How many Myosotis Dresses by Deer and Doe does a sewist need?
I guess, at least 4, seems to be my answer as I have yet another go at this lovely pattern.
Which does mean, incidentally, that this will be a short post as there isn’t a whole lot for me to say about this pattern that I haven’t already said before!
Do you every see people wearing garments in the street and think “I need to sew that”?
It happens to me every now and again and, each time, it really makes me feel as though sewing is a super power.
Last August, in Copenhagen, while waiting for the underwhelming spectacle of the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, I saw a woman walking by wearing something along these lines. And I knew instantly that I would sew my own version.
I found this striped linen from Blackbird Fabrics shortly thereafter, but by the time it arrived, it was the end of summer, so this dress has been percolating in my mind all throughout a dark grey winter, waiting for the moment when it would come into existence.
Well, here she is!
My Myosotis Dress
My version of the Myosotis dress is officially size WTF!!
The more I tweak a pattern, the less readily I’m able to easily identify its size. I’ve spoken on previous posts about how I pick out my size for the Myosotis (in short – I size down!), so if you want more detailed information on sewing the project, I would recommend you check out one of my previous posts on it here, here (warning this post also discusses pregnancy loss) or here.
This time around, I started with the pattern I already had cut out which was a size 38. Based on the fit of my previous versions of this pattern, I thought I might need a little more room at the waist so I added about a centimetre at the side-seam, tapering to nothing at the bust.
I made changes to the bodice only, given the amount of flexibility in the gathered skirt.
Upon trying on the bodice, I found it a bit too squeezy – this linen has less “give” than fabrics I have recently used for this dress. As I had already french-seamed the side seam, I created a bit of extra space by making the back darts a bit smaller.
So, voila. Size WTF. Size “it fits me now!”.
This version of the Myosotis Dress also uses modified sleeves on which I have done a full bicep adjustment (more details on previous posts linked above).
In terms of getting the skirt to midi-length, I have used the view B skirt length for my top tier and then added the bottom ruffle tier which is supposed to be for view A. My one little annoyance with this pattern, as designed, is that I do find it a bit short for comfort on me. I made one for my sister a few years ago and she has the same issue with it.
Indeed, apart from my very first Myosotis Dress, all my other versions have used this combination of view B skirt with view A bottom tier ruffle to lengthen the Myosotis dress to midi-length.
Just for stylistic reasons, I also decided to use the selvedge at the bottom of the ruffle and leave this dress unhemmed, for a rustic look!
Lovely linen
This linen is beautiful to look at and is precisely the colour and “weight” of stripe that I wanted.
Buuuuut, it’s definitely not the softest linen that has ever graced my body.
If I’m being totally honest, it’s a tad scratchy and a little stiff.
And, now that I look at these blog photos, I also realise that it’s a tad transparent with the sunlight steaming through. May need a slip!
Now, I know this linen will soften up over time, so I’m not going to hold it against this dress, but don’t you wish all linen could be as soft as the stuff from The Fabric Store? Especially with printed linens, I find that there can be huge variations in how soft or smooth it is so making online purchases fraught with uncertainty!
Still, no such thing as a bad linen, in my book!
All in all, this Myosotis Dress is just what I wanted it to be and the Beck from August of last year who saw this on the street and thought “I want that!” is feeling thoroughly vindicated!
If you want to see more of my sewing adventures, you can find me on Instagram here.
I love that selvedge detail!
Such a beautiful rendition and so classic in white and blue stripes as well!
For softening linen I have had great success recently soaking it in a bucket of cool water with around 1/2 cup white vinegar for a couple of hours before washing normally – I haven’t noticed any ill effects, but you could try it with a sample of the fabric first. Cuts down on the need for intense ironing if you like the soft rumple of worn-in linen.
Ohhh great tip! Glad I kept a few scraps now, I’ll try it out! After the wash does it have a vinegar smell at all?
As long as you wash it normally after the soak in vinegar it should be fine….air drying helps also 😊
Love the fact that you used the selvedge. I do that all the time, but most of the time inside the garment.
And indeed, there is no such thing as bad linen. My favourite fabric!
As long as you wash it normally after the soak in vinegar it should be fine….air drying helps also 😊
I think your dress could be improved by a narrower belt in a matching hue. Even a self-covered belt would be better than the thick brown one you’re wearing in the photos. Also, the dress is too long for your figure. Midi dresses are not flattering on most people, especially short women. It makes them look dowdy. One last point: Wear lighter colored shoes with your dress. The dark colored shoes with the chunky heels are not flattering
Are they scuffed? It sure looks like it in the photos.
SCUFFED POWER FOREVER!!!! Hope you find some happiness in your life soon 🙂
Dear Donna,
Would you say this to a person who you don’t know on the street? If the answer is no then you shouldn’t publish unsolicited advice on the internet. It is unkind. People are very fragile beings especially at the moment due to the pandemic and your comments could be extremely hurtful to them.
My blog details are below if a response is required.
Regards
Emma ✌️
Indeed I also hope you find some happiness soon!
Ha! Crappy, condescending, unsolicited advice – the best (actually only) kind! The unawareness it takes to post a comment like this is mind boggling.
You look beautiful, Beck.
Oh myyyy, how fabulous! Love the sizing “it fits me now”, the magic of making your own. Selvedge hem is great too. I hope it makes you feel tip top when you’re wearing it 🙂
Beautiful beautiful make! And styling!!! love you choice of fabric and the belt is wonderful. Scuffs???? Ummmm. Donna should come check out MY shoes. They would be utterly horrified!!! Scuffed power forever – love that sentiment. May I join the club??? Wishing Donna some smiles today and hoping she takes to heart Emma’s gentle words and kind reminder to treat others with kindness. My mother always told me that if you can’t say something nice…
Your dress is magical.
Thanks for the support!
I think your personality could be improved by minding your own business more. Even scrolling past an outfit you don’t like is an option.
Also, your comment is too long for this comment section. Unwanted “tips” don’t ever flatter those dishing them out when nobody asked. It makes you look petty.
One last point: did your family never teach you that if you have nothing nice to stay, to say nothing at all? It seems like it.
I love your IG posts and am constantly impressed by your styling, lighting, all of it. Great design detail with the selvage on this dress. Also, you gave me very useful advice before making the Petula blouse. Thanks for putting out beautiful content.
Thanks so much for the support!
This is a lovely dress – a beautiful length and gorgeous with that belt and shoes!
I love the weight of the stripe- very wearable.
An inspirational make.
Great dress, you look gorgeous! I like your style very much.
Thank you for explaining the process in such detail.
Good luck with softening the fabric!
I definitely need a striped dress in WTF size – lovely make ♥️ I’m inspired!
I love the clever ways you put together your makes. Always inspirational, and as a newish sewing I appreciate the detail that you put into your posts. Ignore that ridiculous comment above- mind- boggling lack of empathy!
Love the power of a ‘I can totally make that’ moment. As for Donna up there – what a dipsh*t.