Monday, September 9, 2013

Bleuet + Bleuet


Size: size 38 at the shoulders and bust, 40 at the waist and 44 at the hips

Alterations: omitted the sleeves and finished the armholes with bias binding

Fabric: Liberty cotton for the left one and cotton with a tiny bit of stretch for the right one. Both purchased locally.


I have already sung my love song for this pattern, but it has now conquered the title of my favorite pattern ever.
As I said in my previous post, Bleuet is ME in dress form. It perfectly express my style and what I want to convey about me through my clothes. I can wear it during the day to walk my dog and to go grocery shopping, and at night to go out, and feel equally comfortable in it. It's modest, but it doesn't make me feel too covered up, so it's perfect in any situation. It has a high neckline with a collar, buttons and a bow. My idea of perfection.
If I had to wear one dress forever, after this Summer, I am sure it would be Bleuet.

Oh, yes. I could write an epic poem on our love.

Anyways, this floral version with contrasting collar and bow was made at the beginning of the summer. I would wash it and wear it again as soon as it was dry, so I figured I needed to make another one. 

Enter this beauty in a Liberty floral print. I'm always nervous to cut into Liberty fabrics, even though I'm lucky enough to find them at a ridiculous price thanks to a local seller (I think they might be remnants, but I'm usually too busy screaming "Please, TAKE MY MONEY!" to actually ask them why these fabrics are so cheap). But Bleuet and Liberty? I was absolutely certain it was going to be a perfect marriage, and I was right. Throw in some cute rectangular shell buttons and you have the perfect dress.

I have been wearing these two dresses all summer and I think I'm not done yet with this pattern. If it wasn't that I always want to try new patterns, I could happily sew me a whole wardrobe of these guys.

As I said before, constructing this dress takes some time and patience, but it's completely worth it. Did I convince you to try it out? The world needs more Bleuets in it!

65 comments:

  1. OMG! OMG! I love the fabric you used for this dress! I have this pattern, but have yet sewn it and I love all Deer and Doe patterns. I was hesitant because if I used a solid, I was afraid that it would look too "waitress-y," but in your floral prints, I'm in love! I just might go out and buy a floral fabric just for this dress.

    You look very lovely in both versions of the dress! :)

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  2. I have made two bleuets and I absolutely love them, I have worn them both more than anything else this summer, the perfect dress!

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  3. Just gorgeous! I bought myself some Deer and Doe patterns last week and I can't wait to start!

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  4. I'm trying to decide what button-front dress(es) I want to make for fall -- button-front Cambie, Hawthorne, Bleuet -- and I LOVE these. So sweet!

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  5. hmm yes, the world needs more bleuets! i wasn't quite sold on the bleuet before, but seeing these is winning me over. especially the contrasting collar! such a great idea. i'm just waiting for eleonore to release her new pattern (cause i'm sure i'll want it) so i can place a bulk order of deer and doe patterns...

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  6. Silvia - Sewing PrincessSeptember 9, 2013 at 8:42 PM

    Love the blue collar version. Hot pink topstitching is great! Looking forward to a winter version ;)

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  7. What a beautiful fabric choice, and I love the contrast collar on #2!

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  8. Both versions are so darling and you are so right, they are so you! I love the Liberty print so much! I was actually just on the deer and doe website last night and purchased the Belladone - because of your versions of this pattern! Now I'm seriously considering the Bleuet. Sigh.... They really flatter you so much. I know I don't comment nearly enough but I love all of your makes sooooo much! Also, could you arrange to give me some of your fantastic hair? Gorgeous, lady. Just gorgeous.

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  9. Beautiful dresses! I bought this pattern ages ago, but I am going to make a muslin next week... Just a quick question, how do you change the sizes for the waist and hips when you have different pattern pieces because of the princess seams? I've never done that, I only changed sizes when there is only one pattern piece for the front and one for the back... Thanks for your help!
    Tatiana
    Brazil

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  10. Wow... Cannot pick my fav.

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  11. I simply graded all the pieces as I'd do with any other pattern. I don't know if it's "standard procedure" but it worked for me :) If you're grading between more than two sizes (as I did between waist and hips), you might need to smooth some curves, but I did it while sewing.

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  12. Eheh, me either... They're my babies!

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  13. Lovely dresses! They are very you! I think a sleeveless version is more versatile as you can wear under cardigans.

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  14. Thanks, Sunni! I actually gasped when I read your name because you're such an inspiration to me :D
    Belladone is the perfect start with Deer and Doe, I'm sure it will make you want Bleuet even more. Can't wait to see what you make with the pattern!

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  15. Oh, the next release is goooood! :) I'll blog about my test version as soon as the pattern is out, I'm quite excited.

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  16. Both are wonderful and amazing !

    And it feels so good to see you in Bleuet ; this is so you !
    Je ne pourrais pas te dire laquelle est ma préférée, mais une chose est sure, ce patron est tellement mis en valeur sur toi ; ou peut être est-ce toi qui mets ce patron en valeur ! Bref ! C'est formidable ^^

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  17. Why you should choose Bleuet: 1. It doesn't have an horizontal seam at the waist, so the body is not cut in half; 2. it has a bow; 3 IT HAS A BOW!
    I'm obviously biased, but I strongly recommend this pattern over the two you mentioned, although I love them both.

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  18. Merci beaucoup, Clotilde! I'm flattered ^^

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  19. The version with sleeve works under a cardigan as well, if you don't mind too much the pouf showing, but yeah, I'll probably wear these two all Autumn as well :)

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  20. I love the contrasting collar and bow version!

