Fall Style Blog Tour: Bruyere Meets Plaid

I’m excited to kick off our Fall Style Blog Tour today! The first of thirteen stops visiting some of our favorite sewing bloggers and pattern designers; I can’t wait to follow along with all of you and see what what everyone has sewn up for their fall wardrobe.

Of course, I didn’t want to be left out in all the sewing fun! I decided to ease into my fall sewing with one of my favorite fall designs, PLAID. Available in a multitude of fabric types, color combinations and patterns, the possibilities seem endless. There are so many great ideas online and in fashion for skirts, dresses, scarves and tops but I decided to keep it simple with a classic button up… with a twist!

I often hear that people are scared to sew with plaids, just too many lines to match. I was one of those people! My best advise is to face your fear and dive in; after a couple of projects you get the hang of it and it will no longer be an issue. Plus, you will have some stunning garments with perfectly matching seams to show off to anyone who will listen! There were a couple of blog posts that really helped me- one super simple, the other more complicated. I found that a happy medium is best, be precise but don’t overthink it! One other trick I learned, put some pieces on the bias. It adds some interest and keeps you from having to match all the plaids!

Deer and Doe Bruyere Shirt Pattern

For my pattern, we just received a selection of Deer and Doe sewing patterns from France and I completely fell in love with the Bruyere Shirt! A more feminine take on the button up shirt, the Bruyere is nicely fitted across the bust and waist and had some box pleats giving the skirt a bit more body and movement. For my fabric, I picked a gorgeous rayon shirting with a really nice weight and drape. Heavier like a flannel, this fabric is perfect for the cooler weather that fall brings. Did I mention the colors? Not only is the fabric the perfect weight and texture, it also combines my favorite fall colors- plum, pumpkin and a touch of mustard!

I sewed up my Bruyere over the course of a couple evenings. Having sewn an Archer Shirt in the past, construction was pretty straight forward and easy to follow. This was my first Deer and Doe pattern and I was not disappointed. I find that the extra details really make the difference and this Bruyere pattern is full of them. Simple steps that really give your garment a very profession look and finish.

There were only a few changes that I made in the process. The first came in the sizing- based on my measurements I was right between the 40 and the 42. I decided to cut the bodice of my top out for the 40 and taper it out at the waist to the 42. I then cut all the pieces waist down for the 42. This gave me a kind of hybrid size that fit really well!

My other change came at the sleeve cuffs. I love the look of the sleeve slit and placket included in the pattern but when I went to sew it I had a horrible time. It was late and I was running short on time, so rather than push through and figure it out I used the technique that I already knew from my past Archer. No harm, no foul and it saved me some time and aggravation. I will definitely revisit it and figure it out when I can focus and experiment a bit more. I also used a few less buttons than the pattern called for, again no biggie but I wanted to make sure and mention it.

Now for the finished results! I am in love with this pattern and this shirt! The tunic length is perfect to pair with skinny jeans or leggings. I completed the look with some fall boots and am ready for the fall weather. The fit of the shirt is perfect with the alterations I made. There is a little something funky going on at the back of the shoulder but nothing that I can’t live with. Maybe I’ll tackle that fix in a future version. Oh, and there will be a future version! I’m thinking flannel… warm, cozy flannel! Or maybe more plaid, or both!

Here are a few of my other favorites. Check out our amazing assortment of plaids HERE.

One last look at my Bruyere shirt. I think I am going to be living in this one all season! It is so comfy and the fabric feels amazing.

Be sure to follow along with us as the Fall Style Blog Tour continues tomorrow with Day 2. We will be visiting Lindsey from Inside the Hem to see what she has been busing sewing! We can’t wait to see her video post!

Happy Fall!

Michelle