Labor Day always sneaks up on me. One minute I’m eating watermelon every day, the next I’m wondering if Trader Joes has started stocking its pumpkin break mix? This long weekend feels like summer’s polite way of saying, “Okay, I’m done now, handing things over to fall.” And what better way to send summer off than with a handmade pink linen dress?
This summer went by in a blur. We’ve been hanging out at the lake with my family. Equal parts sunshine and “oh wow, is that a chilly breeze?” It’s like the weather is easing us into sweater season without asking if we’re ready. Spoiler: I am not.
Why Linen, Why Pink
I have waxed poetic about how much I love linen, and I’m going to do it again. It’s basically the official fabric of summer: light, breathable, and forgiving if you, say, spill a bit of your aperol spritz on yourself (not that I’d know 🙃). Pink just felt right. It’s cheerful, easy, and reminds me that summer isn’t taking itself too seriously. Together, they make the perfect “goodbye summer” combo.
Making the Pink Linen Dress
This pink linen dress was an easy, no-fuss sewing project. Linen behaves itself (most of the time), and I kept the design easy so I’d actually finish it before summer ended. I purchased the fabric here. It’s my go to for linen. It’s same place I purchased the linen I used for my beach hats and my red linen dress.
I used the bodice from vintage butterick pattern 5106. I also used it my vintage Hawaiian dress. Its comes together quickly and is very flattering. The skirt is made of 5 tiers that are self drafted. Making tiers can be a bit time consuming but the results are worth the work IMO.
There’s something about wearing a handmade dress that feels a little smug in the best way, like, “Yes, I sewed this. And yes, it has pockets!”
Labor Day Outfit
My outfit plan was simple:
- Pink linen dress – similar here and here
- Flat silver cork flip flops – similar here and here
- A matching Silver flex frame bag similar here and here
- A denim jacket here for when the breeze decided to get bossy.
- A straw hat here to keep the sun out of my eyes
- A pretty scarf here for the hat to make a little extra
Basically, it’s comfy enough for lake life but still cute enough to not look like I gave up.
Looking Ahead
As much as I love linen and sunshine, I’m starting to get excited about fall projects. Wait until you see what I have in store. Think cozy fabrics, layering, and maybe finally making something that goes with boots.
And if you noticed a little silver sparkle in these photos, that’s my new flex frame bag. It’s shiny, handmade, and basically the sidekick to this dress. I’ll spill all the details in my next post.
Until next time!
