With a forecast of 38 degrees, it was time to whip up another dress in Spotlight cotton voile.

The pattern is Simplicity 2642, view A. I made the maxi length dress – which in reality is about 40cm shorter than the maxi length given by the pattern. I generally don’t wear yellow, but the fabric was in the stash.

Other than shortening the dress considerably, it’s pretty much made straight out of the envelope. I cut a size 12 for myself in width but size 10 in bodice length. There are even pockets in the side front seams.

If I made it again I’d do the shoulder seam gathering differently to the instructions. The instructions have you gather along each shoulder seam to a specified length before sewing the front and back shoulder seams together. I think it would work better if the front and back shoulders were seamed together first, then gathered onto a piece of twill or other reinforcing tape of the appropriate length. I suspect that the sleeves would sit better if it was done that way.

That said, it’s comfortable and cool (if a little maternity-esque and maybe even a little nighty-esque). I recommend this pattern for a summer dress. It took me around three hours from cutting out to completion, and the pattern is available in sizes 4 to 22. There are also some halter-neck versions included – but I never wear halter-neck dresses, so you won’t be seeing that variation from me!

Okay, hands up if you thought you’d see another incarnation of this pattern!  When the weather forecast for Friday was hot, hot, hot, I decided to make myself a cool dress from Spotlight cotton voile.  So yes, I pulled out New Look 6809 yet again.  This time I went for view E but without the hem ruffle, and I lengthened it to a dress.

Eldest daughter was my photographer (standing on a chair to avoid the dreaded photo-looking-up-my-nose angle) and youngest daughter decided that she needed to be in every photo as well. Preferably if she could copy each pose.

After your comments on the last dress version of this pattern I decided to give a belt a go.  I sewed a simple tie belt from the same fabric, figuring that it wouldn’t contrast too much and might actually give me shape rather than draw attention to my thick midsection.

Then Stella wanted to wear a belt as well.

I wore it all day Friday and was comfortable and cool – even with the belt! You can see my first two versions of this pattern here and here.