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  21. Love your two flowery versions of the Bleuet, they are really magnificent. I also made a sleeveless but it's not also attractive.
    Bravo!!!

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  22. I LOVE THIS DRESS ON YOU! I love the first one you made, but these two are completely adorable, especially the Liberty. I, too, am so afraid to cut into my Liberty stash. Which is crazy because wearing Liberty is almost as great as touching and feeling it in my closet shelf (away from the sun). Gorgeous and come winter: cardigan with the trouble of bunchy sleeves!

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  23. So cute! I've never used a Deer & Doe pattern. I should try one soon!

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  24. Gorgeous. Both of them, but I do particularly love the one with the contrast collar and bow. Your topstitching looks PERFECT! How do you do that? This dress really does suit you, so I could totally see you in many more of them!

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  25. Gorgeous! I can really see why you love this style so much. It's a
    perfect balance of feminine yet casual and seems like it could also
    transition to fall with a cardigan easily (though of course then you
    won't see that cute bow). And with Liberty? Swoon!

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  26. Ah, that makes sense, ha! I will try it, thanks a lot for your quick answer!

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  27. So cute! I almost laughed imagining you saying PLEASE TAKE MY MONEY! at your fabric seller, haha.

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  28. Amazeballs! Love them both. :-)

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  29. Well no wonder you're in love with them, they look freaking amazing on you! I think it's my favourite pattern on you too! You have styled them perfectly and have chosen the right fabric both times. Just beautiful :)

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  30. Oh Anna, these are both to die for!!! I already have 3 D&D patterns that I haven't had the pleasure to make up yet...but I really want to try this one out soon too! Utterly gorgeous on you!

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  31. both of these are so lovely! your fabrics are so perfectly suited to the pattern. great dresses!

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  32. Holy guacamole! These just totally pop on you :) That pic with you on the right with your sunglasses on looks straight off a film poster. Amazing work and I can see why it's your favourite pattern xxx

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  33. I LOVE these! I'm making a similar floral, sleeveless shirt dress at the moment so it hope it turns out at least half as nice as yours! x

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  34. I can see why this is your fave. It looks great and fits fabulously!

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  35. Whoa - amazing! You have an incredible talent at taking a pattern that I'm undecided about, and making me love it. I especially adore the collars on these! x

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  36. I love it ! I love it ! the both ! so cute :))) congratulations for your job !

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  37. Gorgeous Bleuets! My favourite one is the one with the solid bow in the back, really makes it pop out.. I might have just finished my first one, but that is supposed to be a secret until tomorrow, when we do our Sew Bossy challenge reveal..Ssshtt..

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  38. Ahhh- these are beautiful! Love the little bow detail in the back, it's so cute! This pattern really suits you too. And I always love your photos, they have such a calm feel to them - does that sound strange?! lol.

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  39. They're gorgeous! Lucky you with your secret dealer of Liberty too :)

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  40. Secret Liberty dealer? I need to find one! This dress really does seem to suit you very well and you have the perfect eye for fabric! I think I may need to order another pattern now...!

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  41. Gorgeous dresses! They sit just perfectly on you.

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  42. Perfect! These are both so you! You look absolutely darling! I love the shoes you're wearing, too. :) I so love Deer & Doe... the patterns are just so cute, and look awesome on a variety of people!

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  43. Anna you are so originally cute! The dress is beautiful naturally, but with or without it you look like a candy!
    I haven't tried this pattern so far, but you make me think about it seriously! Tanti complimenti!

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  44. Wow, the contrast collar + matching back bow really make this! Love love, might have to steal that idea for my next Bleuet ;)

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  45. Love, Love, Love! The one with contrasting collar and bow is so gorgeous!

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  46. ohmygosh Anna, these are so perfect. I was hesitant about this pattern's puff sleeves but of course, I can just lop them off. I don't know what else to say. I WANT THIS PATTERN.

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  47. I can't get enough of the bow in the back!!!

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  48. It's gorgeous! I really love the bow at the back.
    I really want to buy half of the Deer and Doe patterns, but I'm trying to be responsible and pay for things like rent and food first. Gah! It's slowly killing me!

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  49. I think I have completely fallen in love with this pattern! I especially admire your version with the contrast collar and bow. I am really tempted. And your colors will be perfect for fall as well!

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  50. I love every pattern these guys make, so hard to choose which one to buy!

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  51. Also, both your versions are amazing!

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  52. These both look absolutely perfect on you! I'm in love with the version with the contrast collar, it's the ideal contrast colour and makes it look really modern

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  53. BUY IT! BUY IT! I would look so sweet on you! :)

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  54. I've been living in those clogs, I love them to death (although apparently everyone I know hates them...)
    I'd love to see your version of Bleuet, Sonja, I'm sure it would be perfect on you!

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  55. The scene usually also involves my mother or another sensible person yanking me at the waist away from this Liberty paradise before I spend all of my money on fabrics...

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  56. I love topstitching! Many people hate it, but I really like it! So I take my time and I follow a little mark in my presser foot. I wanted the topstitching on the collar to be as perfect as possible, but on the dress, where it shows a lot less, there are some imprecisions here and there and I just left them.

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  57. You really should! :) Can't recommend them more!

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  58. Love them! I really like the contrasting collar, gives it an extra pop. Also super jealous that you have somwhere you can find liberty cotton for cheap. I love all the liberty fabric but not $30/metre but I just can't bring myself to pay $30/metre .

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  59. romannecouture.canalblog.comOctober 30, 2013 at 12:14 AM

    So pretty on you! The best version of Bleuet :) And I bought it thanks to you!

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