Introducing the Sauvie Sundress! Yes, summer has finally arrived here in the Pacific Northwest and just in time. It rained for most of June here in Portland so I've been waiting to wear my Sauvie Sundresses all the while wrapped up in sweatpants and toaster sweaters. I'm really excited about this dress because it so comfortable as well as being a quick and easy make AND it has really big pockets. I couldn't decide what Sauvie Dress version to feature here so I made a collage of several mini photos of all of the versions on thee different bodies - I have trouble making decisions if you can't tell.
Anyhow, the Sauvie Sundress is a strappy V-neck dress that is as casual or dressed up as you'd like it to be depending on your choice of fabric. The low front and back V-necklines and narrow straps were designed to cover bra straps and optional bra keeper instructions are included to hide and secure your bra straps within the garment for that extra couture detail. I love the deep pockets. Pocket A is stitched down because floppy pockets are kind of a pet peeve of mine, however, I included loose in-seam pockets (Pocket B) for a more streamlined finish.
With two pocket options, three hem variations, two waist finishes and two hem lengths, you can mix and match many of the features to come up with your own version. I want to add that while Sauvie is primarily a summer dress, I plan to wear my long black version #2 dress in the winter over a t-shirt with boots as well. Sauvie is currently a pdf pattern but it will hopefully be available in print in a few months.
The Sauvie Sundress pattern is available in both Standard fit sizes 00 - 20 and Curvy fit sizes 16 - 34. You get both size ranges with your pdf pattern purchase on the Sew House Seven website.
For size reference - the model in the top row is 5'9" and wearing a size 12 with 1" of added length.
The model in the second row is 5'11" and is wearing a size 24 with 2" of added length.
I am the third row model and I'm only 5'3" and I'm wearing size 4 and size 6 (I've lost an inch in my bust during the course of these photos) and I shorten my dresses 2".
Features:
- Front & Back V-necklines - the back neck is low but should just cover a bra.
- Shoulder straps that cover bra straps with optional bra keeper snaps.
- Bust darts
- Pockets: Pocket A = topstitched, single layer pockets; Pocket B = in-seam, loose pockets.
Version #1 - loose at the waist with above the knee hem.
Version #2 - loose waist, midi length with side vents.
Version #3 - wide elasticized waist, midi hem, A-line skirt.
Version #4 - wide elasticized waist, midi hem length with bottom ruffle.
I just love the deep V in the back.
The most obvious fabric choice is linen (my personal favorite). Linen is more environmentally friendly, it has a beautiful natural quality and it has that perfect blend between stability and drapability.
However, other fabrics work well too. Here is my quilting cotton version - a Diamond Textiles cabana stripe from Bolt Fabric Boutique. Light-weight woven fabrics such as linen, linen blends, cotton lawn, silk noil, silk crepe de chine, wool gabardine and just about any woven dress-weight fabric that isn’t too thick or stiff will work. Note that stable fabrics such as cotton lawn may result in a tighter fit at the upper bust than linen while fabrics like rayon challis may result in a slightly looser fit.
This is a slub linen - linen/viscose blend that I purchased at Bolt Fabric Boutique in Portland. It has a really nice drape.
You can also sew it up in something fancy like a silk for a special occasion.
Or, stick to linen because it's perfect. This linen was purchased from Josephine's Dry Goods.
I just love the colors in this gingham linen from Blackbird Fabrics.
Whatever fabric or version you choose, I hope you enjoy making a Sauvie Sundress. Show us your Sauvie Sundress.
Cheers and happy sewing!
Peggy
