Sensible Summer Shift Dresses

At the end of April, I thought to myself - I'm going to want some simple linen dresses for when it starts to get hot this summer. It was perfect timing, as Itch to Stitch had just released the Recoleta dress. I bought both the Recoleta and its sister dress the Celeste.

They proved to be very easy and satisfying projects. Based on reviews, I didn't bother to make a toile for either dress and overall they fit well. If I made them again, though, there are some small tweaks I would make.

I initially purchased fabric for both projects from Mood Fabrics in early May, but one of my purchases became the lining for the striped, tiered dress I shared a couple weeks ago. Luckily, I stumbled upon several remnants of linen in the clearance pile at Joann Fabrics and one of them proved perfect.

Both of my fabrics were 100% linen, but there is a large difference in quality. The Joann linen (which was much cheaper) has a rougher surface, stiffer hand, and looser weave. With that said, it was perfectly serviceable for a loose, casual dress.

I started by cutting out all my pieces for both projects and then getting them to the point of inserting the invisible zipper. This went quickly. The pattern instructions are clear and the pieces are well drafted. Both finish the inside of the bodice with shaped facings. I slip-stitched down the facing on the striated fabric because I didn't have a very good thread color match, but top-stitched the teal.

Then it was time for zippers.

I love how invisible zippers look, but I dread sewing them. The instructions for both dresses stated that one might be able to do without a zipper and just pull the dress on over one's head depending on proportions. I had high hopes that this might include me, but I did need the zipper for both dresses.

Each pattern had slightly different instructions for putting in the invisible zipper and after reading through them, I decided to try both. I got much better results with both methods than I have in the past, so I can save them to use with future patterns.

I do wish I'd put in a little cover for the top of the zipper when closed, since the zipper pull sits right under the upper arm. Both of these dresses have sleeves, which mitigates this issue, but I hate the feeling of a zipper pull poking into the underside of my arm all day.

I decided to use the longer three-quarter sleeves on the striated linen dress so it can transition easily into fall. I felt like the colors were dark enough that it could span multiple seasons.

On the teal dress, I decorated with some enamel buttons that I received from Digs Enamels as a bonus when I purchased the butterfly necklace I'm wearing with the striated dress.

If I make the Recoleta (the striated linen) again, I'll need to shorten it at the back of the waist (or let it out at the hips) - you can see how it bunches up a bit when worn. Both dresses are unlined and translucent in the sun, so I bought a slip to wear underneath. I know slips have gone out of style in favor of linings, but for dresses intended to be worn in hot weather I think it will be nice to have something that can be washed separately to minimize wear on the linen.