Frocktober - Amanda's gorgeous Deer + Doe Belladone Dress

Our final Frocktober Guest Post is our lovely customer and friend Amanda. We've seen Amanda's sewing skills blossom over the last couple of years. She's been able to create some really beautiful clothes custom-fitted to her tall, slender frame. She really is one of the nicest human beings you could possibly hope to meet and is always generously thinking of others, so we were pleased to encourage her to do some selfish sewing for Frocktober. Amanda doesn't have her own blog so we welcome her to ours, with her stunning new frock!

The Drapery kindly invited me to be one of their Frocktober friends. Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose and is rarely caught early. Its impact can be widespread and devastating. By supporting Frocktober we're raising awareness and much needed funds for research and support.

The pattern I chose was the Deer & Doe Belladone which I've made once before. I really love the feature back and of course the pockets! 

The only alteration I made was to add 2cm across the centre front. I'm sure it would have fit fine without this change but I do like some wine and cheese wiggle room! Despite having made the dress before I had a lapse in concentration (read: went rogue from the instructions) and accidentally laid the upper back pieces underneath instead of over top. Of course I didn't notice until after I'd completely finished the bodice! After some choice cursing, dedicated unpicking and a mercy dash to The Drapery for more fabric, I was on my way again.

When it came to picking my fabric, it really was a no-brainer. I only discovered Nani Iro in the last few years but it has become my firm favourite. The designs are stunning, the quality excellent and the fabric feels lovely. I quickly made a bee-line to this brush strokes linen/cotton (soon to be back in stock at The Drapery!). In order to make best use of the beautiful pattern placement, I broke a sewing rule and cut the entire dress across the grain. Despite the rule breaking causing high anxiety, it turned out fine! I made sure to give the fabric a really good pre-wash and it didn't have too much give in it anyway.

 Is that an under-stitched, handsewn bound hem I (don't) hear you ask? Yes, yes it is. I'm a bit of an incurable perfectionist and can't help myself with the details. I didn't know Birch made 100% cotton ready-made bias tape and I'm definitely a convert (it's also the perfect weight for double gauze).

I'm really happy with how this dress turned out - I absolutely love it. Big thanks to the lovely Jane and Fiona at The Drapery for inviting me to be involved in this project. Life hasn't exactly gone to plan of late and it was really nice to take some time out and make something just for me. I appreciate you guys more than you know. Also thanks to my husband who took these photos. I'm uncomfortable with posed photos and he had the patience of a saint.

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Thank you so much Amanda for being a part of Frocktober at The Drapery! 

Deer and Doe patterns including the beautiful Belladone are sold only through brick & mortar retail stores so you can buy them from us in person, or by calling us on 08 7324 5883 (Wed - Fri 10 - 4, Sat 12 - 4), or email us on info@thedrapery.com.au .

Don't forget the 10% Frocktober discount applies to frock pattern + fabric purchases all this month, in store or online using the code FROCKTOBER. $2 from every Frocktober special purchase is donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

- Fiona & Jane xx