Wonderfully Simple Dresses to Make

70s Peasant Dress Pattern Style 1877 Size by allthepreciousthings-etsy


Spring and Summer!    Here we come with our easy to sew and great to wear dresses! 

I discussed the possibilities of making and wearing The Terrace Dress by Leisl +Co. and now we have another option in our easy dress patterns.   It is another perfectly easy dress to sew.  This inspiration came as I watched one of  the latest You Tube entries from Amy Barickman and she offered her easy Everyday Dress Pattern!  Check it out on her YouTube!  She has some cute ideas using her new pattern.  Wonderfully easy!

The style of dress I am referring to has an elastic neckline, raglan sleeves or set-in, with flaring after the waistline.  Below are many styles from years' past patterns; called  BoHo, 70s, hippies, etc., yet it is a classic style.  It is coming back but unfortunately with the neckline making dropped, bared, shoulders stylish.  I believe as modest ladies we can still have elements of this style of dress that will bring glory to God while we wear it.  I have mixed some past patterns with new ones for inspiration.

If you will note on these dresses  that some of the necklines are lower than others. It would be best to raise the neckline so that it comes just below your collarbone.  You can make it high as you want as in the Simplicity 9164. 

Butterick has a current pattern 6451 that would work with some neckline adjustments and making the hem longer on the short version.  Use an old sheet to make a muslin sample for how you want your neckline to fit.

The Burda pattern could be used with View B neckline, longer sleeves, making the waist elastic fit at the waist.and perhaps make the skirt A-line with a  longer length for hemline.

Simplicity View B would work but probably a raised neckline.  I would suggest perhaps making a nightie with the neckline to see how it fits especially when you compare your measurements to the pattern.

The Maker's Atelier
This dress offer sleeves that are cut-on, Kimono type, that can have an elastic band.  It is a very simple pattern which you will see on their site and to make it more usable for walking, being a Mom, etc., make the skirt flared and longer and I think you will have an excellent dress for summer wear.  Make it in a variety of colors and prints!  I would suggest staying away from knits as they tend to keep one warmer.

I like the comfortable look of this one in the middle and I would raise the neckline.  Similar to the one below in the middle.

Source: Google

New Look 6066

Simplicity 9154

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 Another example for sleeves.

Whimsy Couture

 This one I mentioned in a earlier blog.  It seems to be very simply constructed with color contrasting fabrics.

Whimsy Couture
I would put the elastic at the waist as worn this way calls attention to your mid -bodice area rather than your face.  These sleeves are shorter and can be lengthened by cutting them several inches longer.  Figure out where they come on your arm and adjust accordingly.

These styles below have added braid, trims,  and ruffles for interest.

Butterick 5858

Butterick 6203

Butterick 6263

Wild prints from the 70s.

McCalls 5888

Melly Sews  offers a peasant top for women for $2  which you could lengthen into a dress or use your favorite skirt pattern with it.

What ever you do wear do wear to the glory of God as a modest woman representing her Savior.

After all is said and done, Amy Barickman kindly offers a free Everyday Dress Pattern if you visit her YouTube to hear the details and see the examples.  Wonderful thoughtfulness of her!

The Endless Possibilities Dress Pattern! New for Spring from Liesl + Co.

The Terrace Dress by  Liesl + Co.

This is one of those patterns that would work for any season of the year.  Long sleeves for winter and short sleeves for summer.  It is a very simple style and would work well in a variety of natural fiber fabrics. I love the simplicity of this pattern with a wonderfully elegant look.  A great pattern that would work for all figure types.

I would suggest that when you make the short sleeves make sure your underwear is not visible  when your arm is raised.  (That is one of the objections raised by men about loose short armholes.) One could wear a camisole.

Be sure to visit her website and see the details.   Terrace Dress by Liesl+Co.

Spring Wardrobe Upgrades

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The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3

Springtime is filled with new beginnings and new growth along with vibrant pastel colors popping out in leaves and blossoms.

This is a wonderful time of year to put a little more color into your wardrobe with pastels of all sorts.

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A new blouse that contrasts nicely with your skirts would add mileage to your clothing choices  for spring and summer.

• Here are some basic blouses that are easy to sew and should be easy to fit.

• Embellishment ideas

• Below are some options for simple necklines and some detail on bodices.

  Simple to sew and easy to wear.

• Then there are some variations on necklines in the following patterns.  

Just make sure that the necklines don't gape open when you bend over to pick up something.

The blue dress in a longer length would work great with a turtleneck sweater.

The blouses that have front neckline slits can be sewn shut and a keyhole or slit can be put into the back seam at the neck and closed with a button and thread loop or hook and eye.  You can put a hook and eye in front making sure the gap is not  exposing anything that would embarrass you or others.

•  Of course there are the classic shirt styles with a few variations.

Butterick 6563

May you find peace and comfort in the Lord and may He give you wisdom in all your endeavors.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31