Saturday, July 28, 2018

I Made My Perfect Summer Dress

I first saw this pattern courtesy of Zoe, and finally made some time to sew it up.  Boy, am I glad I did! It's pretty easy to make, so comfortable to wear, and flattering on top of all that.  The trifecta!



I used a sprightly vintage calico that I love beyond telling - the deep dark green background feels so cool and foresty, but spicy with all those bright flowers, yet not cutesy which I could never pull off.  I am not cute.

I did add a patch pocket to the front left side - always handy for dropping in keys, rogue clothespins, loose coins, my phone, you know.  Stuff.

I also had to modify the waistband a little bit.  The extra seam allowance is supposed to be enough to form the casing for the elastic, but I had to use a smaller elastic, and then, after two wearings, the stitching pulled through the edge of the casing (I guess I am pretty active in my summer days, what with all the kid and laundry and food wrangling).  So I had to strengthen the casing with some bias tape (the same yellow I used to finish the hem).  I do also have to wear this dress with an x-back bra or else my bra straps show and I'm not that type.


I seriously love this dress.  I am already planning another and it happens to be green as well, which means, I suppose, that I have a crush on green.  I do wish I had some photos of it in action, but thanks to Genevieve for these quick porch photos so I can get back into the blog world with news of a new dress.

12 comments:

  1. Hmm...I think maybe I should hire you! I'm definitely a fan of green (just ask my daughter!)

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  2. That dress is amazing! I love the print and the style is so cute! I might have to run that pattern down for myself!

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  3. I've seen that pattern, and it really does look like a perfect height-of-summer dress. Yours came out great!

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  4. I think I need to find that pattern and make a dress.

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  5. How fun! Summertime is the best time for cute, cool dresses. I like the pocket you added as well.

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  6. I love it. I'm definitely a fan of green too. And there definitely ought to be more pockets in skirts and dresses.

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  7. Yesss!! It’s perfect. And funny you wear an x-back...those stick out worse for me :)

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  8. What a great summer dress! It looks comfortable and cool and non-restrictive. Perfect fabric for it, too, very pretty! Love that you added a pocket, the designers slipped up there.

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  9. Would also love to share that slipshorts under dresses has CHANGED MY SUMMER LIFE. No chafing, extra coverage for when dresses hike up or get blown sideways. Love them. Ordered mine on amazon (i know...) brand Vassarette. Cheap and easy solution.

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  10. I admired it when I saw you Saturday!!

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  11. I just bought an X-backed bra yesterday as I have made a dress that also shows my straps and I, too, am just not that type. :) Your dress is fab! The fabric (and your description of it!) are so you. I hope it serves you well this summer! And more summers to come!

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