Deer and Doe 2013 Spring Summer Pattern Collection

The new collection of patterns from Deer and Doe was launched yesterday and it was definitely worth the wait. Eléonore, the mind behind the brand, was kind enough to be my guest to present the new patterns and to share a few words with us on the creative process of her second collection. Enjoy!

This new collection was very interesting to work on, because my creative process was very different from the last time. 

When I created the five first patterns, Deer and Doe was like a blank canvas on which I was free to draw exactly the collection I dreamed of. To achieve the second collection, I had more constraints: I needed to be consistent in the style, but original in the designs and the techniques used (because nobody wants to feel like he owns 4 identical patterns with just small style differences, even if the style is great!). Add to this a limited amount of time due to the everyday tasks of a business… I really worked on a different level this time!

But even if it was a little bit scary at first, I finally found that these constraints were helping me to produce better, more interesting patterns! I settled on a skirt, a blouse and a dress, and worked around the idea of easy-to-wear and fast-to-sew patterns for instant summer gratification! I added some interest to each of the patterns with cute features or interesting construction, and in the end Chardon, Réglisse and Datura were born!

Chardon is a skirt specifically aimed at beginners: it's a very versatile pattern that grows with your skills! You can start with a very simple version of the skirt, and then add details like the back ribbon, the belt loops, learn how to sew an invisible zipper… the possibilities are countless!

Réglisse is a very interesting pattern for intermediate seamstresses, because it introduces a technique very few patterns use: a bias-cut bodice.
While it's quite simple to construct, the bias cut totally changes how the fabric is hanging, and creates a very flattering effect! It's also a way to have a lot of fun with stripes or plaids!

Datura is definitely the most eye-catching design in this collection. While looking quite simple, this blouse will be really fun to sew for more experienced seamstresses!
The construction ensures a perfect finish, and a lot of interesting details like cut-outs, home-made bias tape, a lined yoke… and a very flattering result even for the bustier of us :)

As always, they were thoroughly tested before the launch to insure maximum wearability and comfort. Some of the patterns changed a LOT during this phase but it was very important for me to set the bar higher than the last time :) . I hope I succeeded!

I organize my patterns by collections because I love to create an harmony and to work with the seasons, but every Deer and Doe pattern is created to work well with the other garments: you can for example pair the Chardon skirt with an Airelle blouse, and how chic would the Datura blouse be styled with skinny jeans and a Pavot jacket for spring?

Thank you so much Eléonore!
But it doesn't end here! To celebrate the launch of the new collection, Eléonore is offering a Réglisse pattern to one of you!
In order to win the pattern, you just need to leave a comment! Please leave an email address for me to get in touch.

For extra entries, you can:
✄ Tweet about the giveaway (+1)
✄ Follow Deer and Doe on Twitter(+1)
✄ Like Paunnet blog on Facebook (+1)
✄ Like Deer and Doe on Facebook (+1)

For each additional entry, please leave an extra comment below.

You have until 11:00am GMT of April 3rd to enter. Good luck!

Giveaway closed, winner announced here.