This dress, the Deer & Doe Myositis, has been sewn and seen here, there and everywhere!

I admit when it was first released, while the loose fit and shirtwaist style appealed to me, the voluminous ruffles did not.

The Myosotis is described as: Oversize shirtdress with inseam pockets. Version A has sleeve ruffles and a tiered skirt, version B has plain sleeves and a gathered skirt.

Like many patterns, you might just need to see the right fabric for inspiration to hit.

When I spied this woven viscose at Pitt Trading, I knew I had my Myosotis! It’s more blue/grey in person, and I love the combination of delicate floral and tie dye. It’s understated pretty, you have to look for the detail. I wanted a fabric with plenty of drape so those ruffles swung gently rather than being an overwhelming feature. Interestingly, I sewed my much-loved and worn Deer & Doe Fumeterre skirt in the same fabric in a different colourway!

I embraced my inner ruffle beast and opted to sew Version A with the tiered skirt and sleeve ruffles. If you are going to do it – go all the way I say!

I cut the smallest size as I was mid way between size 34 – size 36 for my bust and waist. Given the ease, I choose the smaller size.

I added an inch to the skirt piece length and was very glad I did! For reference I am 5 foot 4 and it still finishes above my knee. I decided not to add length to the ruffle as I felt it might be too ‘long’ for a ruffle and left it as it was drafted.

I almost left the sleeve ruffles off but in this fabric and print, I actually like them!

Gathering

Oh my goodness. There is a lot of gathering to do! If you loathe gathering, this may not be the dress pattern for you.

I decided to hem my ruffles before I gathered them and attached them to the skirt and the sleeves.

I also used three rows of gathering stitches as I find this provides the best results for even gathers and ease of sewing.

I did experiment with gathering with fishing line (zig-zag stitch over fine fishing line as I do for tutu netting) but I don’t recommend it for lighter fabrics such as rayon and viscose. It makes the gathering much messier and harder to control. Never again!

Thoughts

There is a slight dragline from the neckline down towards my bust. I need to consult my fitting books and figure out if I need a forward shoulder adjustment, rounded back or some neckline fix or something else… it’s not terribly obvious but it is there if I look for it and Measure Twice, Cut Once found the same issue with her Myosotis.

I don’t think I have particularly large shoulders however to get this off, I pull it up over my bust and then wiggle it off over my shoulders, even with all the buttons undone. I’d be tempted to put a small zip in the side waist if I make another one to make it a little easier to get in and out of. It doesn’t seem to be a much discussed issue with the pattern, however perhaps my shoulders are proportionally larger than my bust/waist as I have found some RTW dresses difficult to take off for a similar reason.

There is no direction to sew ease stitches to put the sleeves in… so I didn’t and I found they went in first go with no puckers. Winning!

I was concerned this would be a little short and a little too ‘young’ in style for me. However I’m pleasantly surprised by how this has turned out.

I thought it might have a little too much ease and be unflattering… but it turns out I don’t mind how it looks after all.

I think this will be a favourite in my summer wardrobe. Casual, loose, cool to wear and in my favourite colour – what’s not to love!?

And if you are wondering… yes my hair is naturally curly.

Pattern: Deer & Doe Myosotis, size 34
Fabric: Jungle Trail Grey, Pitt Trading. Tempted by buy more…

See more: Instagram

I often get asked if I get embarrassed having my photos taken at the beach and if I have to ask people to move out of the way. Actually no… we have lots of beaches where I live and you often have long stretches all to yourself. I’m usually at Nobby’s Beach or Lighthouse with my dogs. I run along the strip between Town Beach and Town Green – and beyond to Settlement Point further up the river. I’m very fortunate – you can see a snapshot of my town and beaches here. Yes, it’s really that pretty.