Beach Coverup Dress

Texas is doing that weird thing again, where it’s hot, and then it’s 30, and then it’s back up to 90.  Maybe I should accept that it’s not “weird.” It’s just Texas.

So before it gets back into the 30s, let me share this fun Beach Coverup that I made for myself.  I’m really digging this selfish sewing.  And especially with easy summer items like tanks and tees.  It’s so fast to sew one of those.

This coverup was something I based on a dress I already have.  And I know I called this a “retro” coverup.  The style is not particularly retro….in fact it’s more modern with the racerback. But the fabric is from my BLUSH fabric collection and it’s called Retro Petals!  So there you go.

I’ve mentioned this before, but Art Gallery knits are really some of the softest that I’ve ever felt.  They are buttery. And so stretchy—with a bit of spandex in there.  If you’re new to sewing with knits, I have tons of helpful tips to get you started!

And if wovens are your thing, this print also comes in quilting cotton in two color ways (which feels amazing as well).  In fact that’s the AGF motto—Feel the difference.

So, for this project I traced an old coverup for my pattern and used an old t-shirt for the binding.  Love projects like that! And love a pop of yellow of course.  I gathered the “skirt” by sewing 1/4 inch elastic around the edge, with a zigzag stitch, and then I attached it to the bodice.  That’s totally my go-to method these days—like the Scooter dress here.

And there you go! Perfect simple coverup for our annual Palm Springs trip that happened this summer.

Of course my favorite part is the back—which is far from perfect, and I’m so fine with that.

I just think it’s really fun to see a peek of swimsuit straps next to the dress.
And “Vikings” braids gives an added touch.

This Retro Petals print is one of the smaller-scale prints in the BLUSH collection, and there are so many fun things to do with it.

This jewelry case sewn by my friend Susan for the lookbook is too cute.  And how purrrrfect do the petals look cut on the bias like that?? (tutorial here)

Make a quilt, make a bag.
Make it all.
(photos via AGF)

These two quilting blocks are SO cool.
I mean, the one on the left by Kate Basti is blowing my mind!  It’s like the fabric was made for those shapes.
The block on the right is from the BLUSH lookbook and you can find the pattern here.

And for even MORE sewing fun, AGF has a pattern PLUS video for another block!
Time to get quilty.
Meow.

So are you ready to sew with some BLUSH?? Whether your choice is quilts, apparel, crafts, or anything else, I hope you find something inspiring! Check out more projects and where to find the fabrics here.

Annnd look at that, during the time it took me to write this post, it’s cold here again. Haah! Well, I’m sure I’ll be able to bust out this coverup again in no time.

 

 

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  1. 1) Donna

    So cute I love that fabric. You are right, Texas weather is wow. I was in basic training at Lackland freezing one night 90 the next day lol. I love your products and videos keep them comin

  2. 2) Christy Haggard

    Very cute! I love the racer back for a cover up!

  3. 3) Petra

    Those fabrics 🙂 that dress 🙂 those bags 🙂 all so gorgeous! Well done again!

  4. 4) Riley

    Love it!! Can’t wait to see some of your new videos!! Do you know what the dates are for the new videos?

    • 5) Dana

      Thanks! I don’t have a set calendar for video releases, but I try to put one up once a month. I wish I could do it more often, but it takes a lot of time to put them together. Thanks for watching!

  5. 6) Jessica

    I love this cover up!!! Please, oh please post the video tutorial on youtube! I miss you on YouTube! Not only do I watch your videos to learn to sew but they also cheer me up. Much love to you, Dana!

  6. 7) Lenetta

    I totally had a Barbie dress in this style except it tied behind her neck halter style and it was kind of a red stretchy shiny something. So it’s definitely retro!

    (I’ve been reading for years and years, just never comment much. I think one of the first posts I read might have been making a dress for Lucy from a onesie?)

  7. 8) Kim

    OMGosh this is fab. I love these type of dresses for summer! Love the colour combo. You are so clever!

  8. 9) Nancy Keyes

    Love the skirt tutorial. Plan to make modest style for adult size. Mississippi humidity and heat as incentive. Perfect to keep cool while canning this summer.

  9. 10) Brenda Prevost

    I love watching your tutoroals. Good information and you don’t go on and on and on like some.
    I hope to subscribe to your stuff but did not see a subscribe button.
    Thanks
    Brenda

  10. 11) Celine

    would you consider a pattern for this dress please!!!

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