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!