A Spring-Time Apple-Picking Dress

Everytime I make a new Oliver & S Pattern, I wonder why I ever bother with other patterns.  Everything always comes together so perfectly and the fit is always right on, not to mention that the directions are clear and is supported by concise pictures and diagrams.  The Apple -Picking Dress is no exception. 

I've hoarded this fabric in my stash for quite a while until this pattern came along.  It's called Bliss by Bonnie and Camille for Moda.  I just love the combination of aqua and red.  Looking at this fabric makes me happy and reminds me of springtime and sunshine.

 

The Size 3 on my 4 year old is a teensy bit short but fits perfectly everywhere else.

 

She loves the dress too because it is twirly with the double flounce on the skirt and has a big bow, not to mention the little red flower buttons that perfectly match the flowers on the fabric.

 On to my next Oliver & S creation.

I Heart Heather Ross

I started this bag a couple of weeks ago and just finished it last night.  The pattern is the messenger bag from LIttle Things to Sew.  It's really not my style to let something remain unfinished for so long.  Once I start on something, I tend to obsess about it until it's done.  Not so with this bag.  This was a leisurely sew, an hour or two here and there.  I had time for other things, like going to bed early and hanging out with the husband in front of the TV.

I used the same fabric combination as the bear carrier, Heather Ross Far Far Away 2.  The bias trim, lining, and straps were made from Liz Scott Sugar Pop.  It's a cute little bag, with an empasis on little.  But it fits S perfectly.  She can probably pack her extra clothes for preschool and a couple of smallish books in there.

So after finishing this bag last night at around 11pm, I saw that I still had quite a bit of bias tape left over.  Of course bias tape should never be wasted.  And so I has to make this:

With a real waist band and button closure.  Almost like a grown up skirt.  It was 1:30 am when my head finally hit the pillow.  So much for leisurely sewing.

My Productive Week Continues

I completed two more shirts, both are from the Oliver & S Ice Cream Social pattern. The first one that I made was inspired --ok, copied--from this. The fabric is different, mine I got on super sale from my local going out of business craft store that I've mentioned previously. It's called Dream a Little Dream from In the Beginning fabrics. Notice that the notch is ommitted from the neckline.

This version was made from Lisette Voile, designed by Liesl Gibson of Oliver & S.

Here is a picture of the red Lisette. Sorry about the clashing patterns.

And a final picture of the yellow Dream a Little Dream. This pattern is perfect as a playtime staple. Comfy, casual, but stylish all at once. And pretty darn easy to make as well.

Day 5: Oliver & S Ice Cream Shirt

Day 3 and 4 of the Kid's Clothes Week Challenge was a bust. Baby B. turned into a teething monster who woke up every 2 to 3 hours at night and was a drooling clingy mess during the day. Needless to say I did not get much done. Thankfully she is back to her normal happy self and even slept for 6 hours straight last night.

I've had this Anna Maria Horner Little Folk Voile in my stash for quite a while. I think the flowy style of the Oliver & S Ice Cream Blouse really shows off the fabric nicely.

This is a size 3T and fits S. perfectly. I'm hoping it will last her through the summer at least.

oliver and s school days coat

i'm finally done with the oliver and s coat! it took me awhile just because i kept making silly and careless mistakes. first off, i somehow missed cutting the placket and didn't realize this until i was almost finished with the coat. the other mistake that i made was that i cut the cords a half inch too short, and of course when i tried to button the jacket, the placket ended up looking puckered.

anyhow, here are the details. i used a double faced designer wool melton and a fun amy butler quilted weight from the midwest modern line. The wool was beautiful to work with and ironed really well, although the bulk was a bit problematic at times. the pattern did say to use a walking foot for thicker fabrics, but because i didn't have one on hand, i just used an ordinary one. it worked fine but i am definitely saving up for a walking foot.

all in all i am pretty happy with the result. the coat is just a bit too big so hopefully it will last s this winter and next. i gave it to s today and she loves it! she kept saying thank you and even gave me a kiss. so all the time and effort was worth it just for that.

Next up is a made by rae toddler backpack for one of s's little friends who is having a birthday this coming weekend. i guess i'll have to get busy...