6 Steps for Making Summer Dresses

1. Go to a local fabric store (Jo-Ann's Fabric is a great one, since you can always find a 40% coupon in the newspaper or online) to check out patterns. McCall's and Simplicity catalogs are filled with adorable dress options.

2. Find the style dress that you want in a catalog and write down the number so you can find it in one of the drawers of patterns, which are usually adjacent to the pattern catalogs. Remember while picking out a style that you can always change the fabric type or print if you don't like the example in the catalog. The beauty of creating your own dress is that you can make it uniquely your style.

3. Once you find the right pattern, read the the back of the package to find out which size you are on the size chart, how much fabric you need to buy, and which notions (buttons, zippers, snaps) you might also need. Make sure you follow this step carefully, because it can be frustrating not to have all of the materials you need once you get home and start sewing.

4. Pick out your material. Colorful cotton floral and fruit prints make great sun dresses, and they are light enough to keep you cool in the summer heat.

5. Cut out your pattern and fabric on an cleared flat surface-- living room floors and kitchen tables are great options if you don't own a cutting board.

6. Remember to pin every piece before you sew it. Again, this step may seem tedious but the dress will fit much better if you take the time to be accurate.