Finished: Deer & Doe Melilot Blouse v.1 & Thoughts on Indie Patterns

I don't have a single buttoned shirt in my wardrobe.They're something I have avoided making as I don't work in the kind of workplace that requires 'proper' work attire like shirts/blouses, hate setting in sleeves and my broad shoulders mean that I have issues getting a good fit on a shirt.

However this pattern really appealed to me for a number of reasons:

Pattern
Deer & Doe Mélilot Blouse- I made short sleeved version B with the collar of version A and without pockets.

Reason for pattern choice
This is really similar in shape to the New Look Maudella shirt/shirtdress pattern I recently made and loved, but I preferred the collar on this pattern and it also is more shaped, with bust darts and a full button placket instead of a partial one. It is also really similar to a RTW shirt a friend wore recently that I admired. This version is a wearable muslin, made with the hope that I could make multiple versions in all the Liberty Tana lawn I have but don't know what to make with it (terrible problem to have, I know). Also, the pattern is pretty flipping pricey so I intend to make the most of it by making multiple versions.

Fabric & Notions
I used a heart print viscose, bought on eBay a few months ago from the Textile Centre. The hearts are white and mint green - it's hard to tell from these photos.

Pattern alterations or any design changes
None - I made a straight size but added the collar and omitted the pockets as it's a wearable muslin and I don't really think they are required.

How was it to sew?
Well, the instructions were not really as clear as I would have liked. The shirt can be made with a concealed button placket and I found that a combination of unclear text instructions with unclear markings on the pattern pieces made for a confusing experience. I actually emailed Deer & Doe to check what was intended - they replied quickly and the matter was cleared up, but I think the instructions could be clearer.

I also accidentally sewed the buttonholes horizontally instead of vertically - despite the markings on the pattern pieces and even thinking that the placket was pretty narrow as I was sewing them the wrong way. Duh. I was dreading sewing all those buttonholes as I've wrestled with these in the past but my machine was co-operating so it was fine.

Would you sew it again and do anything different next time?
I'll definitely make it again (actually already have - watch out for the blog post soon!). I will do a small forward shoulder adjustment and also some kind of broad shoulder adjustment - both adjustments that I have made before. The fit is pretty good but would benefit from more room for my shoulders. As I traced the pattern it will be easy to adjust my traced pieces too. I might add a single pocket or two pockets to a future version.

 Debut wear in the glamorous location of work toilet

Would you recommend it to others?
For sure - but watch out for those instructions

Cost
Fabric    £8
Pattern   £17.40 (including postage)
Buttons  £4
(Already had black thread and interfacing)

TOTAL  £29.40

Conclusion
I'm pleased with this version, and might also try the long sleeve version too. It's a great smart casual style  (although that phrase makes me think of this Limmy sketch:)

I don't buy very many patterns by indie pattern makers these days. I've mostly been making vintage patterns or sometimes Big 4, which I usually buy cheaply in sales. The reason for this is that I find Indie patterns to be expensive and that not many are worth shelling out for unless they offer something genuinely different from styles I can find in vintage and modern patterns. So yes, being cheap plays a role but also being a savvy shopper, I like to think!

This pattern was similar to something I had made before but it was the collar and the shaping that sold it for me, and if I do make a few versions it will be well worth it. Could I have drafted a collar myself and made placket amendments then added to the other similar pattern I already had? Probably, yes. However it would have taken time and probably some trial and error. In this case, I felt it was worth paying the money to have that work done for me. I'm really pleased with my blouse and hope it will become a pattern I can make in multiple.

K x