As the Camas blouse was the last thing I made I thought I’d show you the first this year. The fabric was a Christmas present from my Mother in Law, it’s one of Liberty’s 2015 collection called Hesketh (I can’t find it on the liberty website but it’s available here) This is the black and white colourway, it does come in navy and white (as well as grey) but I am trying really hard to move out of my blue comfort zone.
I decided not to risk using a new pattern and stick with my TNT Deer and Doe Sureau. I made it up exactly the same as my other ones (tried one of my other ones on to check it still fitted first!) cutting a 42 at the shoulder and grading to a 44 through the bust and waist. I used a 9 inch zip instead of the 16 inch one suggested on the pattern and added side seam pockets underneath. Again I added a little cuff to finish the sleeves. I also remembered to curve the waist darts which seems to make a big difference to the fit underneath the bust. Instead of the gathers on the front placket I added two tucks.
Once the dress was finished the print was so busy you couldn’t actually see the placket. I thought adding buttons would look odd and after an Instagram poll agreed I left them off.
It was so good using an old tried and true pattern. Being able to just cut straight out and sew without all the hassle of working out sizing and fitting was a perfect way to start the year.
It’s a lovely (and very seasonally appropriate) dress. Snowdrops are one of my favourite flowers and I have a snowdrop necklace which goes perfectly. While we are on the subject of Snowdrops mine in the garden have been behaving strangely this year. They are usually the first things to push through in January but they’ve been really late, only coming into flower at the end of February (I’ve even had Daffodils flowering before them) I think they must need a period of sustained cold before they start to grow and the mild winter we have had has confused them somewhat. Anyway, I digress! My other Sureaus have had so much wear, with boots in the cooler weather and sandals when it warms up. I know this one will get year round wear too. All in all it’s a lovely little pattern I’m so glad I gave it another outing!
And then the wind got up….
If I look rather dishevelled here, you should see the next ones!
This was a wonderful Christmas present and one which will last for years to come. I gave her a similar present this year, some beautiful Malabrigo yarn (which I really wanted to keep myself) and the Casu Cowl pattern as a ‘knit your own Christmas present’ thankfully she was pleased, so much nicer than perfume and pyjamas!
Helen x
Just Sew Therapeutic 
How lovely – you have reminded me with your gorgeous snowdrops that I need to dig that pattern out again.
Thanks Clarinda, I’m going to look through some past TNT’s, being able to cut straight out and getting on with the sewing really made this a joy to sew. I think this pattern would look really great on you! x
What a lovely dress, and a great idea to pleat the front instead of gathers – it looks great. And the snowdrops are brilliant; they’re such cheery little flowers, I’m always happy to see them as it means that Spring is on the way. I have loads in my garden too. I have this pattern, but it was bit of a disaster when I made it, I should dig it out again though.
I’ve tried difficult variations for the gathers, it definitely looks better with the gathering concentrated across the bust apex, might try a few pintucks on the next one 😊 x
Lovely! You’re inspiring me to dig out my navy colour way in this fabric. I’m not ven attempting to move away from my navy yearnings 😉
I cut out a navy and white polka dot Camas blouse last week, everything in my queue is blue too so it looks like I’ll be back in my comfort zone! x
That is a really gorgeous dress and the fabric is perfect. You look lovely.
Debbie
http://www.sewnfromtheheart.com
Thank you, this is my fourth one, they are my go-to dresses for when I can’t decide what to wear! x
I love this dress- the fabric is so pretty and perfectly seasonal! This reminds me (again) that I have this pattern and the Bleuet in my stash, hopefully I will get to them soon!
Louise
It’s one of my favouritesas it’s so easy to wear. I’ve had the Auberpine pattern for over a year but haven’t got around to it yet. I’m still determined to give the Belladone another try too but like you I have too many patterns and so little time! x
Really lovely dress, great style for you. The fabric is really tempting in blue, I’m another blue fan!
I was doing really well trying other colours, the only problem now is that most of them are in shades of purple! x
Such a pretty dress and the print is lovely!
Thank you! x
I totally love this. You look fabulous in it and really “yourself” if you know what I mean. This is one of those dresses that you will always feel comfortable and confident in. Great make and we’ll done mum in law on the perfect choice of fabric.
You’re right Louise, it’s the perfect dress to reach for when I can’t decide what to wear. There were some rather large hints dropped to my Mother in Law, I’m wondering if it’s to early to show her the new ‘Ocean’ Liberty! x
I love that fabric and you have made a beautiful dress from it! Nicely done.
Thank you Linda, it’s definitely my favourite tnt dress pattern!
Awe Helen this dress looks so lovely on! Such a thoughtful gift as well 🙂
Thank you Alex, It was such a perfect present! x
what lovely fabric and I can see why you keep making this pattern (mentally adds it to her queue)
I have a bit of a thing for Deer and Doe as they always seem to fit my shape. I’ve just ordered the new Melilot shirt pattern, itching to get started on that! x
ohh, I hadn’t seen that yet. Thanks for the tip