When does summer end for you? When the temperature changes? When the ads change to pencils and bookbags? When your co-worker announced that in mid-july it’s time to start thinking about her fall porch display? Summer in South Carolina can be so confusing. The stores are showing you cardigans and you are melting at the thought. This is another reason I love to sew my wardrobe. I control my sleeve length destiny.
This week it’s totally sans sleeves. I am touring in my 2nd Summer Sundress Sew-along entry!
This is my new favorite summer dress. Did I say that last time? Ok, don’t tell my other dress it just got demoted for Mccalls 6554!This has been hanging around waiting for its textile soulmate longer than most patterns. I hope it’s happy now- I am. I found the base fabric at Mary Jo’s. The stretch lace on the bodice is from fabric.com. I have since used it on 2 more embellishment victims and they all seem happy too. Look at me doing my own stunts with my new friend! Huh….I just read that sign while editing and probably shouldn’t be letting that donkey gently maul me….well, hmm.
I followed instructions to fully line the bodice- with my lace needing a backing it was getting pretty heavy already for a summer dress, so next time I will draw out a neck facing by hand. Something I used to do alot for doll clothes. They got so bulky with too many layers on such a small shape. Except Barbie of course, she demanded full shantung linings. I do wish I’d lined the lace with something besides the body fabric. I can sort of see the design showing thru. Not a total deal breaker, but not my favorite thing- having a magic eye illusion on my torso.
g
Oh, self belt/sash, you know I do not care for you, lets just leave it at that. You didn’t get invited to this Valerie Wells Karavan party. Sorry, baby. I wore this to work last week, now it’s going to a craft brew and such dinner with the Mr B. He likes this dress even more than I do. Funny how people see things differently on you than you do- I think it’s very bulking looking in the skirt, but he thinks it’s very flattering, God love this man.
By the by, this is not a petting zoo. It is the local legal moonshine purveyor closed on sundays. It has goats on the roof, too, but they were disdaining my endeavours. Not like Florence, here. We are bosom chums now. Just like Zac Posen and Coca Rocha!
photo credits: pattern review, meadhawg, google images. All images remain the property of their original owners.
Oh Anne, this dress is perfect in every way. The fabric is beautiful. I just love, love, love this dress!!!!
LikeLike
Thank you! Does my foolish lace show in my pics? I was worried it wouldnt read
LikeLike
This dress is Lovely on you! Fantastic fit.
LikeLike
Thank you! The square neck kept me from having to do my usual neck pitching to the pattern- whoohoo- no alterations!
LikeLike
Awesome dress. Great fabrics (yes can see the lace, not cant see the underlining show through). You have the best photos.
LikeLike
Its all about having a nice ass, you know….
LikeLike
I LOVE this. Especially your color and fabric choices! It looks fantastic on you, and now I want one … *goes to figure out the next time Simplicity patterns are on sale at Hancock* … Nice job on this, one of my favorites that you have made!
LikeLike
Lord love a Hancock pattern sale!
LikeLike
Perfect summer dress, love the colour!
LikeLike
Orange is my summer brown
LikeLike
Oooh I love this! Yes. Yes. Yes!
LikeLike
Make it! Its so comfortable!
LikeLike
Love the color, the lace bodice, and your ass!
LikeLike
Well, my!
LikeLike
Hubby is right on this on one! Anne, I love this dress! It is so flattering on you. The style and the color both work well for you. Love!
LikeLike
Thank you! I wish Id made this sooner!
LikeLike
I love that orange colour on you and the fabric for the skirt is great. Nice job.
LikeLike
Thank you- quilty cotton may be my friend afterall!
LikeLike
The colors are perfect for you, and the stretch lace is tres chic. I want!
LikeLike
I really wanted more texture if i was going to use a quilting cotton- lace to the rescue!
LikeLike
Wonderful dress! That orange is the perfect shade. Yeah, here in Georgia, it’s still hotter than the hammered down hinges of hades. Who can think of Fall???
LikeLike
Fall? That 2 weeks of cardigan mornings before it returns to nasty….
LikeLike
I have this pattern too! Also a favo[u]rite, love your colo[u]r and print choices!
LikeLike
How hono(u)red I feel!
LikeLike
That orange is so flattering on you! I love the stretch lace bodice/quilting cotton combo. This pattern has been in my contender pile for a while. That color will transition nicely to fall whenever want it to- just throw on a goldish shrug, and voila-you’ll be all set!
LikeLike
I do need a goldish shrug! That will be my grail quest of the month!
LikeLike
Oh, Summer. I always get excited about fall clothes going back to school but you know we can’t wear them until Thanksgiving. I love the dress! You look fantastic in that red-orange. I like the combo of the lace and the print.
LikeLike
I miss layering beyond a camisole and a cardigan down here!
LikeLike
I think this is my favourite dress of yours! The colour and shape look wonderful.
