This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Disclosure Policy to learn more.
In the middle of the hottest summer in UK this week, I am sharing three of my favorite summer dress sewing patterns – The Avid Seamstress The Sun Dress. The first one I sewed up about 4 years ago in rayon viscose and it has been a summer staple every summer since. I sewed another recently in a cotton poplin. Poplin creates a slightly different silhouette since the poplin is more structured which gives the pleated skirt a bit more flare. The Avid Seamstress is a Dorset-based sewing pattern company dedicated to helping modern makers enjoy sewing and making themselves look and feel great. Their sewing patterns are available worldwide in both digital/PDF and printed format. They pride themselves on producing versatile and multi-functional sewing patterns – given that all their pattern feature pockets I have to agree that they have done what they set out to do. I have sewn using Avid Seamstress sewing patterns when I made The Sheath Dress and The Blouse – both of these get plenty of wear.
Jump to The Avid Seamstress The Sun Dress Sewing Pattern Review
Table of Contents
Avid Seamstress Sun Dress Review #1 – AGF Rayon
Avid Seamstress Sun Dress Review #2 – AGF Cotton Poplin
Avid Seamstress Sun Dress Review #3 – Camelot Fabrics Cotton Poplin
The Avid Seamstress The Sun Dress Sewing Pattern Review
Pattern Description
The Sun Dress features a fitted bodice with a square neckline, wide modern straps, and a button-down front. The bodice has a front side dart and the back a waist dart. It has a pleated skirt with pockets and the dress is fastened by a concealed zipper at the back. Just looks at how lovely the line drawing is.
Pattern Sizing
UK 6 – UK 22. I made the size UK10 and found the fit to be as expected based on the pattern envelope pictures.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!
More Indie Sewing Patterns Reviews
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, BUT you must read the whole instruction booklet first as some of the seam allowances are different on certain bits. – the booklet is very comprehensive. You have to assemble the front and back separately and then the skirt separately – it’s important to read through the instructions first. After my second Sun Dress sewing project I could put it together in a different order however I wouldn’t attempt this at the first go.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like how practical it is for summer. It is not tightly fitted at the waist so it’s not constrictive, especially after a meal :-). The square neckline is delightful and one of my favorite necklines. I think square necklines are quite flattering. Â Square neck tops and dresses can create the illusion of a longer neck, provide contrast to curves and draw attention to collarbones. It’s a fun, retro style and a flattering option for those with short necks or narrow shoulders, curvy hips, and large busts.
Fabric Used
The Avid Seamstress The Sun Dress #1 is made in a rayon Art Gallery Fabric “Paparounes”. I love the vibrancy of the print against the brushstroke stripe. The flowy drape of rayon /viscose challis make this feel more like ‘boho’ type outfit. You can see the video of it in motion here. The Avid Seamstress The Sun Dress #2 is made from an Art Gallery Fabrics 100% cotton poplin which is part of their Aquarelle Collection by Katarina Rocella. It is more structured and therefore creates a flared silhouette. I sometimes wear my tulle petticoat with it to make it more vintage 50’s retro style. This one works for summer weddings and afternoon teas. The Avid Seamstress The Sun Dress #3 is made from Camelot Fabrics 100% cotton poplin in a blue and white herringbone print that I fell for at first sight. I loved that the colours in the print are pure cool-tone colours. I’d have loved to make the bodice band and straps in a matching solid colour but I gave up the search after being unable to find an exact shade match for the teal. Still, I think It turned out lovely. All the fabrics were prewashed at 20 degrees Celsius and tumble-dried on low. As a general rule, my life is so busy with 5 kids that I can’t really handle high-maintenance fabrics. I try to have 90% of my clothes in these laundry conditions. The rest of the 10% is for silk :-)!
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made
None.
You may enjoy: Named Pattern Book – A modern Way to Sew
Would you sew it again?
Yes, I have sewn it 3 times with future plans for more.
Would you recommend it to others?
Yes
Conclusion
The Avid Seamstress The Sun Dress is a simple yet flattering silhouette that also has pockets so what’s not to love! With all three sun dresses that I have sewn, they have been useful additions to my summer wardrobe. They are in constant rotation. What’s great about this pattern is that it can look completely different when using different fabrics. The Art Gallery Fabrics rayon is almost boho-like in feel due to the wonderful drape of the viscose challis while the poplins make it more classic as the skirt portion holds the flares and almost presents a vintage 50s feel. I have enjoyed sewing with this pattern and highly recommend it if you are after a practical summer sun dress to add to your wardrobe!
Have you sewn anything using The Avid Seamstress sewing patterns too?
Pin share and save for later –
*Some fabric was gifted by Minerva. Opinion100% my own.
Leave a Comment