Yes, it has been a long time since I’ve said hello—and so much has happened in my little corner of the world that isn’t sewing-related at all. But I’m staring my mending pile down and looking at fabrics in my stash that I have yet to cut into, and I thought it might be time for a little summer inspiration for all of us!

The Dress Like Your Grandma challenge is a highlight every year, especially as more and more sewists participate and dig into family trees and other historical archives for inspiration. Some of the entries this year just made me stop in my tracks and stare in amazement.