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!
so pretty! I love the princess seams and the bow in the back! I might just have to snag this pattern up!
ReplyDeleteThis looks so great on you! Isn't it the best when you find a pattern that so perfectly suits you and the making process goes so smoothly?
ReplyDeletePS, your hair looks great!
ReplyDeleteYour dress turned out so pretty! I finally bought this pattern (after months of lusting) and I am waiting for my perfect fabric inspiration to strike. I love the chambray :D
ReplyDeleteYou've been ranting and raving about Deer and Doe for a long time but it's indicative - they must be that good! I love this dress, especially the back bow detail.
ReplyDeleteDarling! Love the bow detail.
ReplyDeletebeautiful! love your choice of chambray.
ReplyDeleteHi Goreous!
ReplyDeleteYou look absolutely stunning in this D&D! Oh dear... another pattern for my post-pregnancy body!
Thanks for this, lovely!
Bundana @
http://www.bundana.blogspot.co.uk
The bow detail is absolutely darling! I love how it shapes the waist so perfectly. The dress looks fabulous on you.
ReplyDeleteMamma mia! It fits you like a glove and it's super cute, it's just perfect :)
ReplyDeleteThis dress suits you so well! this is not my favorite of the collection, but you're trying to make me change my mind! I really want to give me a chambray too!
ReplyDeleteGah, I love it so much! I want to make one exactly the same: chambray and square buttons is the perfect combination. The fit is so flattering too, you look absolutely beautiful. x
ReplyDeleteThis is just darling on you!!! I'm having a little obsession with chambray lately, too, but haven't made anything up in the fabric!!
ReplyDeleteI've yet to try out Deer and Doe patterns yet, but after reading your blog this year, I think I might need to give them a try!! Especially now that they're available in English. :)
Your work is so inspiring!! I can't wait to see your other versions of this dress, too! Well worth all the hard work, I think. ;)
xo ~ Amanda
I absolutely love this! It's just gorgeous and a great fit on you. I haven't bought any dear and doe patterns yet but have been eyeing them up for a while. They really are very cute
ReplyDeleteWonderful, i love your dress.
ReplyDeleteI have the pattern, i have chambray. :-)
Thanks for the inspiration.
You're so right Anna, this dress is perfection on you! It's actually one of my favourite Deer & Doe patterns (although I've yet to buy it) because it looks so flattering. You've now confirmed that this is the case and I know I'll be getting it soon ;o)
ReplyDeleteOhhh I'm so glad you made this, it's one of my favourite patterns from this collection...mitsvsomm dream dress... I need to get back to my sewing room and add this to priority list
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on this pattern but you're right - I haven't seen many made up. I just love your version - well done!
ReplyDeleteIt fits you perfectly! I adore the bow at the back, such a sweet detail that isn't often seen. Seriously tempted now!
ReplyDeletemmm, chambray lovin'. This looks so lovely on you - that bow cinching the waist at the back is perfection! Very pretty :)
ReplyDeleteYou are right this is perfection. I love the Deer and Doe patterns but am put off that I have to order other from Europe, that postage is expensive!
ReplyDeleteIt's perfect and looks just exactly like the line drawing to boot!
ReplyDeleteChambray you say.... I think I'll have to look for some next time I'm out shopping.
Super cute! It looks lovely in chambray, but as you say - it's a good pattern.
ReplyDeleteWow! You are so right, it's suits you perfectly. The buttons are a great, interesting choice. Go Deer and Doe!
ReplyDeleteMultiplayer versions is more exciting as in this,
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Et bien je dois avouer que toi et Bleuet étiez faits pour être ensemble ! Une belle histoire d'amour entre vous deux ;)
ReplyDeleteReally love this on you, looks great, and the bow just makes it!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteAdorabile!
ReplyDeleteThat looks beautiful! The bow is such a nice detail and it looks great in chambray x
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful dress! I think the bow detail makes it. I love chambray too, but it seems to be hard to find in the UK. I've only made one dress with it, in a grey shade that I found in a warehouse type fabric shop where the stock is different every week.
