The ‘Flowers in Paradise’ Dress
Aloha! This week’s creation was lucky enough to be first worn on the island of Oahu while I’m on vacation visiting friends in Hawaii. It was the perfect summer dress for the gorgeous Hawaii weather. But what else makes this dress special? Well, it’s my VIP fabric and pattern. I’ve had Sewaholic’s Lonsdale dress pattern in my stash for several months now but hadn’t found the right fabric to make it. And I’ve only made one other Sewaholic pattern before and I was a little chicken to bust out of my Simplicity, Colette and Vogue patterns world. As I started planning for my trip, I decided that I wanted to make a couple of sun dresses so I dusted off the pattern. I had recently actually looked at the contents and realized that it didn’t look that difficult. Now I had to find the right fabric for it…
I’ve had this cotton print in my stash for a while too, and while it’s just a simple cotton floral print, I really liked it and kept putting it aside for the right pattern. None were good enough for it or I kept thinking ‘I could do better.’ That’s when Lonsdale and the cotton print came together. As soon as I held the two up side by side I declared ‘that’s it!’
My vacation was quickly approaching and I was worried I wouldn’t have time to put the dress together, but luckily it was one of the fastest projects I’ve made in a long time. It only took about 4 hours from pattern cutting to finish. The assembly was ridiculously easy. The top of the dress is lined, but not the skirt. I could easily have lined it, but it wasn’t necessary – the fabric is dark and I wanted a lightweight dress. I love the neck tie and the way it loops around to the back.
The Facts
Fabric: 4.5 yards Michael Miller floral print cotton, on sale ~$35
Pattern: Sewaholic’s Lonsdale Pattern, on sale ~$15
Year: Contemporary
Notions: 16” zipper, $1.50
Time to Complete: 4 hours
First worn: On vacation in Hawaii
Wear again: Yes!
Total Price: $51.50
The dress fits great and was just right for the Hawaiian weather. I probably won’t be able to wear it for a few months back home so I just have to get my fill of it now.
That is adorable : ) From raincoat to sun dress in a week, lucky you! I think I may have to try this pattern myself, once the weather decides to warm up. Good job!!
Thank you Loran! Yes, it was such an extreme in temperatures for me this past week! The pattern was a lot of fun – I highly recommend it.
Hey Christine, hope your having a fantastic vacation! You look beautiful in the sundress and good to hear the Sewaholic patterns are easy to follow.
Thank you Krista!!
Love it! I have this pattern in my stash waiting for the right fabric too.
Thank you Taracat! Hopefully you’ll find the right fabric in time to make this dress for the summer.
Really pretty. Lucky you being in such a gorgeous place!
Thank you Marguerite! I was so sad to end my vacation but it was a wonderful week!
I’m so envious of your dress and your opportunity to let it shine in the Aloha sunshine. You look terrific and the dress is just perfect! Have a great time!
Thanks Barbara! It really was the perfect dress for the location!
Wow – gorgeous dress! I’m considering this pattern, and you’re adding to my appreciation of it. I also really love your fabric print. I’m a huge fan of Michael Miller fabrics.
Thank you! I love Michael Miller fabrics too and I’m always excited by new patterns from the independent designers. Sometimes I just need to push myself out of my comfort zone to actually make them. :)
Ideal dress for a lovely hot holiday destination – perfect resort wear.
Thanks Jen!
The dress is beautiful and looks fantastic on you.. I am sooooo jealous of you going to Hawaii..lol.Happy sewing.
hahaha thanks Judy! I wish I lived there, but alas I’ll just have to keep vacationing there to get my fix.
Nice! Looks great on you and you look great on Hawaii.
Thanks Lee!
Gorgeous dress Christine perfect day to night holiday dress I think. Love love the halter.
Thank you Kazz! I brought a cardigan to wear with it in case it was chilly, but luckily it wasn’t needed.