Summer Breeze makes me feel fine - Sundresses for Retro Chicks

Hello Sew-a-long sisters, I'm back with my vintage inspired sundress picks.  You know I like a good retro inspired pattern even if I'm just a vintage dressing poser. Have a seat on the patio and and I'll get you a glass of long island iced tea, while we discuss the merits of princess line seams and halter straps. Then we can break out the red lipstick and decide how many shades a girl really needs.

1. Colette Lily - Some how elegant without being over the top fancy. It might be my favorite sheath style sundress.  Contrast bodice and pocket details, yes, yes, yes!

2. Butterick 6019 - Vaaaavooom! Sexy tiki dress, need I say more? "You know, it's dangerous for you to be in the frozen food section. Because you could melt all this stuff."

3. BlueGingerDoll Billie Jean - The perfect dress for picnics in the park.  I'm picturing one sewn up in some floaty cotton lawn for those hot summer days.

4. Vogue 8812 - Sure you could go to the beach party in shorts and a tee shirt, or you could go in STYLE! The gathered bust area paired with tiny spaghetti straps is fabulous.  Quick, someone find me some red plaid fabric, stat!

5. By Hand London Flora Flora's tank bodice option screams sundress to me.  Sewn up in some bright cotton it would be a cute dress for strolling around town.

6. Simplicity 1353 - Oh how I love you view A.  The full skirt with the sweetheart neckline just knocks my socks off.

7. Vogue 8789 What this old thing? I just wear it to do some heavy gardening. ;) Jokes aside, the possibilities of a bias bodice intrigues me. Such fun things you could do with a linear print motif.

8. Colette Hazel - I want to insert that old cover girl tag line, "Easy, breezy, beautiful..." cause that description fits Hazel to a tee. The perfect pattern for seersucker or gingham fabric.

On Monday I'll be doing a link round up of sewing techniques that may be helpful when sewing your sundresses. Till then why don't we have another refreshing drink and chill out to the mellow sounds of Seals and Croft. Summer breezes do make me feel fine.

Hot Town, Summer in the City - Sundresses for the Modern Girl

Hello lovey sew-a-long participants! I'm completely thrilled you've caught a case of sundress fever. You know that there's only one prescription for sundress fever and that's more sundresses.  So let's get those creative juices flowing by taking a look at some of the great pattern options out there.

Due to the number of sundress patterns that caught my eye, I've decided to break them up into two posts. Today I'll be tempting you with my favorite sundress patterns with a modern feel. The second pattern post will be vintage inspired/reissue patterns.  You don't have to sew one of these patterns to participate in the sew-a-long. I just like window shopping for patterns and wanted to talk about my favorites.  So let's take a look at my top sundress picks for "summer in the city."

1. Sewaholic Saltspring - Sweet and simple in the best way.  It's the kind of pattern that makes you feel cooler just looking at it. Maxi hem option so you can be a sunshine princess in your own backyard.

2. McCall's 6740 - This pattern has a lot of things going on and I like it. High/low hem, godets, and bustier look with a button front. You vixen, you!

3. PaperCut Patterns Midsummer Night Dream Dress - So chic and sexy. Love the wrap over bodice with waist tie. It's ballet chic to a tee.

4. Simplicity 1607 - OMG Cynthia, those straps are rocking my world.  I'm getting a strapy sundress warrior princess vibe! Bonus point for a stylish drop waist, which is something I rarely say.

5. Deer and  Doe Centauree Dress - I like seamed bodices and I can not lie. Especially ones that use rouleau straps to create some back interest.  Love to see this sewn up in a bright and colorful fabric.

6. Vogue 9001 - A classic maxi dress shape, but with the added pizzazz of some interesting bodice seaming. Could do some fun things with color blocking or bold prints.

7. Pattern Runway Gathered Sundress - Some great design details on this pattern, princess line bodice, waist definition and pockets precious, pockets. I love how cute this looks on the model with sneakers and a hat.  Would look equally good dressed up with some wedges and some jewelry.

8. Sewaholic Lonsdale - Even though there's a Sewaholic pattern already in the list, I couldn't leave Lonsdale. It's such a classy sundress and that twist halterish neckline wins me every time

That's all from the city of sundresses. I'll see you guys in a couple of days with vintage suggestions for all your picnicking needs. Till then enjoy the Loven' Spoonfulls telling us how to beat the summer heat.