ReplyDeleteI've never used chambray but your dress has me wanting to go out and buy some stat. Also the cute bow at the back is just too sweet!
ReplyDeletei actually think it fits you better than the girl on the website to be honest! they should chnage the pic to your ;-)
ReplyDeleteoh my lord, this is sooo your dress! pure perfection!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! The bow is such a sweet detail, the top-stitching is perfect, and the dress fits you like a dream. It does seem like that pattern was made for you. You look lovely!
ReplyDeleteAw, so pretty. I want one!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous dress, I really love the bow detail!
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This dress is perfect on you, and this dress make you perfect. Love the bow.
ReplyDeleteDo it! Do it! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's the best!
ReplyDeleteps. thank you! I tried to make it ombré DIY style and I'm very happy with the result :)
Thanks, Maddie! They totally are that good, and I'm very lucky with the fit of these patterns.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jaqui!
ReplyDeletehehe, I'm sneaky like that!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jane!
ReplyDeleteThose buttons were a very luck find.
Thank you, Amanda!
ReplyDeleteHow could you resist this long? :D
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure :)
ReplyDeleteThis would be spectacular on you, Marie!
ReplyDeleteDream dress indeed! It would amazing on your figure!
ReplyDeleteDid you check out their pricing? It's 4 euros (5 usd) for any amount of patterns you order! i don't order very often from the States for the same reason, but this looks like a great rate to me!
ReplyDeleteMerci, Clotilde!
ReplyDeleteGrazie, Preziosa! :D
ReplyDeleteI also had a hard time to find it here in Italy. After asking in a couple stores and getting the usual look (you know, as if you had just asked them for the moon, or a unicorn), I found it on eBay, from an Italian seller.
ReplyDeleteRight! I forgot to mention there's A LOT of topstitching involved, but it looks great in the end.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Thanks, that's so sweet!
ReplyDeleteThis dress sits perfectly on you! I'm amazed at the fit! I definitely think this should be a go-to pattern for you. I jut finished a chambray dress that I am not happy with and I now I kind of wish I waited just a few days and saw this before I cut into the fabric
ReplyDeleteI've been looking forward to seeing this pattern show up on sewing blogs. And yours is perfect! You've been making some winners with Deer & Doe lately. Love your styling with the patterned tights, and how the cinch-back buckle on your boots mimics the cinch-back bow on your dress!
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I love this! That bow.... What a detail. And the photo of your red hair with the blue.. Perfect
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The dress does have some pretty details and looks very flattering on you. I love chambray, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm working through all the D&D beginner patterns right now, but your version of this dress is so stunning that it's going to motivate me to advance quicker, just so I can make it too. Mmmm... bows.
ReplyDeleteWell I must admit I didn't look that hard, ok now I might have to reconsider, they have some great patterns. Thanks for enabling me :)
ReplyDeleteit's a beautiful dress. i adore that bow in the back!
ReplyDeleteInitially, I wasn't sure how I felt about this pattern. I love the little bow in the back, but I didn't know if the front would be flattering on me. You did such a beautiful job that I'm sold. Love it. Also, I must find some chambray!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome :)
ReplyDeleteJust practice buttonholes, princess seams and topstitching and you can do it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sallie!
ReplyDeleteI did a little ombré experiment on my hair, but because I've been dyeing with henna for a few years, the ends became orange instead of dark blond. Now I went a little lighter and I have the effect I wanted :)
Thanks, Andrea. I hadn't even noticed the boot thing!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved this pattern...the only thing that's putting me off deer and doe is the shipping. I might have to bite the bullet soon...
ReplyDeleteBeauuuuutiful! x
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oOh wow!! It is lovely and the bow detail is the icing on cake!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, this is so cute! No wonder you are in love, I would be too!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your version of this - it looks beautiful on you! That bow is just the icing on the cake.
ReplyDeleteThis dress was totally made for you !! She fits you so well, and in this fabric she's simply perfect !
ReplyDelete