Summer is quickly approaching…which means we need to kick our sewing into a new gear and make some dresses for the warmer weather ahead!  Good thing Team Mermaid has got your back with their latest release: Mama Sommer.

Sommer comes in three dress lengths (mini, knee and maxi) and has a fitted bodice with two different lengths there as well (empire and natural waist).  The bodice itself is fully finished with knit bindings, and has all sorts of fun strap options that you can mix and match to create a closet full of this staple piece.

I am sorry to say that I only sewed up one of these babies in testing…and it was literally the very last day of doing so.  That Katy McKinley girl is such a diva.  Thinking she can do things in her own timeframe.  Geeze.

However, I did make a super fun dress that I get to share!
I stitched up the natural waist, strap style b, in a mini length.  And I love it!  (However…I do not love my coverstitch, sewing machine OR serger right now.  As they were all being terrible buttheads while I was making this dress.  Lots of angry words were thrown around.)

Before you go asking me, because I know you’ll be asking me…I’ll tell you about my bra.  I hate strapless bras, as they are not generally kind to the bustier people.  Or anyone.  Is there anyone out there that actually LIKES to wear a strapless bra?  Probably not.

I opted to use my strapless and add the clear straps that come with it.  I hate when my straps show, but I feel like it’s slightly less tacky (?? maybe) when the straps are less noticeable.  PS.  Totally not calling you tacky if your straps show.  I’m calling myself tacky.  I generally don’t care what other people are wearing…I have too much effort and energy put into making sure I’m not making a fool of myself to pay attention to what you’re doing. 😉

Because of my body type, I tend to shy away from empire waists.  I feel like they make me look pregnant and cut off a lot of my shape.  So I’m super glad that Catherine included the natural waist bodice cut line on here as well.  It helps bring more attention to the curves I do have, instead of hiding them with a big skirt.

The same goes with the length of the skirt for me.  I opted for the mini length and not because I wanted to up the hussification level.  (Hat tip to Sewingly, Michelle for her terminology, haha.)  I know that women tend to want to hide their bodies when they don’t feel like supermodel status.  But I feel like covering more of me actually adds more weight to me.  So having a dress that accentuates my waist, covers my tummy, but shows a little leg is the perfect balance for a slimmer look.

Oh.  And I’m here to tell you to not let bindings scare you!  They may seem intimidating, but they’re really pretty easy to tackle.  Just remember to press, press,  press.  And to pin, pin, pin.  And to also go slow, slow, slow.  (Am I annoying you yet?)

It also helps to not have a machine that hates you.  Ignore my wobbly stitch pretty much dead center.  I wasn’t going slow, slow, slow and this is what happened to me.  GAH!

Still a cute dress though, am I right?

Here are some links, just for you!

Pattern: Mama Sommer by Made for Mermaids | Girls’ Version HERE | Baby Version HERE
Fabric: Ruby Raccoon CL from RP Custom Fabrics | Grey Stripe BP from Vinegar & Honey Co

**As always, you’ll find some affiliate links scattered within my post, which means I receive a small amount of compensation if you end up purchasing something I’ve recommended.  Thanks for helping to feed my sewing habits!