Ready for the holidays? After Halloween is over, it seems like all the other ones are right on its heels. Look how prepared I am, I already made a party dress!
This is the Deer and Doe Arum Dress, a very quick project with zero closures. It has a loose fit that is subtly shaped by back princess seams. This incarnation feels sophisticated, but it seems like a very versatile pattern that could be casual in a different fabric.
I initially had a little trouble pulling it on, but I think I've got it figured out. However, if you're bustier, check the finished waist measurements to make sure you can get it on. The pattern calls for drapey fabric, but instead I used a nice crisp organza. As a result I get a bit of a hunchback if my posture isn't perfect. I think you'd need to be careful of your fabric choices with this one. You can see how much fabric is folded up around my shoulders, so I'd avoid anything too bulky.
So anyway, the organza is both underlined and lined with a polyester crepe de chine. I used to be anti-synthetic, but I've come around to some of them, especially for slippery linings and active wear (I ran in cotton shorts for a while, and it could be painful). This particular fabric is a nice quality, and I find it really comfortable to wear. Look, the hems are finished with GOLD LAMÉ BIAS TAPE.
Overall, I'm kind of lukewarm on this pattern. I love this dress and enjoyed making it, but I'm not crazy about the batwing look. It's an interesting style, but it's not my style. I dig the shape and simplicity of the dress, but the sleeves limit what I can wear over it.
Here are some more pictures.
Front -
Back -
Party on!