Ultimate Summer Sundress - Seamwork Catarina

Hi Friends! 

I'm so excited to share a make with you today that I feel just DOESN'T get enough love in the sewing blogger world, the Seamwork Catarina Dress. 

Yes, just yes. 

It's not very often that Seamwork patterns sweep me off my feet. Colette patterns usually don't fit me very well, and a lot of Seamwork stuff just isn't my taste (personally). For some reason, everything about this dress caught my eye. Its impossible for me to point out what exactly I loved so much about it. The fact that the bodice looks elegant and extremely versatile? The fact that the skirt looks like the PERFECT midi length?

Who knows. 

I ended up buying this dress, and then bought the Hayden pattern too, because hey, why not? 

But, if you are looking for the ultimate summer sundress, I'm telling you, this is it. Its the perfect light, airy, midi dress that can hold its own in an outfit and doesn't require a whole lot of extra accessories to make a statement. 

Simple summer outfits, ftw. 

I sewed up the size 0, and graded the front bodice down a little bit to match my smaller torso. To save some time, I substituted the slider straps made from bias tape with some straps made of plush bra making elastic. This is one of my go-to, time-saving sewing hacks, plus I LOVE the added comfort the soft elastic brings to the straps. 

Try it sometime, I dare you, you'll love it. 

The dress is made up in a delicious poly-crepe paisley from Fabricland. I scored it at a 50% off sale and was too scared to cut into this piece of perfection for a very, very long time. Glad I took the plunge, though, this is the perfect dress.

Honestly, the dress of my dreams.

One thing I'm really loving about this pattern is the midi length. Just as I suspected, its perfect. I've been dreaming of making up a few skirt only versions because I can't get enough. 

What I really love about midi skirts is their versatility. At full length its modest and romantic, perfect for cooler Canadian summer days and evenings events where I tend to get a little chilly. But, if you tie a little knot in the side of the skirt? Now you have a gorgeous asymmetrical skirt with a boho-vibe that works SO WELL in the heat. 

Its a staple, no doubt. 

Anyone that knows me in real life has seen me in this dress a bazillion times since I made it. It's really becoming a favorite in my wardrobe rotation, and there's a pretty high chance I'll be whipping up more. 

This dress was made to go along with this month's Social Sew over on Allie J.'s blog. Click through the photo below to be transported to a world of awesome inspiration. July's theme is vintage, so I'll probably sit that one out, but you can look forward to seeing me jumping into the social sew after that! 

That's all for today's post, friends! 

Until next time, 

Rachel

PS: These pictures were shot at the Elora Quarry. If you're from Ontario, or passing through for whatever reason, I really recommend you check it out.