Village Green Sundress

It's almost summer, and what better time to make some sundresses?  Over at Melly Sews, Melissa has been hosting the 30 Days of Sundresses series and if you haven't been following along, make sure to check out the pretty dresses you've missed.  By the end of the month, there'll be 30 free tutorials...more than enough to get you and your little girl(s) through the summer in style!

I knew immediately that I wanted to mix up the Pleated Playsuit Pattern once again because of it's versatile design (here and here are the tutorials for altering it to make separates).  

Having recently bought some new fabric, I was excited to use some of it for this dress.  I've always been drawn to folksy designs, but never actually bought any because I tend to usually stay away from larger prints for smaller garments.  This time, I decided it was time to get out of that frame of mind and buy this Village Green by Carolyn Gavin.  Isn't it adorable?  I just love the colour palette, especially that shade of green.  Coincidently, I found some voile in my stash the same colour.  Love it when that happens!  Ready to make the Village Green Sundress?  Let's go!

If you don't have the Pleated Playsuit Pattern, yet, download it here.  I decided to change the design up a bit, and fully line the bodice, rather than use a facing.  So, cut TWO BACK bodice pieces in both your fabric, and lining (you should have four pieces total).  Measure 2"/5cm from the armhole to the bottom edge and cut straight across.

Sew your bodice according to steps 1 through 8 on pages 6 - 8 in the Pleated Playsuit Pattern, keeping in mind that instead of the facing, you now have a complete bodice lining.

Then, cut out your skirt piece(s).  Use the chart below to find the measurement in your corresponding size.  I cut one skirt piece on the fold, however, you may not be able to depending on the width of your fabric and your size.  If you are using 44"/115cm wide fabric, you may need to cut 2, and sew two side seams.

Now, it's time to sew the skirt and attach it to the bodice.  If you have two skirt pieces, sew two side seams instead of one centre back seam, and match those seams to the bodice when you stitch them together.

Hem the bottom, and you're done!

To complete the outfit, I made an adorable sunhat to match.  I highly recommend the Oliver + S Reversible Bucket Hat  pattern I used, since it sewed together quite easily and it's FREE!  Anja's inside crown measurement is 20"/51cm, so I made her a size medium and it fits perfectly with a little room to grow.  You can download the pattern here. 

Click on any name to go directly to the blog of the other participants and keep on following the series.