Sunny Days, My Friend

It is finally here.  Summer!  With sunshine and heat.  Woohoo!

For a while there, although the calendar said summer, it seemed that the weather gods hadn’t gotten the message.  But being forever hopeful, I got some summer sewing done so I would have something to wear on those balmy summer days on the beach.

One pattern that caught my eye was McCall’s 7562.

It is a loose fitting, pullover shift dress with the option of exposed shoulder ‘sleeves’ which is very on-trend this season.  This pattern also offers different hem variations.  I decided to try option C because of the open shoulder ‘sleeve’ feature.  Suggested fabrics were something with a bit of body (chambray, denim, cotton blends) but I wanted something with a little more drape so I chose one of the new rayon prints we got in.

Then came the age old dilemma –  what size to pick?  My measurements (B=38″, H=41″) suggested I should make the L.  But in checking out the finished measurements of the garment, I decided that M would be big enough without being too roomy.

This picture shows the bust finished measurement depending on size.

Here it shows the hip finished measurement based on size.

The actual construction of this garment is easy.  The only part that may take some time is the front notched neckline.  It’s not difficult, it just needs concentration 🙂

One thing I added when constructing the front notched neckline was some light weight fusible interfacing.  Anytime a pattern asks to reinforce an area because you will be clipping it, I like to add some light weight fusible interfacing.  I just find it helps with supporting that area.  My interfacing of choice is the sewer’s dream since it is a non-woven and will not fray around the cut edges.  I usually cut a piece a little bit bigger than the area being reinforced.

I also used the sewer’s dream interfacing for the curved hem facing.  Since the rayon is a soft drapey fabric, I didn’t want to add any stiffness.  It was just used to stabilize the shaping.

I didn’t adjust the length so I must be shorter than the McCall’s model since the length of her dress hits mid thigh.

This would be a great addition to your summer holiday wardrobe.  Wear it while shopping in the outdoor markets of Mexico.  Or when lounging on the beaches of Hawaii.  It would also be great as a beach cover up.

Now excuse me while I go and catch some rays!