This is a love story.
It all started last year, at the end of summer, when I heard rumors of a new indie pattern company called Deer and Doe. After I began stalking repeatedly manifested my interest in this, Eléonore, the designer, asked me if I wanted to have a preview of her designs and give her my opinion on them.
Being curious as a fox, I jumped at the chance and my jaw dropped when I saw Airelle, Belladone, Pavot and Sureau.
But then I saw Bleuet, and it was true love.
By now, you know ad nauseam how much I like these patterns, but Bleuet was a whole other deal.
It was the shirt dress I had always wanted but that nobody (me included) had never drafted. It had princess seams, a cinched waist, a pointy collar and cute puffy sleeves.
And then I saw the bow at the back and I was head over heels. Cutest detail ever.
Have you ever felt like a dress is just perfect for you? Like, it's flattering for you, and at the same time it's a perfect reflection of your style, of what you want to convey through your clothes?
The fabric I used was chambray, another new love of mine. It's often listed in the recommended fabrics for Deer and Doe patterns, but I had never used it, for some reason. Now I could happily make an entire spring/summer wardrobe with it.
I paired it with squared mother of pearl buttons I found at my local market, which add another adorable touch.
The pattern is marked as an "advanced" level of difficulty and it might be the reason why this pattern is not one of the most popular. The construction is quite long and the 14 (or 15, depending on the size) buttonholes can be discouraging. I sure was thankful for the "memory" buttonhole setting of my machine.
In terms of fit, I made a muslin but I didn't need any alterations. I cut a size 38 at the shoulders, a 40 at the bust and waist and a 42 at the hips (based on other patterns I made from this company), and it was perfection. This is the reason I'm using Deer and Doe patterns so often, they fit me with little to no alteration. I'm a bit afraid I'm boring you guys, but can you blame me?
In conclusion, even if it takes a bit longer to sew, this dress is so worth it! I can't believe it took me so long to get cracking on this pattern. I've already planned a sleeveless version for this summer in a bright floral cotton, and I can't wait to make it!
