It always gets down to the end of summer and all I want to throw on is something very easy–pretty but easy to live in for an entire day. It was a hard summer to feel comfortable and pretty. My “wear more silk” strategy got put to the test, especially after realizing how much hand-washing I was doing. Sweat ruins silk. Too much washing changes silk. And then of course there’s coffee. (Confession: I spill coffee on everything. And I mean EVERYTHING.)

I wonder why I didn’t think of something like this sooner. I was so desperate for a new summer dress that I cut and sewed this in a weekend, and while we were moving. This might be the zillionth online version of this popular Tracy Reese pattern (Vogue 1224) and for good reason. It’s inexpensive (only requires about a yard and half), incredibly easy and fast to sew and easy to wear.

Normally I pass on prints, especially in knits, but I was taken with this bright watercolor floral from EOS. And the fabric turned out to be such lovely quality, a silky, soft and light rayon jersey. I’m on the verge of ordering more for a drapey maxi for next spring or PJs or… or any other excuse, it’s just that gorgeous.

Many reviewers of this dress didn’t like the skirt’s tight fit and sewed a larger size and lengthened it as well. I was a bit nervous about the fit as this was my first experience sewing a Vogue pattern for knits so as insurance I rounded up a size, too. But it ended up too big, almost swimming, so I serged off the extra width. I kept the original length–I rather like the design’s intended proportions–but I’ve got these short legs so it doesn’t look so mini.

There was one little thing that felt missing–drawstring tips, which I have been searching for high and low since making a knit jumpsuit with neckline drawstrings a couple of years ago. They seem quite rare.

I finally found these cool tips at a little online store, Fashionista Fabrics. They have a nice weight and shape but unfortunately use these microscopic screws to secure the drawstring, and are very resistant to screwing in and out. Anyone know of other sources? Or another term for these? (I searched for aglets, which are usually the tips of shoelaces and can be metal at times.)

It was still hovering near 100 at the start of October, my birthday month, which I always associate with pumpkins, and hay and browned trees and boots and scarves and warmed cider. Now I’m doing it like a true Texas gal.