Made by a Fabricista: A Summer Staple – The Flowy Summer Dress

Hello Everyone! Today I’m sharing my latest summer sewing project. I’ve been wanting a pretty flowy summer dress and once I saw this fabric I knew I had the perfect pattern for it.  

When the new summer patterns were released earlier this year, I reviewed them all and made a list of my favorites and hit up JoAnn Fabric during their pattern sale.  One of the patterns I picked up was McCall’s 8215.  This dress is the perfect summer dress because both views are sleeveless and have a flowy panel skirt.  I chose to make view B which has a tank top bodice and the skirt is tea length. Did I mention that the dress has pockets?  I don’t know about you, but a dress with pockets is always a win for me.  The dress also has a small split in the front. 

Initially I cut out the size 16 bodice.  I basted the bodice together and once I tried it on, I decided that I could go down a size so I ended up making a size 14.  For this very reason is why I usually make a muslin of the patterns I make.  I would hate to have made the entire dress just to realize it don’t fit.  Been there, done that.  Once I decided the bodice fit how I like it, I cut out the skirt the same size.

My favorite way to finish the hem on a knit dress or skirt is by using HeatnBond Soft Stretch Ultra Iron-On Adhesive. I swear by this stuff!  Here are the steps I take each and every time.

1. Sew a basting stitch around the hem using the seam allowance you want to your hem to be.

2. Turnover and press the seam allowance using the basting stitch as your guide. Doing so saves you having to measure all round your skirt.

3. You can remove the basting stitch at this point.

4. Press the tape in place and remove the paper and adhesive will now be on your garment.

5. Fold over your hem on the adhesive and press.

I would suggest you do this in sections and also make sure it’s Soft Stretch HeatnBond because there is also regular HeatnBond for wovens and you don’t want to use that on a knit because it does not stretch and your hem will not look good. Been there, done that too. 

The fabric I selected to use for my flowy summer dress is this Dark Magenta Rayon/Lycra Jersey Knit. Unfortunately, this color is sold out, but there are other beautiful colors left.  I always find that every time I receive fabric from Fabric Mart, the fabric is always more beautiful in person, then it is appears to be online.  This was no exception.  This fabric is so soft and the drape is amazing. This fabric is a 4 way stretch which is probably why I had to go down a size.  McCall’s 8215 calls for a 2 way stretch. Another thing I love about this fabric is that it is not too thin and is perfect for this pattern.

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed my dress as much as I do. If you are looking for a great summer staple, then give McCall’s 8215 a try.  Also search for Rayon/Lycra Jersey Knit on the Fabric Mart site or select Jersey Knit from the Fabrics section and you can see all the other colors available. 

Until Next time!

JOHANNA | @soveryjo