Hello!
I’m so pleased to be dropping by the Lamazi blog with such a vibrant make! I’m Abi from the What Abi Makes blog and YouTube channel or @whatabimakes on Instagram. Today I’m sharing my latest dressmaking project featuring some beautiful rayon fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics.
I’m reviewing the latest sewing pattern release from Deer & Doe, the Passiflore dress pattern. Passiflore is a belted coat dress with a relaxed fit, with a double breasted style button detail. It’s pretty much a mash up of a wrap dress and a shirt dress, my two favourite styles! I’ve made option B, a knee length, long sleeve version of the dress.
Before I get into the pattern, let's just take a moment to appreciate this truly stunning fabric! My favourite fabric to sew with and wear are rayon/viscose types. So when I saw that this beautiful blue floral print was rayon, I fell in love. I think it has a bit of a 60s vibe and I couldn't get over the colour palette. It's so unlike anything I own but I just thought it would make the loveliest shirt dress and would work well with my hair colour and skin tone. You can tell I may have leaned in to the 1960s secretary vibes I was feeling (and loving!).
Lets get into the pattern… I’d recommend Passiflore for sewists will a little more experience as this pattern showcases lots of different sewing techniques. Including sleeve cuff plackets, sewing a collar and button holes. But this pattern would be a great way to learn if you haven’t tackled those yet. The instructions are clear and the illustrations are helpful too.
Fit wise, I went by my bust measurement like I usually do. But because the dress is designed to have a relaxed fit, with simple princess seams and no buttons on the actual bust (for the dress version), so the fit for this is actually surprisingly simple. I could have sized down, but with the belt in place, I'm really happy with it.
I think the double breasted style button detail is an interesting design choice. Its something you're used to seeing on trench coats and I didn't know if I was going to like it for a dress. But now I've seen a few more versions on Instagram, it's grown on me. For mine, I raided my stash for buttons and as I'd chosen gold for my D rings on the belt, when I came across these vintage plastic and gold glitter buttons I knew it was meant to be. The perfect combo! As the fabric is so busy, they aren't too noticeable but when they do catch your eye it's a nice surprise.
In hindsight, I would have used a heavier weight interfacing for my belt selection as with just light weight interfacing, the belt feels more like a tie because it doesn't hold it's shape very well or sit flat against my body. Next time I sew a belt I'll be sure to use something sturdier. And yes, I did have to watch a tutorial on how to tie a D ring belt…
Overall, I'm really proud of this dress. I think this pattern and fabric are a match made in sewing heaven. I love the 60s vibes and it feels like it could be a true vintage piece. It's so comfortable to wear and will be perfect for warmer months and but I can definitely see myself pairing this with black tights and a leather jacket for Autumn. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on more Art Gallery rayon fabrics as this was a dream to sew with.
Thanks for reading!
Abi xo
