My first Doris dress, a Sew over it pattern

I am thrilled to be back behind my keyboard, to blog and discuss sewing patterns and projects with you all!

Today, I am writing about a new outfit that has become an all-time summer favourite: The Doris dress, a Sew over it pattern.

This is a pattern I bought years ago, and I am so glad I finally found the right fabric to pair it with: This floaty pattern combined with a light weight linen made the perfect dress to endure harsh temperatures this summer (can you guess I didn't stay in the UK this past July?!).

The Doris dress' features

I've always loved the shape of the Doris dress, and have been obsessed by the beige & red polka dot version featured on Sew over it's website for years.

I find the shape of the skirt very interesting and flattering: this 'fluted panelled skirt' is not an A-line skirt, nor a circle one, but it has a beautiful drape and twirls amazingly well!

The bust pleats and floaty grown-on sleeves are not something I am used to sew or wear, but I was curious to try them. Although I am not convinced they are the most flattering features, they are incredibly comfortable!

The cinched waist is simple, but efficient to provide a feminine and retro-looking shape. And the buttons on the top is a lovely addition, something I rarely sew.

The pattern, the process, and the sewing

This pattern is advertised as an intermediate one, and I rather agree with this.

I wouldn't recommend it to beginners as some of the pieces can be a bit tricky (I am particularly thinking of the buttonhole closure at the centre front, the concealed zip, and the bust pleats.

As often when I first sew a new pattern, I didn't make any adjustments. However, now that I've done it once, I have ideas for the next one.

In particular, I am not sure I fully understand the use of the buttonholes at the front. Ths dress has a zip anyway, so why would we ever need another way to remove it? I think sewing actual buttonholes on the front panel is an overkill, and I will probably not bother next time (and simply sew buttons on top of the front panel).

Also, I think I'll slightly tweak the waist tie, to make it a bit larger and longer, so the bow in the back is a bit more elegant. And I usual, I'll have to lengthen the skirt a bit to make it more flattering for me!

My version of the Doris dress

For this dress, I've used a very lightweight and flowy fabric I had never used before: a rayon linen from Dalston Mill Fabrics (you can still get it here).

The rayon ensures the dress has a great drape, and the linen makes it breathable and incredibly comfortable for hot days. This mix is also easier to sew than rayon on its own (which can be a bit slippery!).

Doris is advertised as 'the perfect summer’s day dress', and I have to say this description is pretty accurate. Especially with the fabric I used here. Indeed, I've worn it almost every day during our last vacation in Croatia, and it made me feel super stylish, despite the very hot temperatures.