Summer Sewing: June Recap

 I finished THREE WHOLE PROJECTS this month! One and a half of them were actually on my list. 

First the Green Dress:

This I had planned for my Springtime Sewing.  It ended up taking quite a bit longer than I had anticipated simply because of the fabric.  This was nearly my first time sewing a very thin jersey material and absolutely my first time using a serger.  A lovely friend loned me the use of her serger for this project and wow--what a revelation!  I don't know how much I want to work with this fabric in the future, but I completely see what a difference it makes to have the right tools for the job.

Next, my Mod 4th of July Dress:

I know this is a recap for June, but I made the June and then wore it in July.  The red, white, & blue polyester was originally earmarked for a different dress, but the more I thought about it, the more it called out for this simple, mod pattern.  

There are just enough darts and shaping details in the pattern to make it flattering and I love the collar detail.

I lined it in white cotton (so as not to scandalize the other people at the bbq), which gives the fabric a nice weight. 

I paired it with a giant straw hat, some red B.A.I.T. open-toed heels, and it was the perfect pool party/ bbq dress.  Bonus: I didn't spill on myself even once!

And lastly, shorts. 

This was a very practical make that got thrown in between my other projects as the temperatures in LA skyrocketed.  As I mentioned in my 10x10 Wardrobe Challenge post, I discovered that I only had one pair of shorts.  I am not a shorts girl as a rule, but even when the temperature hits 100degs F the dogs still need to be walked & errands still need to be run, so a second pair of shorts became a necessity. 

Dogs, in need of walking.

This pattern I have been wanting to try for ages, but I have been avoiding it because I knew I would have to grade the pattern & adjust for fit.

A couple of mock-ups later, its still not perfect, but I have shorts!  With pockets! 

Kelda-Dog approves.