LikeLike
Oh thank you! I usually avoid orange, but hmmmm
LikeLike
Love, love, love! I agree with your hubby, the skirt is super flattering!
LikeLike
Thank you! I felt quite girly in it
LikeLike
Another great sundress! So glad you sewed this, I’ve bought it for Ashley, have been wanting to see it! It’s so pretty on you, love you in red, the fabrics are great!
LikeLike
Thank you…..you know a maxi very would be very Cocolicious!
LikeLike
p.s. Did the back bodice detail work out ok for you?
LikeLike
It teally is very boring back there!
LikeLike
LOVE this colour on you! Your skin makes it pop. Such a simple and flattering shape, I also like the use of stretch lace and patterned fabric. Well done lady!
LikeLike
Thank you, Ma’am- I wish I had orange Dr Martens now!
LikeLike
Ooooo! Get some please
LikeLike
Who would put lace with quilting cotton and have it turn out so chic? Marvelous skirt print, large enough to say “I’m here, don’t ignore me” but not to large to overwhelm the wearer. That is so important and the motifs all line up and hang nicely. The bodice has just the right dart and the lining is basically invisible in the photographs.If someone found this dress in a boutique…they would buy it in a flash and hunt for that gold bolero later. Well done, Anne!
LikeLike
Thank you! I didnt want my medallions to look like snowman buttons down the front!
LikeLike
No wonder it’s your new favorite – that box pleat, those fabrics, gorgeous fit, and POCKETSES! Love it.
LikeLike
Pockets are indeed a joy!
LikeLike
What a vibrant, adorable dress! And I love that as a reason to sew – controlling your sleeve length destiny!
LikeLike
Its the little victories, right?
LikeLike
Love this colour on you! The lace bodice lifts this dress into Chic. Don’t get me started on looking for season appropriate clothes in shops. Ever tried to buy swimsuit in August or a winter coat in December( nothing but sparkly trash then).
LikeLike
Ugh! I know! Our annual pilgrimage to Disney is in november- good luck filling in last minute discovered wardrobe gaps then!
LikeLike
I can see that orange is your neutral. Great job matching pattern, lace and fabric in a perfect summer frock. I can see the admiring looks you are getting from your gentleman friend.
LikeLike
He is a charmer, it seems I always attract asses…..
LikeLike
Hey, I have this pattern and now can’t wait to make it after seeing yours. It’s so lovely on you, Anne! Your colours for sire and I love how you chose lace for the bodice part, adds a touch of formality to a sundress. Summer better not be over, ours has barely begun. There have been a handful of sunny hot days but majority COLD and/ or grey. I am patiently (not) waiting for temps high 20s low 30s. Heck, I’d settle for above room temp and sunny! Enjoy your new dress and say hi to your new friend for me.
LikeLike
Dont dispair, it has to get toastier, right? I didnt bring the pups on this shoot- they wouldnt have given my new friend any peace!
LikeLike
It got toastier. :). Happy sigh. Guess I need to sew a sundress finally.
LikeLike
Hello from Calgary,Alberta, Canada .I do so enjoy reading your blog, only one I have subscribed to follow.I believe we have the same sense of humor and I can’t wait to read the next one.I like your new dress and your supporting cast is awesome! Take care in the summer heat.god bless
LikeLike
Hello! Thank you and Welcome to my foolishness
LikeLike
Super cute and the prefect colors for you. The fabric pairing gets a thumbs up from frog and I. You’re sunny and summery, hooray!
LikeLike
Frog- meet Donkey!!!
LikeLike
This is the perfect summer dress on you. Well done!
LikeLike
Well thank you so much!
LikeLike
What a great colour! I love your fabrics, Anne. So lovely for summer.
LikeLike
Oh you are too kind!
LikeLike
This is fabulous. period. The style is so right on you! Love it!
LikeLike
Aw shucks, you are too kind!
LikeLike
I love that color! I want that lace too..,
LikeLike
I want to find it indifferent colors now!
LikeLike
Ooh la la. It is definitely numero uno in the dress department. Mr B has a discerning eye. Love it and it is such a happy looking dress. Looks fabulous on you.
LikeLike
Thank you, Ma’am! Did you see on PR I finally made my Stylearc debut?
LikeLike
I missed it. Must race over there as fast as my fingers can go and have a look.
LikeLike
My first thought as I scrolled down was, “Ooooh, pretty!” I love the flame color on you.
LikeLike
Thank you! Orange is the new black?
LikeLike
1. Love the donkey.
2. LOVE the dress on you!
3. End of summer???? We’re still waiting for it to START here 😦 (It’s all about the temperature)
LikeLike
I wish stores would sell for climate instead of the home office!!!
LikeLike
Pretty dress! I do love the orange color!
LikeLike
Im coming around to orange- the local college makes it so prevalent I tend to steer away, but darn it, I like this color!
LikeLike
I must say I agree with the mr. here 🙂 also, love the donkey!
