How to DIY a Summer Dress

There's nothing better for summer than a flirty dress. My closet is chock-full of dresses. As soon as summer starts to appear, I just can't resist making a few more. I love dresses for so many reasons. One, they're so easy to just throw on and go. Two, you don't need to worry about all the matching of tops and bottoms. And three, simple shapes are really easy to fit when you're making your own. So that's three. :) Why do you like to wear dresses?



How to DIY a Summer Dress

Step 1 I love today's inspiration dress with the lace shoulders, fitted waist and gathered skirt. This dress is the Something Blueberry Dress from Modcloth.

Step 2  Simplicity 1873 by Cynthia Rowley is a classic dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt. I've recommended this pattern for a DIY before because it's a classic that you can easily adapt it for a variety of looks. To make our inspiration dress you'll need to make just a few adjustments. First, you'll need to make gathers instead of pleats at the waist of the skirt. Second, you'll need to alter the bodice to incorporate the lace. All you need to do is draw the line on the pattern piece where you want the seam between the lace and the solid. Cut and separate and add a seam allowance to the new seam line you created. Piece the two bodice fabrics together and then proceed as usual. To finish the neck edge, use a bias strip of your solid fabric.

Step 3 For this dress you'll need two fabrics, a stretch lace and a solid dress weight. For the lace I found a beautiful poly lace from Mood. It's currently sold out but this lace is similar. For the solid fabric, this cotton lycra blend from Mood would be great.

Related:
Sewing Posts
DIY Outfit Posts
DIY Fashion Pinboard
Simplicity 1873 Cut Out Back Dress
Simplicity 1873 Peacock Print Dress
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