They say the sun is setting on Seattle’s summer. And here I’ve just discovered my favorite summer dress—the Montavilla by Sew House Seven. I made it using vintage silk fabric from CircaFabrics. And now I’m looking out the window hoping for a few more summery days.
Thankfully, there are sunny days still ahead. It’s just the temps that are getting cooler. I’m going to keep wearing this dress until one of my toes falls off from frostbite.
Sunset and Swoosh
But seriously, this dress has hypnotized me with its sunset colors and the light swoosh-swoosh it makes when I walk.
Swoosh-swoosh. 
Swoosh
The two slits on the front allow my legs room to roam far and wide. Now I can spread out and claim my territory on the bus man-style without flashing anyone my “underneaths.”
I don’t even mind the ruffles on the shoulders. I thought I would because I’m not a
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[…] may recall my recent posts about the Montavilla dress and my Nehalem pants. These are both Sew House 7 designs. My Bridgetown backless dress pattern was […]
Oh boy! This gown is serenely, sweet and elegant all in one swoosh! I JUST LOVE THIS DRESS!! :-):-)
You have a real gift for knowing exactly what will suit your small frame. I love the understated ruffle that extends your shoulder line. The vertical stripe makes you tall and shows off the delicious colors of the silk fabric. DANG! YOU’RE SO PRETTY!!
How about replicating the top of the dress so you can wear this fabric with all of the colors it invites??
Maybe use the same vertical placement to just below the bust, then in one of the colors, or a complimentary print, to the hip.
Thank you so much, Jude! You are THE BEST! Your enthusiasm matches my own. It makes me excited to keep playing this fun game of mix and match and create! Thank you for always joining in the fun with your spunk and joy and seriously awesome ideas!
HUGS!!!
– Sherry
Absolutely amazing Sherry!! You are becoming such a seamstress!! Just think, no one else has a dress just like this.
XOXO
Jodie
PS…If you want summer days, come visit!! 🙂
Thank you, Jodie! I’m still training on the easier patterns but with each make I feel more and more excited about this new skill.
I’m so excited for your new Phoenix adventure! Loving seeing photos of you living your desert life. We’ll have to meet for lunch or dinner when I’m down that way!
Hugs,
Sherry
GOSH…your blog posts keep getting better and better. Um…your sewing keeps getting better and better too!
Your dress is FABULOUS. (Not sorry for the caps) 🙂
It’s so wonderful when an idea comes to fruition….right fabric, right pattern, and beautiful stitching! Finishing off your look with good old fashioned runners is the icing on the cake.
I tip my hat to you!
Thank you, Sue! It means so much for you to say those lovely things. I think you’ll understand when I say that NOW I’m searching for the next perfect match and it’s not that easy to find! Any tips on how to make that happen more?
Hugs,
Sherry
I hear ya. I think for me, I’m trying to be okay with the hunt. Do you know what I mean? I mean, in all seriousness, I have ENOUGH clothes…so if I have a particular project in mind, I’m trying not to feel rushed to find the perfect fabric. It’s not easy though. Sigh….seasons have a way of speeding up my wants. I rarely sew ‘out of season’. It’s more usual that I sew for the current season at/near the start of it. Right about now, my summer sewing interest is waning. Now that you’ve got me thinking of this; it’s the time to start dreaming up a winter make and keeping my eyes peeled for the fabrics and patterns!
I’ll share leads with you if I can. Just let me know what’s on your want list!
I love that idea of simply enjoying the hunt for the perfect thing. It slows me down and allows me to really see what it is I’m *seeing.* Like you, I’m starting to pine for fall projects but I still have two summery ones to do before I can transition. Also, I’m going to email you soon with new thoughts and ideas and maybe a couple of questions. 🙂
HUGS!
– Sherry
That dress is utterly fabulous, Sherry! I love a bit of swoosh-swoosh myself, and a wee bit of ruffles too. But it’s that gorgeous rainbow-y fabric which really makes my heart sing. Swoon! And how brilliant that you’ve made it with your own hands, too! xxx
Thank you so much, Ann! We share a love of swooshy, perfectly printed pieces.
Gosh I LOVE this dress! It looks like you picked the perfect fabric for it. It would have just been a so-so pattern without the amazing fabric.
I noticed the shoulder ruffles right away. I think it is a brilliant detail and makes the item super chic.
You seem to have a great ability to choose patterns and fabrics that work beautifully for you. This is my favourite piece you’ve made so far.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Thank you, Suzanne! That fabric I’m just totally in love with. I have a little left over and I’m in the process of searching for the perfect project to pair it with. But I just don’t know that I can do better than this pattern. It makes me so happy!
Hugs,
Sherry