Here is the dress I wore at the wedding in Abruzzo. The photos were taken at the reception venue…it’s a very typical Italian wedding venue.
When I started considering making a dress, I didn’t have much time left but I had this fabric in my stash. I had fallen for this fabric last time I was in Rome and visited a new-to-me fabric store called Diffusione Tessile. What I would call a dress fabric heaven as it’s filled with bargain pre-cuts nicely arranged on hangers with a tag specifying the width and lenght. Besideds, it’s not a messy store…something I highly appreciate. At the time, I had no idea what to do with the fabric, but I bought it anyway.
Clearly the design posed a problem when trying to figure out a suitable pattern. It has an L-shape over two panels and it’s a dreapey jersey knit. So, the only option I could think of was a rectangle maxi dress. From that point on my mind when blank and resorted to the Internet to search for pattern ideas. Eventually, I settled for Cation Designs Maxi Dress Pattern tutorial (I really love her drawings)
I have to admit it took me much longer than an hour to make it! I used the fabric left to make a belt. I cut the fabric to match the design at least at the front as I wanted to avoid breaking the motif. The only thing I regret about this dress is the length. I cut it to 44 inches as suggested on the tutorial. I figured it would be floor length as I am 5.3 (1.60 m) and she is 5.5 (1.65 m). You can imagine my surprise when I tried it on. As you can see it reaches my calf…and it’s not like I have long legs!
The best thing about this dress is that the fabric doesn’t wrinkle… perfect for travelling!
Belted or belt-less? Which one do you think is better?
Fabric Store in Rome
Diffusione Tessile 97
Via Mattia Battistini 175
00167 Roma
Closest subway stop: Metro A Battistini (8-minute walk). 7 Stops away from Spagna station and 5 from San Pietro – Musei Vaticani (St. Peter’s). Bonus: you get to see a non-touristy residential area.
Walking directions from Battistini station
Below is a picture of the actual store, so you won’t miss it if you go. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but there are two floors with plenty of dress and home dec fabric. They had plenty of choice for lycra/dancewear (that’s where I bought mine for the show)
Sewing Princess 
Definitely belted! From the first few photos, I thought it was part of the dress: some sort of really cool design feature. I love love love how you matched the pattern on the front of the belt. Keep it! 🙂
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It’s an elegant dress and I like the un-belted version because the lovely graphic print is not broken up by the belt. By the way, the midi length looks great on you!
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With belts it looks more chic and creates more “dressed up” look. I like it better 😉 Gorgeous fabric and you did it justice! I would have struggled to find an appropriate design for it.
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you look stunning in the dress! I vote for it belted as it shows off your figure better that way. you could always wear it belted now and then.
Can I just say you are a beautiful girl!
I’d love to go to the fabric store but its kind of far away! Have been to Rome twice and did find 1 fabric store there. My husband says we will have to visit other countries and not just Italia even though we loved it.
I’m kinda new to blogging. I’ve been following you for several years. I’d love for you to check out mine sometime!
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I agree that belted is the most flattering look – it defines your waist nicely but doesn’t interrupt the print too much. You picked a great pattern for that awesome print – the best solution to show it off
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Oh no! That 44″ should be 54″! I am so sorry about that typo; nobody has ever pointed it out before. Still, the dress looks very elegant with that motif, even if it is calf-length. It’s actually a very trendy length this year…
I like both belted and unbelted, to be honest. Just go with how big a wedding meal you plan to be eating 🙂
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I prefer the dress belted to show off your waist. I also think the “mishap” with the length was serendipitous as that length looks amazing on you.
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Vaya, pues yo voy por el lado contrario a todas mis compañeras…. lo prefiero sin cinturón.. me parece más volátil y etéreo… como un vestido que juega dulcemente con la brisa , y el estampado es para morirse!! Un gran acierto!
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Your midi-length dress looks just fabulous! what a gorgeous print. The dress shows it off perfectly 🙂
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Wow, cool dress and fabric. Loving the belted for dressy and unbelted for casual – fabulous!
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Beautiful dress! I love it belted or belt less at same place. Diffusione Tessile also carry libel cutted out Max Mara group apparel at discounted price, it’s a heaven! We have one store here in Trieste too, but there isn’t the fabric corner.
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Great pick with that fabric! I like it both belted and unbelted. I just love the yellow in the pattern. I haven’t been to Rome in a really long time, but you’re making me want to go just to get some fabric!
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