I don't know about all of you, but there's something about summer that spells dresses to me. All year 'round I love a good dress, but warm weather seems to make me want one extra bad. So this spring/summer I've been working at "collecting" some great cool summer dresses. Here's a round-up of some of our favorite dress patterns this year....
1. Vintage Vogue Gathered Bodice Dress. I recently made this one out of polka dot knit. I love it! Because I'm a bit zipper-shy and was using knit I just skipped the side zipper completely... and it worked! I'm waiting for some navy/white star knit fabric to arrive in the mail so I can make another one for Independence Day (can't wait to see how it turns out!).
2. Retro Butterick Side Swoosh Dress. I'm sewing this one up right now in a stretcy bright yellow denim. Apphia has already made hers up in a nice aqua suiting fabric. The 'swooshy' side makes it a bit more dressy, so it would be perfect to wear to worship or a wedding. I'm hoping the denim fabric I'm using will casualize it a bit, but either way it's too cute to pass up. (Oh, and it reminds Apphia and I of a dress worn in Monkey Business... darling!)
3. Socialite Dress. I made this one last year and it's so fun. It has pockets too and can easily can be lengthened. I've also seen a lady add some little sleeves to it.... too cute.
4. Knit Wrap Dress. Apphia just made this one in a watercolor floral knit, and it's darling! She plans to wear a little camisole with it. Too, too adorable.
5. Retro Butterick Wrap Dress. Great dress! If you'll remember, we've used this pattern before -- right here. I also used it for the bodice of my ever-favorite Gina dress. I'm thinking of making another Gina dress actually. In my humble opinion, it's practically the ultimate go-to summer dress.
6. Amelia Dress. This is such a cute little thing! Abigail made one in bright turquoise and pink floral cotton, and it was darling. I hope to make one sometime.... it's on the to-sew list....
7. Jiffy 1960s Shift Dress. Confession: I've never made this one, and none of the other girls have either. But, it's on my favorite-cutest-thing-ever-love-it-must-have-my-own-copy pattern list. Get a load of that darling collar one, or the bow front one! Eep!
8. Evening Empire Dress. I made this one a few years ago and it remains something I love. I have a feeling that it will always be something that I love, and appreciate the fact that I spent all that time piecing the fun zigzag skirt. I think it would be very cute in just one voile print too in the mid-calf length version!
Does anyone have a favorite dress pattern that I missed (I know there is)? Please do tell!
xoxo Achaia
PS. Abiah and I also have this neat-o Navajo-style knit fabric that's waiting to be made into some casual dresses. If they work out like we hope they will we'll have to share them! xx
Have you seen Jennie Chancey's Ladies' 1958 dress? Too adorable! I'm making one out of your navy dumb dot! Almost done!
Posted by: Gertrude | June 26, 2013 at 07:17 PM
What a great post! I love dresses too and am always on the look-out. Have you seen The Monique Dress by Serendipity Studio? http://www.sewserendipity.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_37&products_id=142
Posted by: Linda H. | June 27, 2013 at 07:24 PM
Hi Gertrude! Yes, I have seen Jennie Chancey’s 1958 dress... it’s darling! It will look so cute in the navy dumb dot fabric you’re using. Have you finished it yet?
Thanks for commenting!
xoAchaia
Posted by: the Long ladies | July 1, 2013 at 09:38 AM
All cute dresses. The new fabric is gorgeous, love the big flowers.
Posted by: Beth | July 6, 2013 at 05:06 PM
I hope that hector will fix this bug in the next update .
http://clothingforwomenonline.wordpress.com/
Posted by: John MacDonald | February 3, 2015 at 12:14 AM