Dressing For Hot Summer Days
We recently hit 109 degrees here in the Sacramento area and I decided that I needed to build up my dress wardrobe in anticipation of many more hot days. When it’s that hot, no shorts are as comfortable as a dress. Linen is my choice for those hot days and I envisioned this lovely linen from my stash fashioned into a loose-fitting dress that will perform well in the heat.
This Cynthia Rowley pattern from Simplicity looked perfect for the job.
I’m about 3/4 through with this dress-I still need to add a band to the hem and fringe it and also I intend to add a waist stay-I’ll post again when I am done. I paired it with this lovely linen that has a washed, casual, vintage look.
I like the silhouette of the dress-it floats away from the body just a bit but it’s still got some shape. There are in-seam pockets on each side-love pockets!
As a note to those who think linen is a wrinkled mess-I have not pressed the dress at all except the construction areas (seams, etc). High quality linen of proper heft and appropriately lined, just gathers patina, not deep wrinkles. Linen is THE most comfortable fabric on uber hot days!
This close-up of the pleats shows their uneven nature-the pattern maker calls it a “Designer’s Touch”. I was amused by the exact markings on the pattern to achieve that “random” effect.
I used my Bernina 153 which is maybe 12 years old? The button holes are not the best. The buttonholes are superb on the 8 series I hear-geesh-only $10.000 and I could have superb buttonholes!
Love, love, love-both the fringing and the topstitching I did with the “triple stitch” function on my machine and 12 wt Sulky cotton thread.
I do like this combination of topstitching, fringe and buttons.
I lined the top with Bemberg-a quality rayon lining. It feels like heaven next to my skin. What luxury-an “everyday” dress with great lining, pockets, interesting details and comfy as can be in the hottest of weather!
I will post again when I finish the dress and I’ll include a tutorial on inserting a waist stay. Waist stays are super-easy and add immensely to the comfort of the garment. Stay tuned for the tutorial.
How pretty! I rarely sew garments anymore — just the Annual Christmas Boxer Shorts for my son! And your skill is…tops!
Thank you! I really do enjoy creating a garment just for me.
This dress is so you, Jenny. The details are what makes it! I’m still trying to decide which of my machines makes the best buttonholes. The old attachment for my 1960 Singer Featherweight may still be the winner, although not infinitely adjustable in size and shape like the Vikings or Bernina. Sounds like time to make portfolio of buttonholes for reference!
Thanks Marcia! I really do like this dress and the fabric. I remember how my old Singer with it’s gigantic buttonhole attachment did such a good job. Great idea-do a portfolio of buttonholes on all my machines!
I adored the buttonhole attachment on my old Singer and have found nothing to compare…but I haven’t been looking much either! If I never make another garment, it’ll be too soon! You are one of the rare ones who really likes it. More power to you!!!
There seems to be agreement on the old Singer’s making good buttonholes-I think you’re right. I don’t have one anymore though, sigh!.
Just gorgeous, Jenny! You know I’m going to have to touch it. I love your lining choice.
Oh I love that lining-feels soooo good! Yes, you’ll just have to touch both the linen and the lining to get a good feel for them.
I like the style of the dress, and definitely the pockets and detail! It has been a long time since I made a garment of any kind. This pattern looks tempting.
I admit there is a long learning curve on matching the right pattern, fit, and fabric together, but it’s so nice when you make something that is so you! If you ever are tempted to try garment making, look up your local Am Sewing Guild-I’ll bet they’ve got a great garment making group.
I’m not really a dress person, but I love this dress you made, Jenny. The style, the choice of fabric, the buttons, fringing and the top stitching all look great!!!
Thank you Sue! What’s cooler to wear on hot days than a dress? You should try one!
What a gorgeous dress. It is so pretty and feminine. I am a ditto on the Singer buttonholer.
Thanks Kay! Wish I had one of those Singer buttonholers!
I have this pattern waiting to be made. I love, love, love the linen you used here. beautiful job.
Ramona I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! It’s an easy make too.
What a FAB dress! You will looking smashing in it.
Thanks Franki-it’s just so comfy and I am thrilled that it actually turned out well!
Was your dress on Saturday from this pattern? I admired it all day! I have not made a garment in years (15+), but I am making this! Love it!
Hi Ruth-how funny you should ask. That dress is ready-to-wear and it love the way it fits. It definitely inspired me to choose that pattern. It was great to meet you and you are ready to quilt your own work!!
Oh yes, and if you are at all interested in garment sewing after all those years, Am Sewing Guild is a great place to get help. Shoot me an email if you are interested-I’ll get you info.
This is lovely, Jenny! Every time I try to sew clothing for myself, it ends badly… I keep getting tempted to try again, though, especially when I see others’ lovely efforts, like your linen dress.
Oh do try again! I joined Am Sewing Guild and their garment group has rocked my world. It’s worth garment sewing if you can achieve good fit. You have superb sewing skills-you can do garments!