I love Summer Dresses!

Don't you love spring and all the promise it brings?  Days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and school is nearing an end for summer?  This year brought 2 new events to my family - my 8 year old nephew recently celebrated his First Communion - Congrats Cian!  His mom and dad are so proud of him!  

Summer Dress in Rapture by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery Fabrics

And, my preschooler will be the usher for the older kids at their graduation.  She is so excited to watch her friends sing all of the songs they've been learning!  Very fitting for Memorial Day, America ('My Country 'tis of Thee') is her favorite.  

Summer Dress in Rapture by Pat Bravo of Art Gallery

Here's the pretty dress I made for these celebrations!  I love the tulips and look of watercolor of this line from Pat Bravo!  Claire's all about coloring flowers these days, so it was very fitting!

Tutorial: Sundress Detailed Instructions

If you love the Sundress highlighted last week, you'll appreciate these detailed assembly instructions.

A key feature of this tutorial:  2 different ways to gather with elastic:

- elastic enclosed in a simple casing

- shirring using elastic thread

Both are great tools to have in your sewing/crafting toolbox, particularly if you make children's clothing!

Tutorial: Sundress in Lotus Pond, by Cloud 9

You & your little one will both love this easy peazy dress!  Just a little bit of fabulous fabric and 1-3 hours of your time - and Voila! - a fun dress for the summer!

I used these prints from the Lotus Pond collection by Rae Hoekstra, from Cloud 9:

Meadow Blossoms in White for the dress

Diamonds are Forever in Blue for the border

Fluttering Fields for the straps/sleeves

And, I later embellished the dress with a little pocket, using Lotus Drop in Turquoise & Snail Trail in Gold.