A Summer LBD

“I have no dress except the one I wear every day. If you are going to be kind enough to give me one, please let it be practical and dark so that I can put it on afterwards to go to the laboratory.” – Madame Curie

Several years ago I added a winter season black dress to my wardrobe. It has been a dress that has made several appearances for a variety of events.

New Look 6700

Using a medium weight black knit fabric and view D from this out-of-print New Look pattern, adding silver eyelets around the neck and an attached belt with silver buckle at the waist, I have an easy to wear, easy to care for, versatile dress that looks great for lots of occasions.

Adding a similar staple piece to the summer season wardrobe was an easy mental argument to win. Using the formula for my winter LBD, I chose a simple dress pattern and polyester/spandex knit fabric.

McCall’s 7240

I used this pattern last summer, but my finished product turned out much different than the pattern because the knit fabric I used was a large print repeat, so to match the print and make the pattern pieces fit onto the yards purchased, I had to reduce the fullness of the skirt. Even with the changes made to that dress, I loved the easy of construction and wearing comfort. So I knew this dress would go together quickly and the finished dress would not disappoint.

 

cof

cof

Again, like most of my dresses, I added a lining for additional wearing ease. The lining was stitched right-sides together at the neckline, turned and top-stitched. Then the sleeve lining was stitched right-sides together at sleeves hems, turned, then hand stitched at arm holes on the inside of the dress.

The addition of the beaded trim(purchased from JoAnn Fabrics) added a little personality and saves the decision of what kind of necklace to wear with this angled neckline. Put on a pair of dangle earrings and a bracelet and I am ready to stand comfortable and confident in every situation.