Do you ever kick yourself for not sewing something sooner?  It happens to me all the time.  I get patterns when they are on sale or pick them up on a whim and don’t get around to sewing them for months!  Sometimes years!  This one has only been waiting a few months, but still, I’m wishing I had made it sooner.  It is already one of my absolute favourite dresses, it’s the Southport Dress by True Bias.

The Southport is the perfect summer dress. It is comfortable and loose, while still offering a nice silhouette using the waist ties.   In a fun print like this breezy cotton, it is a statement piece for the season, and it is so much fun to wear!

I used my ‘fake’ buttons technique with this dress because I have no problem pulling this on over my head.  I simply sewed the button band closed and put the buttons on top.  Look mom,  no button holes!  It is cheating but it is easy, and nobody will notice!  It also stops the garment from gaping at the front, which is always a good thing 🙂  The neckline and arms are finished with bias binding. 

This dress gets its shape from a waist tie, so you can choose how tight you want it.  I actually think it is quite cute without the waist cinched too, it has a nice cocoon shape this way.

  

This amazing fabric is from Dressew here in Vancouver.  It is a lightweight cotton that has nice structure without being too stiff.  I was drawn to this print like a moth to flame, but it has been sitting in my stash for a while.  Something this loud needs careful consideration!   I think the Southport was the perfect choice, but look forward to making this pattern again in something neutral and flowy, because I’m sure I will love it just as much!   Dressew has some of those left in a red and yellow colour-way, for you Vancouverites who are interested!

Have you made the Southport?  Send me a link so I can see! Happy 4th of July to all you Americans today!!!