LikeLike
I may need more livestock in my pics now!
LikeLike
Wow! What a beautiful dress! I am loving the fabric, style and color! You look great! Listen to your hubby!
LikeLike
Oh you are so sweet!
LikeLike
Perfect dress on you – I adore it! And every time I read one of your posts I think I really should get my hair cut very short again (I’ve been stuck with a cut-it-myself-bob-type-thing for a year or so).
Just a comment about the blog – it may be my firefox, but everything is now coming up against the flower background which makes both your text and the comments very difficult to read.
LikeLike
Ah shucks- I never get that background right- back to beige….bummer!
LikeLike
Oooo! I love your dress! Mostly I love the fabric but nice pattern too. Awesome dress.
LikeLike
Valerie Wells- lovely!
LikeLike
We are sort of in sync. I just happen to be sewing similar colors. Otherwise very different though.
LikeLike
So we arent twinsies?
LikeLike
No, but you’re really tempting me with that fabric.
LikeLike
I have two summers. Fake summer (only in the 100s) whilst kids are off school, and proper summer (kids went back to school last Monday) when we have to work out how to get through a least a month of 105-115s….it hitting 114 today. But as everyone say “Arizona, it’s a dry heat” and I’m very glad of that, the heat is bad enough but I don’t think I could take that and humidity.
In much happier things, that dress is gorgeous. The colour really suits you and has renewed my interest in the pattern, which I’ve been resisting buying at various sales for a while now. It’s the perfect summer frock, love the combination of the happy print and stretch lace.
LikeLike
Oh you poor toasty lamb!
LikeLike
Full fledged fabulousness! I have this pattern but have resisted…did you have to do any adjustments? I’m not so sophisticated at those…but I love the basic dress. And now you get all tremendous and throw this beautiful orangeness up…I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out!!!!
LikeLike
I having some slopy shoulders, I always narrow in my upper bodice, oyhrr than that, it was easy sneezy!
LikeLike
No no no!! Summer has barely started!! Lovely work, as usual. 😉
LikeLike
If I had a fan, Id wave it furiously and blush!
LikeLike
Perfection!! I love this on you, the colour and the shape are gorgeous. That’s a great neckline on you too.
LikeLike
Damnit Janet! I didn’t know this was going on! Wait I could still. Play I’m finishing up a Vogue!
LikeLike
Yay!!!
LikeLike
Not sure how I came across your blog. Although I personally do not blog ,I spend a lot of time in the online sewing community validating that just like me most seamstresses (had the word sewers there at first but yet that seemed weird) do not look like the the pattern models but a lot of the design looks fantastic on our not so perfect physics. I work for a fashion design company , Southern Tide, but it is primarily menswear . No real inspiration although I made cool baby bibs for the expectant dads in our company that mimicked our preppy sports shirts. I work with the logistics of fashion not the design area. I guess I started identifying with you in April with your lamenting on the demise of Hancock. I thought “same thing here”. Then this last post with the local moonshine purveyor, had me thinking where is this gal? I new you were in the south with your Mary Jo’s reference. Started looking at your historical posts and realized I needed to say “Howdy neighbor! ” I have been sewing primarily for a 3 and 6 yr old. Today I start sewing for myself again. Thanks for the inspiration my fellow Andersonian.
LikeLike
I hope to see your duds! Are you on pattern review?
LikeLike
No I have not signed up. I usually will check the reviews before I by a pattern but I need to get with it and sign up and post my pics. My hubby has been deployed for 18 months, and just got home yesterday so maybe I will have more time for doing stuff like that. No more cutting grass for me, yeah!
LikeLike
Thats a very good thing!
LikeLike
I also meant to tell you your husband does a fantastic job with the photography.
LikeLike
Anne, I don’t know why your not on my blog reader anymore! Anyway following you on bloglovin now so won’t miss anymore of your fabulous creations, like this one! Love that colour.
LikeLike
My donkey appreciates that!
LikeLike
I know from previous visits to countries with donkeys that they can be finicky. So the fact that you are now ‘pals’ is a huge achievement.
Summer here is usually around a lot and we get gusts of cold snaps, like this weekend. Looking at your perfect Summer dress gives me more style ideas to ponder.
You’ve paired great fabrics to keep Summer happening. I hope you enjoy the warmth is the style at which you have become accustomed.
LikeLike
Had I know that donkeys are fickle before had- I might have been more trepidous!
LikeLike
You have jungle smarts.
LikeLike
Holy Moly – we are obviously long lost sewing sisters. I to heart this pattern (i’ve made three so far and am cutting a fourth). Look amazing on you girl!
LikeLike
I can think of no greater honor that being gaudy sibs with you! Mwah!
LikeLike
Ahhhhh, now this is close to perfection. I love a fitted bodice on you (well, to be fair, on most things that are human shaped) and I love the colour on you and, well, I just think the whole thing is freaking awesome.
LikeLike