Dressed – Design and Sew the Wardrobe For You – Book Review

Deer and Doe is a French independent sewing pattern company that was founded in 2012. The company designs easy-to-wear, modern patterns. Some patterns are more difficult than others, but all are very well-drafted and easy to follow. In 2019 the business partners, Eléonore Klein and Camille Barot, published “Dressed” in paperback and as a digital e-book in French. In 2020 they published the English version in digital form only and that is the book I will be reviewing for you.

The Book – Dressed

Dressed is a 222-page e-book that was written to help you to create a handmade capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile, coordinating pieces that can be mixed and matched to create many different looks. The pieces are usually more classic and less trendy so that they will have a timeless appeal. In this book, the designers have put together 9 patterns, each with two versions. These patterns can be made into at least 18 individual pieces and at least 100 complete looks. The patterns are: the t-shirt, the skirt, the dress, the blouse, the culottes, the pants, the mock-neck, the jacket, and the button-up blouse.

This book is big on “planning” which proved to be difficult for me. I have committed to trying to use fabrics that I already own. It was not easy to make coordinating pieces since the majority of my fabrics are prints. Because of this, I chose to make separates that I could add to my already existing wardrobe. Another area the authors suggest analyzing is lifestyle and the context in which your pieces will be worn. This can be by season, by event, by weather. Worksheets are included to simplify the process. There are sections on defining your style, finding your colors, making peace with your body, and my favorite – choosing the right fabric.

The Projects

As already stated, Dressed contains 9 downloadable patterns. These can be printed out on a home printer and taped together or at a copy shop in one large continuous sheet. I always just print mine out at home and tape them together. I decided to make 4 of the projects and they are: The t-shirt, the dress, the blouse and the skirt.

The T-Shirt

There was no question whatsoever as to whether or not I would make the t-shirt. I love a great t-shirt pattern and this is one of the best. It has a great fit and I am so happy I decided to tackle a v-neck. I hadn’t made one in a while and I am so happy with the way it turned out. I used a lovely AGF jersey knit and it has become one of my favorite tops.

The Dress

I chose to make the dress because I rarely wear dresses and I don’t really have many. The style of this pattern was interesting with the pieced sleeve. I was going to make a short dress which is what I usually wear, but I decided to make it a bit longer. I cut the pattern right between the two lengths, so it’s longer than the short version but shorter than the long version! The fabric I used was a beautiful FIGO rayon fabric with a lovely drape. I added a sash because I thought it would look nicer and I also paired it with a purchased belt.

The Blouse

The blouse pattern with its rounded hem was definitely on my radar. The question was, what fabric would I use? A floral rayon, a geometric lawn, or a solid linen? I went with a Riley Blake light indigo chambray. Perfect for warm summer days, it can be paired with a skirt, slacks, jeans or shorts.

The Skirt

Last but certainly not least – the skirt. Once again I added a few inches to the short skirt. I found the fit of this skirt to be a bit large but I enjoyed making my first lined, elastic-waist skirt. The instructions were very good as they were for all of the patterns. I have made a fitted, lined skirt with an invisible zipper and an elastic waist a-line skirt, but this was my first lined, elastic-waist skirt. I paired it with my beautiful Rifle Paper print rayon that I have been hoarding for a few years now. The colors on this fabric are even more vibrant in person. I used a china silk lining fabric in ivory and the skirt is the perfect weight. Not too heavy and not so light that it will go flying up in the wind.

If you’re looking for a book with patterns for items you will actually wear in a classic style, then this is the book for you. These pieces are timeless. There are multiple versions and some can be made with either wovens or knits. Each pattern comes with body and finished measurements in both metric and imperial systems, recommended fabrics and supplies and fabric requirements. There are also cutting layouts, line drawings, and multiple examples modeled by a lovely group of ladies.

Rounding out the book is a glossary and an adjustments guide. The guide includes instructions for lengthening and shortening sleeves and bodices, grading between sizes, and making bust adjustments.

I would love to know if you have this book or if you bought it and if you made any of the garments. Thank you for following me and I hope I encouraged you to…

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You can purchase this book and most others that I have reviewed (or plan to) here.

If you liked this review, you might be interested in this one too…

Sew Beautiful Book Review

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