As promised, our next stop for the Euro-Summer series is to the Amalfi Coast, Italy. The elegant romance of the Amalfi calls for satin slip dresses for evenings of Aperols, and elevated basics for hunting down the best pizza in Positano.
Let’s begin with 5 beautifully chic patterns to pick from. The Amalfi *might* break the bank, but these patterns certainly won’t. Girl math: one sewing pattern + multiple styling options = an absolute steal.
1. THE SLIP DRESS
I think I audibly gasped when I came across the full range of Annie’s Sewing Studio patterns. The styles are so beautiful it was hard to pick just one for this list, but I settled on the Amelia Dress as THE dress for a trip to the Amalfi.
It has a beautiful cowl neck at the front, is backless with a cowl drape and is suitable for beginner sewers. You could also shorten this if that’s your preference and mix it up with different fabrics depending on how you plan to wear it. A beautiful lightweight satin is perfect for evenings watching the sunset, Aperol in hand, or you may want to opt for a linen for more breathability especially during the heat of the day.
2. THE ELEVATED BASIC
The Marnie Swimsuit from Papercut Patterns is a win-win-win as far as elevated basics go. The first, most obvious win, is that it’s a beautifully chic and timeless one-piece swimsuit pattern with a square neck and scoop back. Secondly, you can adapt the pattern in multiple ways both as a one-piece swimsuit, or as a bikini, adjusting the amount of coverage and tie-style you like – so you can make this in a way that’ll make you feel the most comfortable.
Thirdly, switch out the swimsuit fabric for a cotton/bamboo/other jersey fabric with 50% stretch and you’ve got yourself a very sophisticated (and supportive) bodysuit or tank top. Can you tell I’m obsessed?
This is 100% a pattern that you’ll be reaching for again and again for all its many uses, and once you’re comfortable, you can experiment with different necklines to add even more variety to your wardrobe
3. TAILORED SHORTS
The Charlotte Shorts in a breathable linen or cotton are a must for exploring the hilly towns of the Amalfi. With the high-waist, pleated front, Friedlies have really pulled it out the bag with the perfect combination of sophisticated and practical. The addition of belt loops means you can also adjust the whole look depending on whether you opt for a leather belt, silk scarf or jewellery – so fun!
The pattern comes in sizes 32-50 (EU sizing) and has a detailed YouTube video to sew-along to – if you’re a visual learner like me, this is SO appreciated.
4. THE MINI
The 8-Panel Skirt by Lizzie Studios is very appropriately named Joy because that’s exactly how I imagine you’d feel frolicking around the Amalfi in it. The high-waist A-line is so flattering and the flare at the bottom adds beautiful movement and shape. It’s a really elegant and effortless yet simple design, suitable for sewists of all levels.
The pattern comes as a PDF for you to print at home with a follow-along YouTube video. The tutorial also explains how to insert a zipper, so if you’re new to this, the Joy Skirt is a great place to start (it’s easier than you think, I promise!).
5. THE TIE-FRONT BLOUSE
Back with another beautiful one from Friedlies, I couldn’t resist the 3-in-1 Elizabeth Pattern. Tie-fronts are everywhere this year, thanks to the Ganni boom, and the addition of the (optional) puffed sleeves adds the element of romance perfect for a trip to the Amalfi. If you prefer, you can move the ties to the back, which, in the heat of the Italian summer, I think would also be very, very welcomed.
The pattern is also adaptable for a mini or maxi dress without the tie detailing, perfect for so many occasions, so this one really is a no-brainer. Friedlies are great for their fully-inclusive sizing options (XXS-5XL), detailed instructions, easy to print PDFs and follow-along videos.
As always, it feels impossible to fit all the best Italian Summer sewing patterns into one post, but we’ve covered a lot and there’s plenty to be getting started with *adds all to basket*.
Next, we’re heading along the Mediterranean coastline – a very Nice part of Europe, some may say…
Ciao!
