and Ginger Mix It Up Dress for a while and finally pulled the trigger. Totally worth it. 5 different bodice fronts, 5 different bodice backs, 5 sleeve lengths, or sleeveless, 3 different peplums, 4 different mini skirts, 4 different dress skirts, and 4 different fitted skirts with peplum. The number of different looks you can get from all that is math I can’t even do / don’t want to do.

My First Version

For my first version, I chose the following combination:

• yoke front bodice
• full coverage back bodice
• hi-lo tunic
• long sleeve

I absolutely adore the bodice. Part of my goal for this piece was to have a top to add to my warmer collection. The striped fabric from my Boho Fabrics clearance box has an amazingly soft brushed back. Unfortunately, this style requires lining the bodice, so that brushed texture is covered up on the bodice pieces. but it’s totally exposed on the sleeves which feels wonderful.

When I finished, I didn’t care for the silhouette of the full circle tunic skirt. It just hit too high on my waist and came off looking more maternity than anything. So I had to unpick the waist seam and rig up a waist band to insert to lower that waistline and also drop the hem. I’m much happier with it that way (even in spite of the stripes not lining up.)

I also added 2″ to the sleeves, as per usual.

Notes for Next Time

• The striped fabric doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it, so I probably could have gotten away with sizing up. Good to note if I make another version with similar stretch.
• Measure where the waistline is going to hit beforehand so I can engineer an additional waistband beforehand, or possibly just extend the bodice.
• Topstitch the top of the bottom front bodice (around the yoke opening). The directions don’t call for this, but it’ll stop the lining from rolling to the right side.

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