Hey everybody! It is Melissa from a happy stitch and I’m showing off a Catalina Dress that I can’t wait to share with you. This one is sure to become a summer staple.
But first, a bit of background. Before I knew how to sew my own clothing I used to love the dresses on the website Modcloth. I would peruse the site late at night, admiring all the cute (and cutesy) dresses but especially the ones they referred to as ‘twofers”. It was these twofers that seemed so versatile and adorable and oh so yummy. They were referred this way because the top of the dress was usually knit fabric and the bottom was a different woven fabric. Well, fast forward to my present life as a handmade clothing maven and I have stopped hunting twofers on Modcloth and started hunting for patterns of this variety. I’m so excited to announce I finally found it in the Catalina Dress. As soon as I read that it could be made in EITHER knit or woven fabric, I was sold! I knew I had to make it in knit on top and woven fabric on the bottom. Hello handmade twofer!
The pattern did not disappoint. On top I used a navy-colored knit fabric from Jo-ann and the bottom is an Art Gallery denim fabric I purchased at my local quilt shop. I love how they look different from each other but also like they belong together. Because they do! These two were meant to be…two fabrics destined to be a “twofer”! The dress also has pockets, which is an essential for any actually useful dress.
Paired with the just right belt, I am ready for summer. Bring on the outdoor movies, ice cream and picnics…no late night shopping necessary.