So Far..
The plan this sumer is to find the perfect beach dress within a reasonable budget, made with the ravishing timbre of towelling. Apart from the lux offering of Lisa Marie (sigh), this picture above represents the biggest research success so far – it’s called a surf dress – which makes total sense: practical and for a purpose. The downside is that it’s not symmetrical (sadly I’m a sucker for 2 patch pockets or one large, central kangaroo pouch), it’s from Australia and personally, I’d like a longer version. But the price is good: £47.43 plus postage, so if anyone’s interested it comes from here. Now I know these dresses are a genre I’ve looked at other surf dresses, but infuriatingly, they’re either made from fleece, covered in logos or they don’t have the v-neck..and that v-neck is crucial…it’s what stops it from being a sack.
Then I thought: just concentrate on the utilitarian shape – what’s appealing is the boxy shape with the neck-line and the pockets..which is just like a painters or fisherman’s smock…then elongate for a dress.
And they’re pretty totes-amaze just as a summer top..imagine with a pair of cut off denim shorts?..this one is from..wait for it..Amazon! at £27.48..bargain..! The lacing is divine..as is the pocket.
I think they would work..except I can’t find a pattern..
These are my top pattern picks so far..a possibility..
Liking the pouch..worried the shapes not square enough..and it’s a vintage 6-8.
Would ‘A’ work in towelling??
Slowly it’s starting to make sense – it’s good to highlight what you love and want..but it’s still a work in progress..
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
I kind of like the man’s top in the first pattern–just make it longer? Some people really know how to sew and to adapt patterns–I am not one of those people . . .
Nor am I!! I agree – there’s a nice simplicity to the mens one.. xxx
I love this idea….I might have to find some bargain towels and experiment! lol
Ebay sells towelling by the metre pretty cheap.. xxx
You are crazy (in the nicest possible way!). The stripy kaftan style looks nice. Never sewn towelling but shouldn’t be too hard.
Hehe! I’m thinking there might be a bit of a mess from the cutting..like the death from a fox of a small towelling animal..but the sewing would be ok.. xxx
I didn’t dare click on the lux offering by Lisa Marie…if that costs a lot I’ll eat my shoe! It’s looks so…basic. (You can tell I’m not really a beach girl 🙂 Give me embroideries and turbans and bangles and bows, but not toweling! 😉
Just think of those profit margins….but this is possibly more pool girl than beach girl..and very happy to add a turban! xxx
Without being an expert I think A would work in towel, but there will be more drape to it. I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work, you should give it a go!
What colour? at the mo drawn to navy..
I can’t envision it in a different colour, but perhaps lime green or apple green would be good too with some white detailing at the edges? I would definitely go with navy though 🙂
I would go for the Simplicity. I think you would find the size OK because it is a loose fitting style. But if you slash it down the centre front and back and add an inch or two it will be easy to scale up. Also very simple to make it squarer if it tapered. I would be happy to alter it for you if you like.
You are a star! You have the skill to make any sewing project look simple..I’m still at the stage where I have to spend 30 minutes understanding which is the right side..I’m working on the basis practice makes perfect..we’ll see…xxxxx
I like the simplicity pattern best
I’ve ordered a couple..i’m going to see which are the easiest instructions!! xxx
Good point!!
That’s an old book – SImplicity, right? I used to play with one large edition when I was a kid…I still have it, but it is kind of an old book….it has many patterns and designs and I love it!