Gail and I were talking about our slowly blossoming longing for dresses.  It has been a long, cold winter wearing mostly cozy joggers.  But, that’s getting old.  We both feel that many of you will also be longing for a new dress for the warmer weather and we’ve heard from some of you that you’d like recommendations for dresses that are a bit shapely but still comfortable as we move into the usual blazing hot summers of central Ohio.  
So, we did a survey and this post is a listing of the top dress patterns on your wish lists (and ours)…

First, Gail’s top pick is a Vogue pattern that’s out of print.  She’s made several in different fabrics and says it’s also a great dress for layering in winter.  I found a very similar pattern: New Look 6263 and it’s on my wish list now too! 

Many of you voted for wrap dresses and there are MANY good patterns:  I’ve made the Vogue 8896 and I like it, the Appleton by Cashmerette is a great dress in the larger size range, the Closet Core Elodie got many votes but the big winner was the Wildwood Wrap Dress by Sew House 7.  It comes in a wide size range and it looks great in solids or prints!

My go to dress in summer is a self drafted design but it is very similar to the Lottie Dress by Christine Haynes, shown in the top image. I’ve made mine in jersey knits, double gauze and a light-ish cotton poplin. I love that it is somewhat fitted looking but not at all binding for the hot days of summer.

I’m making the Lodo Dress by True Bias, which is a surprise because the picture of the dress on the pattern envelope is really unappealing to me. But I looked at the many, many pictures posted online of this dress and EVERYONE looks good in it. That sold me on it!

The Charlie Caftan by Closet Core patterns was a big vote getter. It’s an interesting pattern due to the many options which make very different looking dresses. Our favorite is the one pictured here but the other options are also great summer dresses!

Please let us know what your favorites are!  We’re always here to help if you feel the urge to try one of these or any other dress patterns that you’re longing for.

Martha West
The Sewing Hive