Light as a Feather…

I’ve been holding out on you! Sly Fox actually sent me TWO prints to work with, the first here, and the second being this gorgeous rayon spandex feather print.

Its difficult to tell from the photos, but there is actually a really nice subtle stripe in the background of this print, lending it a sophistication without the stress if you forget to match up the stripes perfectly (not that I would ever do such a thing!)

Right about the time I received this print, I was chosen as a tester for the new Mama and Baby Sommer dresses from Made for Mermaids, and I knew they were a match made in heaven. Sewing strikes and pattern tests doesn’t always work out for timing reasons, but I’m so glad this one did, because I couldn’t love these dresses any more.

The Mama and Baby Sommer feature options for single, double straight or double crossed back straps, an empire or natural waist, and mini or maxi length options. They can also be made with knit or woven fabrics for the skirt. Made for Mermaids also has a variety of hacks for this style on their blog!

I made the double straight strap option, with the empire waist and maxi length for my dress, and the double crossed empire option for Princess’s dress.

  

Being short, I was able to squeeze both mine and Sophia’s dresses out of 1.5 yards by using a coordinate from my stash for her skirt and straps- WINNING!

 

Although the construction of the straps can be tedious (get yourself a nice bias tape maker and save some time!), the look is totally worth it! As suggested in the tutorial, I inserted clear elastic into the waist seam (see my video tutorial here) and it holds everything up quite nicely. I also saved time by gathering with my serger (video tutorial here). Rayon spandex really is the perfect fabric for this pattern, though cotton lycra and similar fabrics would work as well. My first version I tried with spun poly, and it felt too tight in the bodice, but the rayon spandex version fits perfectly. The Princess’s dress was spot on for fit too, even the strap length, which surprised me!

 

I’m planning many more of these dresses for summer for both of us! Note: this pattern is nursing friendly, as I can go over the top easily!

The patterns are all on sale until 5/14, no code needed!OR you can build your own bundle!
Buy any 2 Sommer patterns with the coupon code
buy2sommer
for $3 off your total purchase.
OR get all 3 Sommer patterns and save another $5 off your total purchase with the coupon code
buy3sommer

Mama pattern
Girl pattern
Baby pattern

The fabric I used is available on pre order until 5/17 here, along with many other gorgeous prints that would be great for this pattern!

 

 

 

Get notified of new posts via email


4 Comments

  1. Cathleen Cryer on May 9, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Darn, already trying to talk myself out of adding to my preorder and you mentioned the subtle stripe

    • Sarah on May 9, 2017 at 4:34 pm

      #fabricenabler! You’re welcome- LOL!

  2. Applique Bikini Hack! – Sewing with Sarah on July 8, 2017 at 11:45 am

    […] The feather print swim fabric is from Sly Fox Fabrics (designed by Jessica Hooley of the DIBY Club) and is available for retail purchase NOW! I made a Mama/baby sommer dress with it before HERE. […]

  3. […] the water guns and trying to shoot her brothers! She’s wearing her baby Sommer Dress, blogged here. Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram to stay […]

Leave a Comment