Sewing Patterns by Masin Dayo Dress & Blouse

The Dayo dress was my first summer make this year and it's been a great addition to my handmade wardrobe. I found the instructions for this pattern really good, with detailed descriptions and digital illustrations. The design features that sold this pattern to me were the 'neckline tucks', which effectively act as mini bust darts and also the shirring at the waist and wrists. As I had a bit more fabric than I needed I added an extra tier to the bottom of the dress.

I did need to do a full bust adjustment, and I enjoyed the challenge of figuring this out using those 'neckline tucks'. The end result was spot on and after I made a toile of the bodice (making my usual changes - including narrowing the shoulders and shortening the bodice) I jumped straight into making the dress. I would definitely recommend a drapey fabric for this dress, I don't think it would work well in anything structured - a viscose or crepe would be perfect.

I decided to do French seams for this dress as I'm making it for a wedding next year and wanted to spend the extra time on getting a good finish. I'm really glad I did as it looks beautifully finished inside. If you haven't tried shirring before I would definitely recommend practicing it on some scrap fabric, it look a couple of tries before I got the hang of it!

Notes: I made a size M and my body measurements are bust 39" (needed to do an FBA), waist 30" and hips 39".

The Dayo dress was my first summer make this year and it's been a great addition to my handmade wardrobe. I found the instructions for this pattern really good, with detailed descriptions and digital illustrations. The design features that sold this pattern to me were the 'neckline tucks', which effectively act as mini bust darts and also the shirring at the waist and wrists. As I had a bit more fabric than I needed I added an extra tier to the bottom of the dress.

I did need to do a full bust adjustment, and I enjoyed the challenge of figuring this out using those 'neckline tucks'. The end result was spot on and after I made a toile of the bodice (making my usual changes - including narrowing the shoulders and shortening the bodice) I jumped straight into making the dress. I would definitely recommend a drapey fabric for this dress, I don't think it would work well in anything structured - a viscose or crepe would be perfect.

I decided to do French seams for this dress as I'm making it for a wedding next year and wanted to spend the extra time on getting a good finish. I'm really glad I did as it looks beautifully finished inside. If you haven't tried shirring before I would definitely recommend practicing it on some scrap fabric, it look a couple of tries before I got the hang of it!

Notes: I made a size M and my body measurements are bust 39" (needed to do an FBA), waist 30" and hips 39".

The Dayo blouse was my first autumn make this year and it's such a great addition to my wardrobe.
My aim this year is to wear more colour during the colder months and cut back on the all black.

I used roughly 1,6 m of a viscose crepe in bright red. The weight and drape of the fabric is perfect for this pattern, it was also pretty easy to work with and has a nice texture.

I cut a size S (for reference, my measurements are 85/67/95 cm) and shortened the sleeves by 5 cm. In retrospect I could have gone with the size XS for the version of the pattern. Because the neckline wasn't high I opted to cut the back piece on the fold instead of leaving the keyhole opening. Once I figured out the the right tension on my machine for the shirring details everything came together really smoothly and quickly (3 to 4 hours max). The instructions were also clear and easy to understand.

I can't wait to tackle the dress version of the Dayo in the near future!

Loved this pattern when I first saw it and haven't been disappointed.

I lengthened the bodice and sleeves as I usually have to due to a long body and long arms but otherwise it was true to size and no other adjustments were necessary. The back closure is with a hook and eye which ensures the neckline lays flat - wasn't sure about that at first as I would have preferred a button and loop but it ended up being the best solution and stopped it being bulky at the centre back. Instructions were very comprehensive and detailed so made the whole sewing experience enjoyable.

I used a lovely crepe from Atelier Brunette which gave me the drapey blouson look I was aiming for - I'm really pleased with the result and will definitely make another.