When the Davenport dress by Friday Pattern Company launched recently I was instantly taken by it. It looked to me like a dress that would work for the winter of Auckland but still give me the boho vibes of summer I am now missing… and I wasn’t wrong.

The style of the dress is fairly simple but it has some really lovely features that gives it a little bit of an edge in my opinion.

The ruffle shoulder for one is just gorgeous but I especially love the construction of the back yoke and bodice which gathers to create a really pretty style.

The dress has the required poofy sleeves and a ruffled skirt to create that chilled out style in a dressier dress that could be made up or down.

I’ve now made two of these, one wearable muslin and one in some gorgeous silk cotton mix fabric and I really enjoy the style. Dressed up with tights and some heels both of my versions are totally office friendly but I also know come the Spring I will be rocking them with my birkies <3

Friday Pattern Co describes the dress as the perfect throw on and go dress and I 100% agree. The sleeves are full and in the pattern features a ruffled elasticated cuff and the flutter at the sleeve is super cute.

 The hemline of the pattern hits just above the knee, but with the ruffled style this would be easy to turn into a maxi (in fact, I might just need to do that..!)

 The neckline on the front bodice gathers at the neck with an elasticated casing to give comfort while wearing and the gathers give a pretty effect. The waist gathers with a waistline tie in a casing which nips it in for a flattering shape. There are no zips or buttons on this dress and so it’s great if you prefer to steer away from closures!

My first Davenport dress was made in a self spot cotton shirting. I love the way the dress looks but I’ll be honest it isn’t the most comfortable to wear. The fabric is a little bit too stiff and although that creates a fab skirt ruffle, it’s not so comfy to wear. I’m going to try and solve this problem… (anyone know how to soften a stiff cotton please let me know!)

My original plan for my Davenport however was always this beautiful silk cotton floral fabric that I bought from The Fabric Box in Auckland. Its sheer and floaty, pretty and soft… and I think made for a dress just like this.

I didn’t waste any time moving on to this fabric but I did make a few changes to the sleeves. When I was wearing by black cotton version I decided that 1, the sleeves weren’t full enough and 2. I didn’t like the ruffle -elastic cuff.

I took to my McCalls M7969 for inspiration and slashed and spread my sleeve to add fullness, with a bit more at the back of the sleeve and I also chose to gather the sleeve cuff/hem into a bias bound finish, eliminating the elastic and the ruffle here. Personally I think this worked a treat and if I make more of this dress then I will do this again.

I really enjoyed sewing up this dress. It’s one of those patterns that is so well drafted and instructed that it really makes you feel like a sewing superstar. I love how it’s style can transcend the seasons and give me a good boho ruffle that can be worn in the winter.

I have a heap of ideas for hacking this pattern in my head.. A maxi version may well be next on my Davenport dress sewing list, but also a sleevess version with that flutter finish for the summer will be perfect I think!

Friday Pattern Company says that the Davenport Dress is suitable for all skill levels and I would whole heartedly agree with that…. So what are you waiting for.. Get to it 😉