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Sep
6
Confession: I can’t sew.
Maybe that is a bit harsh. Let’s try that again, “I can’t sew with ease.”
Emily {suzanne}, on the other hand, doesn’t sew {at least with a machine}.
My first adventure in using a sewing machine dates back to the good ‘ole high school years. I was taking a class and chose to sew a jumper with scarecrow printed fabric. And for some reason {cough, cough}, the scarecrows on the completed back bodice were upside down. Since then, the adventures have been too many to list, but let’s just say – oftentimes my seam ripper is used more than my needle. But, I have the desire to become a better seamstress…even if I have to work harder at it than most.
Which, brings me to my happy place: Oliver and S patterns, and one of their newest releases, the Library Dress {Oliver and S introductory post found here}. And it is a happy place for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost: Oliver and S patterns give me the confidence I desperately need to complete a professional, well-constructed garment.
This pattern has pleats and no gathers at the waistline….and, as an added bonus: no big bow. My condolences to all those big bow lovers out there. We chose to sew the collared version with short sleeves.
For those who regularly follow our blog, you know we tend toward solids and simple fabrics. Because of this, I’ve decided we are “pattern lovers” more than “fabric hoarders.” We wanted to truly appreciate the Library Dress and not get lost in a lot of ‘fuss’. I mean…look at this pattern, look at the lines on this pattern . . .gorgeousness!
We decided stripes might be a nice way to accentuate the lines of the Library Dress, while not losing the pattern design within the fabric. That, and the fact I’ve been dreaming in stripes. Much to my chagrin however, stripes do not come in all sizes and colors, so the collar and waistband stripes were a tad larger than our original vision. Then, we went to “the dark side” {for us} and added a pop of neon with the piping and covered buttons!
It was an eye-opening experience {yes, that pun is intended}, especially upon taking the bolt of fabric off the shelf at Joann’s and getting a good view of the neon. After a few deep breaths and some giggles, we loved the results!
I know all of you are dying to know how easy it was to sew! Easy – peasy. I may have actually spent more time fussy-cutting the stripes than sewing. Maybe. I only used my seam ripper twice. . .and one time was on a basting stitch, so that doesn’t count, right? The Oliver and S Library Dress pattern is rated 2 scissors, which I would classify as appropriate for an ‘advanced beginner.’ I would encourage anyone reading this to go for it! If you get stuck at any point while sewing the Library Dress, Oliver and S has an incredibly helpful forum that will get you through any roadblock you are up against.
Still concerned that this pattern may be a little out of your sewing league at present? Try starting with a one scissor pattern! Rumor has it that the music box jumper is a great place to start! In fact, it’s on our to do list…soon! If you want to learn to sew, and have no one to teach you, let these patterns be your teacher. Not only does Liesl give you fantastic instructions, she also includes helpful hints along the way to improve your sewing techniques, as opposed to your dancing moves!
So do you have a favorite of the three patterns Oliver and S has just released?
Specifications:
2T, lengthened to 3T
used corded piping rather than flat piping
hem stitched by hand
fabrics: Riley Blake {solid navy and stripes}, neon (JoAnns)
Speaking of learning, stay tuned to see how I fared sewing my first knits using the Playtime Dress, Tunic and Leggings Pattern in the upcoming days. . .
** Please note: The Oliver and S, Library Dress was given to us, but as always everything written is our honest opinions. And, it just might have made someone “dance for joy” before the photo shoot was completed…
26 Comments
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That’s a lovely dress! I really like the tiny neon accents. I fell in love with this same pattern. I ordered it in both sizes (the joys of having a 2 year old and an almost 6 year old) as soon as it became available! Now, I’m thinking matching dresses… They love matching.
I also really like the art museum vest + trousers. If only my girls weren’t such dress/skirt lovers. I’ve never done a welt pocket and would love to try it with Oliver + S holding my hand! Hmmm, maybe I could change the trousers into a skirt…
We are the dress/skirt lovers here….with nieces that live a distance away, it takes some of the thought process and measurements out of it!
