Sundressing Review

Sundressing Review
By: Melissa Mora
Gifted by: F+W Media
www.fwcommunity.com
Reviewed by: Dana Byerwalter, Editor, AllFreeSewing.com

Reminisce about those warm, carefree, September nights as you page through Sundressing, a beautiful collection of "21 Easy, Breezy Dresses for Women and Girls." Fons & Porter brings us the work of Melissa Mora in this charming collection. Mora gives sewists style inspiration in the completed projects found in this book.

Sundressing features a chapter on Getting Started and then sections by occasion: Everyday, City Chic, Al Fresco, and Soiree. Getting Started includes extensive information on Tools and Materials, Sewing Techniques, and Getting the Perfect Fit. If you've ever wondered how to finish seams in a variety of ways, or how to adjust bust measurements, these are just two of the skills taught in the Getting Started section. 

The section on Everyday dresses is probably my favorite for a number of reasons. When you open up to this section, the first line you read says, "Who need pants?" Rather than overheat in jeans on a warm summer day, consider wearing a dress instead. Melissa Mora is right when she says "you can look more put together and stay cool!" I especially love the Olive Dress (p. 43). You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion, and the fit is so flattering.

City Chic is a charming section featuring workplace style. The SoCo Dress (p. 59) is another option that can be styled for work or for a night out. The versatility of these dresses is just incredible. The Parlin Dress (p. 65) is another favorite. Bearing a chic collar and giant bow, this dress is too cute to pass up.

The section on Al Fresco dresses invites you to spend some time outdoors this summer. The carefree style is perfect for picnics, drinks on the patio, and more! The Pennybacker (p. 87) is a stunning option. Mora even suggests accessories for wearing this dress in the fall.

Finally, the Soiree section is for all of your special summer occasions. The Saltillo Dress (p. 119) is where ombre meets transparency: as the maxi dress extends past the knees it adopts a slightly gauzy texture for an eye-catching detail that will make friends say "ooh!" Meanwhile, the lace detail and overall style of the Lady Bird Dress (p. 149) is too precious to pass up. Make the Lady Bird for a niece or granddaughter and you will be so in love.

Whether you're a novice or an expert, the detailed instructions and dress ideas found in Sundressing will inspire you to make stunning new dresses for you and your loved ones alike.

Do you prefer maxi dresses or knee-length?