I have had so much fun sewing things for myself in the last year, and it’s really made me braver in my pattern and fabric mixing and matching! So when Melissa from Melly Sews asked me to join in again for her 30 Days of Sundress series this year, I dived right in!
Knit dresses are pretty much my favorite thing ever – and I have been adding to my knit stash over the year with the plan to make up a bunch of dresses this summer. So for my first dress of the summer, I decided to mix up one of my favorite patterns, the Parisian Top by Go To Patterns and turn it into this cute Knit Summer Sundress.
I just adore this top, with it’s little peter pan collar, and I thought it would be so perfect to make up into a sundress.
The top only needed a few alterations to make it perfect as a little sundress top. I cut out the bodice of the dress using the top pattern, but I went down a size to make it a little more fitted. I left off the sleeves (though I think I’m going to make up another version with short sleeves!) as well. I also cut off the length so it would hit just above my natural waist. I cut out a lining as well.
I sewed up the top as it was written in the instructions, but added the lining to the steps as well.
For the skirt, cut out two pieces 30″ x the length of the skirt you’d like, but allow for a seam allowance at the top and the hem at the bottom. Measure out and baste in pleats to make the skirt width just a little larger than the width of the top.
I then sewed the skirt to the bodice, and added a thin elastic over the seam to reduce the bulk in the seam. It felt like it needed to be brought in a little.
Then all it needs is a hem and it’s a super sweet little sundress!
It is soooo comfortable to wear – and it was so fast to sew up! I can’t wait to make up a few more. You can never have enough dresses with peter pan collars. :) I think this will be great paired with a cardigan and little belt too!
Make sure you head over to Melly Sews to check out all the sundresses for the month – and the giveaway too!
I joined in the fun last year as well – I made up a pretty chiffon maxi dress!
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says
it turned out great!
Michele @ The Scrap Shoppe says
So pretty, Bev!! I love the collar. And *of course* you have the perfect matching shoes!
sorahart says
I have the Parisian top pattern too and I was just trying to figure out how to best use it for summer. I was just going to make a short sleeve version with no band at the bottom, but adding a pleated skirt to make it into a sundress is a fantastic idea. Thank you so much for the inspiration!!!
Melissa says
Love it Bev! It didn’t even occur to me when I saw the sneak on Instagram that this was your dress. I had so much fun shopping with you – we need to do it again sooner than later!
Abby says
I love this Bev! It looks so adorable on you, and those pleats are perfect!
Lois says
It looks great on you although, for me I might add a V neck or scoop it out a little.
Kristina & Millie says
Love the pattern, love the cloth and, of course, love the collar!