I liked my Stokx Kim top so much I immediately wanted a dress version and made it the very next day. I spent longer looking for fabric than sewing the dress! I settled on this red cotton knit, which has been in my stash for a very long time.

I wore it out for coffee with a friend and then I put an apron on and made some body lotions before I remembered to get some photos, so the dress is a bit rumpled, but you get the idea.

The shape of the dress is so good. I love a dress that is fitted round the bust and flares out below – not a classic fit and flare, but a similar look.

I wanted a simple summer dress that I could pull on and go anywhere. I have a black and white knit dress which I’ve been wearing for years which is now too tired to wear out and about, so I needed a replacement. I had to look for a photo of the dress in my instagram account, so I’m currently feeling as though my life has flashed before my eyes! I really love this graphic print, which has a kind of bubble texture so I’m a bit sad that it’s coming to the end of its life, although it’s still handy for wearing at home.

Anyway, back to the red Kim. I took a few centimetres off the length as I don’t like my dresses too long and now I wonder if it’s a bit short, but hey ho. I had finished it and put it on and immediately felt that the elbow length sleeves didn’t work for summer in this thicker knit so I took about 11 centimetres off the length and I like them much better. Interestingly I don’t mind the longer sleeves on the tee shirt, I think because the fabric is much lighter.

As I reported with the tee shirt, the back is shaped, so the fit of the dress is less baggy at the back.

A little video of it in action

I wore the dress out for lunch on a really hot day – it was around 41°C but I was as cool as I could have been. It’s such an easy dress to wear.

I had lunch with ex work colleagues and had my photo taken with my friend Yvonne. it’s rare to find a senior woman who actively promotes other women, but I can credit my career success to Yvonne. She was an amazing mentor. She’s wearing a really interesting shirt, with a hand painted butterfly on it, which she bought in France.

Finally a video of Miss G jumping into the pool. she can get about on the noodle, and seeing her growing confidence is a joy. This is the place to be in a heatwave!