Sewn: Deer and Doe Myosotis Dress Pattern Review

Anyone else totally inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee to sew themselves up a buffet dress? Well I was, and after seeing a few really lovely versions (A Stitching Odyssey and Chain Stitcher), I chose to sew the Myosotis dress by Deer and Doe. I have sewn a Deer and Doe pattern before (Sureau) but it never really became something that I wore much - it may have been my fabric choice, and it didn't fit me for very long.

I already had the brown and cream border print viscose which I think I bought from Poundametre. It's the perfect weight for a summer dress with a bit of a boho look.

Variations

I sewed up version A with the ruffled sleeves and tiered skirt, but omitted the collar and the pockets. Both were unintentional. I just couldn't figure out the collar at all, so I used bias binding to finish the neckline, which I actually think looks pretty neat. Then I made a horrendous error in attaching the pockets so I just ditched them (more haste, less speed)!

This was an “in progress” shot - before hemming

Problems

There are an awful lot of gathers on this dress and mine are not as even as I would have liked them. In hindsight, I may have had more success gathering on my overlocker, but I've not used that feature yet (any tips from anyone with experience?). 

The snaps were also a bit of a nightmare in that I completely misjudged lining them up correctly. I have actually just left it as it is for now because I wanted to wear the dress. However, I have read that it is possible to remove a snap with a screwdriver, although I'm a bit wary of the hole that will be left behind and how to patch it.

To be honest, I feel like I am over with trying to achieve the perfect garment and I really just need to embrace my sewing with its inherent imperfections.

Size

So, I have a small bust and hips but a larger waist which meant that my size would fit in the range 36-42! Reviews showed that the pattern comes up large and the position of the waistband is more high waist than waist, so I went with a size 38 and it seems fine. 

Conclusion: I love it, despite its imperfections and have already worn it several times this Summer. Just a note of warning though, it is pertinent to cover your modesty when descending castle steps in the breeze 😂.

Love Mrs Jones x