Yay for summer! Since today was my last day of work (I had a couple hours of training my replacement to complete this morning), it feels like the true first day of summer. Which means lots more sewing time! To celebrate, I completed this dress that I’ve been slowly working on for months.
I originally thought this pattern was a little too frilly for me, until I saw Emily Hallman’s version. It looked so flowy and lovely, I wanted to give it a try. I had bought this beautiful black floral fabric from Joann last year and knew it would be perfect. I used some silky black fabric from my Grandma’s Stash for the lining. Emily is right in saying that the pattern runs big, though. I sewed a size 6!
And, I added pockets.
I like that the front and back look almost identical!
Also, inspired by some of the details on Julia Engel’s new line of Gal Meets Glam dresses, I added some fabric-covered buttons down the center front seam. They are non-functioning and are hard to see, but they add just a little something extra when you do notice them.
Speaking of the Gal Meets Glam dresses collection, I was inspired by a lot of her April designs, even though I have seen similar dresses before. I saved a lot of the images for sewing inspiration. This pattern is perfect to make the Susie dress ($178).
I will say though, that of the May collection, many were either very similar to some of the April ones, or just not that inspiring or exciting. She is releasing new collections each month so I’m sure I will find more that I like. I was just a little let down as a whole.
But here are some of my favorites of her designs so far, and the patterns I have found to duplicate them! (with a few adjustments)
The Evelyn dress ($188) using Simplicity 8594, making the straps thinner and adding a bow.
The Jennifer dress ($158) in sandwashed satin, using Simplicity 8637.
The Yvonne dress ($158) with Simplicity 8380 (add a huge shoulder bow and lengthen the skirt).
The Hillary dress ($168) in Swiss dot chiffon with Vogue 8645, adding a row of tiny buttons down the center front seam and lengthening the shoulder ties.
