Amber's Holiday Horse Melilot

A few weeks ago I chose the Melilot pattern from Deer & Doe as my holiday gift suggestion, and I really couldn't stop thinking about making myself one! This navy horse print arrived at the shop with riders bedecked in red, white and green. I decided to pair it with the Melilot pattern to make the perfect top for casual holiday get-togethers.

Pattern: Deer & Doe Melilot, Version B
Size Made: 40 bust/42 hip (Drafted between sizes)
Fabric: 1.25 yds of the Amherst Stretch Twill in Jockey Navy fabric, 1 pkg Brass Snap Fasteners size 16
Modifications: None

I stitched up Version B of Melilot with short cuffed sleeves and Mandarin collar. The shape of this button up is so comfy yet flattering--slightly oversized, but with curved side seams as well as bust darts for a bit of shape. I love the hemline, but...dang is that curved hem a tough one to turn under and sew. I think it is well written in the pattern, the way Eléonore has you stitch the hem each time you fold it. Next time to really make things easy I think I'll finish the hem with a narrow bias tape. For me, bias tape on curved hems keeps the crying to a minimum.

I traced out my pattern grading it between two sizes, a size 40 bust and 42 hip. My bust measures between sizes 38 and 40, and my hips measure between 40 and 42. I intended to go with the smaller sizes since this fabric has a little stretch, but I guess I wasn't paying enough attention when tracing out my pattern! I like the fit of the one I went with so it all worked out!

Melilot was impressively simple and fast to make. I sped up the process even more by installing brass snaps instead of buttons. Snaps might be my new best friend. You get to use a hammer and it's finished in no time!

I may have made this as my holiday shirt but I love it so much I plan to wear this thing year round.

I highly recommend the Melilot pattern. Total win. I see a lot more of them in my future and I can't wait to make the long sleeved version!