Hi Guys! I love summertime weddings. My brother-in-law got married last month in Virginia and I was determined to make the perfect summer dress for the perfect summer wedding. The hunt began for a pattern I could use for my dress. I also did a lot of scrolling on Instagram which is where I found my inspiration from. Keep on reading until the end of the post, so you can find out how to enter to win a copy of the July/August edition of Sewn Magazine.
The Perfect Summer Dress
My inspiration for my dress came from, my sewfriend, Marica from overdriveafter30.blogspot.com. She used the bodice from McCall’s M7632 view D and made a self drafted skirt. I loved it so much that I decided to make my own version as well.
While strolling the fabric isles at JOANN Fabric, I came across this Casa Gardenia Matte Satin Fabric in Deep Orchid. It was 60% Off when I purchased it an it’s still on sale now. I made my friend a dress using this fabric in red and it’s very easy to work with. I also love that it’s matte and not shiny.
Construction & Fit Tips
Based on my measurements, I cut a size 18 and graded to a size 20 at the waist. This turned out to be too large at the waist, so I adjusted the bodice to a straight 18. That was just a tad too tight though. On Marica’s suggestion, I sewed the two side seams using 3/8″ seam allowance. I thought that worked out perfectly because I really love the fit of this dress.
This was my most successful invisible zipper installation with a lining ever! I achieved such perfection using Brittany J Jones perfect invisible zipper tutorial found on her YouTube channel here. She breaks it down step by step practically fool proof. I say practically because I got stuck on sewing the lining to the zipper. I posted a question in the comments of the video and she replied right away and fixed me right up.
For the gathered skirt I used the formula of (Waist x 3)/4 by length + 1″ for seam allowance. I cut it this way because I wanted to add pockets of course! What’s a dress or a skirt without pockets? Just a dress and skirt. I’ll be here all week folks. lol I crack myself up.
It’s GIVEAWAY TIME!
Did you miss out on ordering the July/August edition of Sewn Magazine? Well now you can win one! I’ve team up with Sewn Magazine to give away a copy of a July/August edition magazine. Follow THIS link to my Instagram account @soveryjo where you’ll find out how to enter to win. Enter soon because contest ends 8/14 and the winner will be announced 8/15.
If you haven’t ordered your copy of the Sept/Oct edition, you have until 8/14 to do so. You can order your copy HERE.
What did you think of my dress? Let me know in the comments below.
Until Next time,
Johanna
Love it
Thank you so much. This dress was a lot of fun to make.
I just bought this pattern and now I’m wondering if I should venture into the land of self-drafted skirts or if I should stick with following the pattern and do the jumpsuit until I’m more experienced. I love your dress!
Do it! If you know how to make a gathered skirt then you can go the self drafting route. All you have to do is make sure you make the skirt to match the waist measurement of your bodice. Good luck!