Since starting to sew my own clothes in 2020, summer has always been my favourite season to sew for. I love sewing lightweight tops, floaty dresses and swimwear and I love bright summery colours! We're going on holiday to Kefalonia at the end of June and I've been using all my spare time sewing up my dream holiday wardrobe!
Patterns for Pirates Palm Springs Swimsuit
I wanted to sew a statement swimsuit for my holiday and the Patterns for Pirates Palm Springs Swimsuit was the perfect pattern for the look I wanted. I love its retro style with strapless bandeau top and belt. I used a red atzec print lycra spandex from Pound Fabrics with contrasting plain red swim fabric on the sides. The belt is removable and I love how it creates different looks with it on and off, although I think I prefer it on! I found a cute heart shaped plastic buckle on Etsy that just finishes the look off perfectly!
Check out the Palm Springs Swimsuit Pattern Here
Boo & Lu Topaz Dress
You can't go on holiday without a strappy beach dress! I had this gorgeous ITY from ABC Fabric - UK Online Store which I knew would be perfect for a summer dress as it's so slinky and lightweight. I used the Topaz pattern from Boo and Lu Patterns as I loved the ruched bodice and strappy back. This turned out so beautifully. The drape of the fabric and the gradient of the ombre colours really elevate the look of this dress! It will be the perfect dress for sipping a cocktail at the beach bar!
Check Out the Boo & Lu Topaz Dress here
Boo & Lu Summer Dress
I love sewing with statement fabrics and this toucan animal print woven crepe fabric is so unique. I used it to make the appropriately name Summer Dress from Boo & Lu Patterns. This pattern includes a guide to using trim and embellishments and although this fabric probably doesn't need any embellishing I used bias binding around the top of the bodice and on the front to create faux princess seams and added some lace to the edges of the zip at the back. And the result is one showstopping summer dress!
Check out the Boo & Lu Summer Dress Here
Ellie & Mac Sunny Day Dress
I really wanted to make a maxi dress for my holiday using this cute turtle fabric panel that I've had in my stash for a while. There are lots of turtles in Kefalonia so I thought it would be the perfect time to use it. I used the Sunny Day Dress pattern from Ellie & Mac Patterns as it was simplistic enough to really showcase the fabric.
Check out the E&M Sunny Day Pattern Here
Ellie & Mac Diana Dress
Nothing says summer like Broderie Anglais! Its usually a woven fabric but i found this stretch jersey version from ABC Fabric - UK Online Store and I thought it would make a beautiful summer top. I made the peplum version of the E&M Diana Pattern and I absolutely love it! It's my most worn me-made garment this year. I'll probably keep wearing it long past summer with a cardigan over it!
Check out the E&M Diana Pattern Here
George & Ginger Starc Top
I love a top with a statement back so this George & Ginger Starc Top was perfect for me. Sadly it's a retired pattern but keep an eye out as they are sometimes brought back for a limited period. There was a lot of fiddling around with straps during the making of this top, but it was totally worth it!! This will look so good with shorts on holiday!
I can't wait to wear all these lovely outfits on the beautiful island of Kefalonia and hopefully the weather will be warm enough to wear them at home too when I get back. I've still lots more summer clothes planned so watch this space for Sewing My Summer Wardrobe Part 2!!
This article contains affiliate links - clicking on them won't cost you anything but it helps keep me sewing and blogging!