In the summer, we live in knit dresses. Long dresses, short dresses, and everything in between. There's nothing more simple than throwing on a light dress and slipping into some sandals. Voilà, you're ready for the day. You can dress up the outfit with a nice cardigan and some jewelry or you can keep it simple and wear it as is. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
That's why we've chosen knit dresses for this May. They're fun; they're eminently wearable; and they are a must-have for any wardrobe. Plus, knits are a joy to fit. You can save so much time on pattern adjustments and still get a fantastic finished project - a breath of fresh air after some fit-heavy boxes like pants and blouses.
To welcome the warm weather, we decided to go with breezy blues, bright aquas, and berry pinks. Think seaside, watermelon, and ice cream. In a variety of stretchy jerseys and ribs, we think you'll want to live in these knits. Just like I do.
So, without further ado, let's dig in!
Sew Essential Box: Zoey Dress from True Bias
Simple and clean, the Zoey Dress from True Bias is a classic. Which is par for the course for True Bias and their modern aesthetic. An A-line cut skirt adds volume on a fitted tank for a dress that is both twirly and body-hugging. It will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe when the weather turns hot and you want to feel the breeze on your skin.
- Raspberry 2x2 Cotton Rib Knit - This rib, a bamboo cotton blend, is soft and stretchy and so lovely. Plus, the berry pink color is rich and saturated. On the heavier side of medium weight, this fabric holds it shape and has great stretch, making it a great option for body-hugging style of the Zoey Dress.
- Boho Roses Floral Jersey - A stretchy cotton jersey with just the right amount of heft, this fabric is printed with a floral pattern that feels straight out of a the midcentury. The retro feel is transformed, however, by the colors of teal, pink and navy. For a spring floral dress or tee, this is the fabric to choose. A true knockout of a print!
- Aqua Stripe Cotton Spandex Jersey - You gotta love a good knit stripe. It's a classic! The two go together like PB & J, so we couldn't wait to snap up this breezy jersey. The aqua blue is serene and summery. Cut with white lines for a nautical element, this fabric will make for a perfect spring dress. We love it!
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Sew Select Box: Dew Dress from Friday Pattern Company
We loved this top back in the early days of Friday Pattern Company and we were thrilled when they brought it back. And they even improved it with stuning dress version! The cowl neck and shaped hem of the dress add a subtle elan to a simple style. It transforms it into something totally modern and architectural. The sleeveless style is ideal for warm weather. You can wear it all season long from picnics to drinks!
- Chambray Mix Ponte de Roma - Feeling this ponte fabric is truly believing. Touchably soft, it's lighter than what you might think of for ponte and has an amazing flexibility. And in mottled bleached denim hue, the fabric is unexpected yet altogether stunning. The heaviest option in this set, it will show off the shaped hemline of the Dew Dress with aplomb.
- Strawberry Kiss Cotton Spandex Jersey - This t-shirt weight knit is everything you'd want in a jersey. Supple, soft, and silky, it has great stretch and recovery as well as that lovely "look and feel of cotton." Plus the color is stunning. A vivid pink, it's a slightly darker than Barbie pink, but with all the fun!
- Saltwater Stream Cotton Jersey - If you're looking to make a true summer sundress or tee, this is the knit for it. With an unexpected swirling fish print, this fabric is soft and stretchy, combining two of our favorite things about summer. Perfect for picnics and outdoor parties, this knit will give you a hit of dopamine every time you wear it. And that's the dream, right?
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Sew Indulgent Box: Grafton Dress from Cashmerette
We love when Cashmerette releases a mix and match pattern because it is an invitation to creativity. This dress pattern offers over 400 possibilities and we're positive that you will be able to find a combination that is perfect for you. Choose a short fitted dress for cocktail parties, a long-sleeved maxi for more demure settings, or maybe a draped bodice with a circle skirt for a flirty dress made for dancing. We can't wait to see what you make!
- Paparounes Crimson Striped Jersey - We never thought to combine stripes and florals, but we are so glad someone else did! This cotton jersey, with just the right amount of stretch for both fitted and draped styles, is soft and inviting. The medium blue stripe creates a seaside feel while the bright pink paparoune flowers add an unexpected twist. Simply stunning!
- Seabreeze Cotton Modal Jersey - Nothing screams spring more than a lovely green and this hue evokes fresh buds and new growth. In our favorite medium weight cotton-modal jersey, the fabric has stretch and drape, like your favorite t-shirt fabric, and will work for all versions of this stunning dress
- Dark Blush Wide Rib Knit - We love a good rib knit, and this one, with a wide wale, is a gem. The vertical ribs give the fabric amazing stretch and recovery and will create a close fit for several variations of this pattern. In a dusky rose pink, this fabric is cheery and sweet, and ribbing will ensure that whichever version you make, it will be stretchy and comfortable.
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If you'd rather stick with wovens, we're bringing back our 90s sundresses from last summer. We were enamored with the berry, oatmeal, and sky blue colors and we think they are just as lovely now. No matter which box you pick, this month you'll be able to make a sundress of your dreams for the warmer months!
Until next time. . .
Happy sewing!
-Mary
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