Double gauzey: A Nani Iro Myosotis Dress

Most of my sewing this year has been from our own patterns, but one release did catch my eye in a "must purchase and make at all costs" sort of way. Like many of you, I was romanced by the Myositis Dress when it was released by Deer & Doe this year, in particular, that lovely white ruffled sample. While I wouldn't necessarily put myself in the feminine ruffle camp, something about the simplicity of their white sample caught my eye.

Initially, I planned on making one for myself in white linen, but I already have quite a few white linen dresses in my closet. In an attempt to tackle my stash, I decided to whip one up with a white and gold Nani Iro double gauze I bought at Stitch Sew Shop a few years ago. It feels so good to finally find the right pattern for it.

I juuuust barely managed to get this cut out from the narrow three yards I had purchased and had to do some extremely creative placement, including cutting quite a few pieces on the opposite grain. I wasn't too concerned with print matching, but I did try to utilize the grey floral bit running along the selvage in an intentional way along the sleeve and hem. The instructions were great, but boy oh boy, I'm not sure I've ever done so much gathering in my life on one project. To speed things up, I gathered using a new-to-me technique, where you zig zag stitch over a cord or piece of dental floss to create a simple gathering channel. If you're interested in seeing how this works, I filmed a mini tutorial for our Instagram stories, and it's now permanently saved to our profile.

The fit on this is really great (I made a straight size 42). The bodice fit perfectly out of the package, and I adore the neckline and proportion of the skirt. What I didn't love was those ruffled sleeves. I felt a bit like Marie Antoinette, and not in a dreamy Sofia Coppola sort of way; all the gathers just felt too fussy and girly for my style. I tried wearing it a few times but never left the house wearing it since I felt too much like a really overgrown doll.

Just this week I decided to take action, and cut off the ruffled sleeves, so it looks more like View B. It still feels sweet and romantic, but in a way that feels more appropriate for my more minimalistic style. I wore it to work yesterday and was quite happy flouncing around wearing it; the shape of the skirt is perfect for twirling. The fabric has a great body and texture, much crisper than other double gauzes I've sewn with, and I like how it creates a more structured shape. I can't find this prnt anywhere but this shop has loads of Nani Iro double gauzes. Here it is post-sleeve chop:

Have you made the Myositis dress yet? How do you feel about lots of gathers?

Details: Myosotis Dress from Deer & Doe, Nani Iro fabric, Lucia block heels from Nisolo.