Well done! I would say you both can certainly sew!!
It’s a lovely version and, as usual, I do love your fabric selection!
The neon piping and buttons really make it more modern (although I do love the vintage vibe of this pattern).
I’ve downloaded the other 2 Oliver + S patterns (playtime because of the Japanese inspiration tunic/dress and art museum for the “unisex” trousers).
I’m refraining myself from getting more dress patterns – I have a bunch of lovely ones that will definitely be on my fall/winter sewing list
Awwww, you might cave yet :)!
Love the pattern and your take on it with the stripes and neon accents. Just beautiful!
Beautifully made as always!. I love the contrasting green neon accent and that you are trying new things.
I LOVE this! To be honest, I wasn’t over the moon with the new releases, but seeing this gets me really excited. Isn’t it amazing what a different fabric can do for a dress? It’s like when you go house hunting and aren’t in love with a house because of the paint color and then change it and fall in love again. And you know how I feel about piping……..divine. Definitely adds a bit of modern color pop. Great job, ladies!!
We love showing off a pattern’s lines….like yours – they are too good NOT to highlight :). Embracing the solids here…
This is my favorite version so far! You really highlighted the features of the pattern so well.
Very classy! I like the nautical vibe and the perfect placement of the buttons on the white stripes in the back!
I totally know what you mean about shopping for striped fabrics, not coming in all sizes and colors, it can get disappointing.
Can’t wait to see your version of the Playtime pattern.
Your bold flowers were great as well…. I’m always amazed at how a change in fabric makes the pattern take on a whole new look!
The neon addition was just the perfect touch. Once again you two have created another beautiful garment!
This is definitely my favorite of the new patterns. The stripes and classic colors work perfectly with the modern neon accent. I’m starting to embrace the neon a bit. I haven’t used it yet. But inspiration is coming
And you can definitely sew. I’ve sewn most of my life and I still use my seam ripper all the time
ah simply stunning!
This is just such a lovely dress and neon was a perfect added touch! Very true to your style but adding something new too.
I’m not normally a fan of neon, but it looks really good here. I love the striped collar and waistband with the solid bodice. And what a darling EA is! =)
I’ve been itching to get myself to a computer all day to read this post! The dress is so cute! I love the neon! I have to say, I was worried when you said, “neon” and even more worried that you were worried about whether or not you would like the finished product. I love it! LOVE LOVE LOVE! That neon green just pops perfectly against the dark blue. Too perfect! And the stripes are awesome. They do exactly what you wanted them too. This is one of those dresses that I want to make– and make exactly the same way you did. I’m pinning this one to my “someday when I have a girl” board on pinterest so I can replicate it. Amazing job ladies!
We worried ourselves by saying NEON. Seriously! But the outcome didn’t require sunglasses, so it was all good. Thanks for such a sweet comment regarding making one someday….
This is a lovely dress. It’s exactly what I would have liked to make myself.
Of the three new patterns, I want one for the welt pocket instructions, another for the leggings and this one cause I just like it. I’ve turned into a bit of a stamp collector with regard to these patterns, I want to have them all.
And you always do such lovely creations using the patterns, so I can see why you ‘need’ them all!!
Thank you all for such lovely comments!! We were thrilled with the results AND our niece’s reaction to it…
I love this dress. I have a confession for you, I have never sewn an Oliver +S pattern. Al and I each have one that we purchased but have been to scared to mess up the pattern so it just stays in the pattern stash.
Oh girl….take the O+S “LEAP”!! There is NO WAY you can mess it up… Which one did you two buy??
I LOVE your version of this dress! The stripes, navy and white, your trip to the dark side with the pop of neon green…all of it comes together to make an adorable dress.:)
So cute! Love your version and the pics. I am not good at setting in sleeves, though the pinwheel tunic I just finished has the smoothest sleeve cap I’ve ever sewn.