When the world seems to shine, like you've had too much wine...

...that's Amore Amare!

From a Tuscan sun to an Aussie one. The Amare dress pattern by Savage Coco is based on a dress worn by Diane Lane in 'Under a Tuscan Sun'. I feel effortlessly glam in this breezy dress. It is perfect for a soiree by the beach with plenty of cold white wine to keep cool on a warm evening!

There is a full tutorial on Coco's website for making this dress with lots of clear pictures and tips. I always learn something when I make one of her patterns and I love how the details in the tutorials make the dresses come together with a lovely finish inside and out. This dress is probably suitable for an intermediate sewer. It is currently available in size medium, which gave me a perfect fit (I am approximately AU/UK size 10-12, Burdastyle size 38), as a downloadable PDF for US$4.99.

I chose a buttery yellow linen for the dress, which I had bought in Bali some time ago. The quality of the fabric is really lovely and perfect for this dress, although a drapier fabric is actually recommended. The front cross-over panels were cut on the bias and folded double which, along with some other clever construction, gave a beautifully neat finish to the inside of the dress. This double layer at the bust also helps if the fabric is a bit see-through, as mine was. I made a slip to wear under the skirt, but the top was fine as it was with a single button to keep things modest! The bodice has back darts, which give a lovely, blousy shape and the skirt flares out perfectly without adding bulk to the hips. The sleeves are incorporated into the side pieces and are very flattering and summery.

I removed quite a bit from the length of the skirt (approximately 20cm) and a little bit from the cross-over pieces to open up the neckline a fraction. Otherwise I followed the pattern exactly and the fit is spot on. This is an enjoyable dress to sew. I found that the PDF print-out went together easily and the pattern pieces are drafted to fit together perfectly. I couldn't be happier with how this dress turned out. Now I just need some more invitations for glamorous summer events!

I have entered this dress into the 'Cocktail Dress Competition' on Pattern Review. Voting begins on 2nd Jan so hop over and have fun choosing your favourite creation.