• Home
  • Blog
    • Frances Suzanne
    • Flip this Pattern
  • Flip this Pattern
    • Overview
    • Competitor Flips
    • Sew-Alongs
  • Tutorials
    • Sewing
    • Smocking
    • Free Patterns
  • Heirloom
  • Recipes
  • Contact



Mar
27

13 Comments

Oliver + S: Garden Party Dress {Spring Pattern Preview}


It’s done! And we haven’t had this sort of response from our niece about a garment sewn for her since……well, it’s been quite some time……

When we received the Oliver + S, Garden Party Dress, discussions ensued: Would a smocked option really work with this pattern? How would the construction {note: not our strongest suit with smocked garments} be once it was smocked? So, after a few emails back and forth with Liesl, we decided that we would take the challenge and smock the Garden Party Dress.

Believe it or not, it was quite simple. Truly, it was. 
Time-consuming {as all smocking projects are}…but simple.
In order for the Garden Party Dress to be smocked, a few modifications had to be made. 

We cut the front skirt 9.5″ off the fold {adding 19″ in width to that pattern piece}. Typically, yoke to smocked skirt ratios are a little greater than 4:1. Our “jedi master”, who pleats garments for us, recommended using the entire width of 45″ fabric {which we came close to doing}.

Next,  draw the waistband on the pre-pleated dress – ensuring that the pleats extend well past the area that needs to be smocked. 

Pleat past the area you want to smock – this will help the pleats and gathers lay smoothly underneath the waistband. **Technically, we didn’t pleat down as far as we should have and think the gathers would have laid better, had we done this.**

As you select the smocking plate to use, be cognizant of the curved yoke area of the garment.

*Note: the waistband could be redrawn without the curve if needed, based on the smocking plate. Or, you could smock and not add the waistband for a completely different “look” to the Garden Party Dress.

For this garment, we tried a new smocking technique for us: the pintuck smocking variation {Sew Beautiful, February/March 2014 p. 49-51}. It took some getting used to…somewhat smocking in columns, instead of rows…but we really liked the texture it gave to the front skirt when it was completed. 

This smocking plate seemed to really accentuate the curve of the front waistband, and we were pleased with learning a new technique in the process.

Besides the smocking modification, we added eyelet lace to sleeves instead of hemming them. To do this, we cut off 3/8″ along capped area before adding eyelet lace.

The dress was lengthened as well. We added a 2.5″ band at the base of the skirt. Length was added to create a fancier version of this pattern, as well as increasing the time frame EA could wear it. A win for us!!

*Note: it would have been much easier to just add length to the skirt pattern piece…not create a band….but, we failed to think through that aspect before cutting. Still, when it was said and done, the change of stripe direction added a little interest at the hem and it matched the waistband!

Sewing the Garden Party Dress is not a hard sew, but looks so professional when you finish!!

As for what our opinionated niece thought of it???
SHE. LOVED. IT.
Absolutely loved it.
Sparkling eyes….
Holding the skirt in what some might consider a “partial curtsy”…over and over and over again!
I look like Cinderella!
Begging not to take it off…
Asking when and where she could wear it…
Do I just get to wear it to the garden?? Can I wear it to school?? Can I wear it to church??
**Please ignore the incorrect grammar…..she’s three, people….**
The Works.
As long as all new attire doesn’t have to remind her of certain princesses, we’ll be okay!
Liesl….you better not have set a precedence for this….

** Please note: The Oliver and S, Garden Party Dress / Blouse was generously given to us, 
but as always everything written is our honest opinions.



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...




Tweet


13 Comments



sallyavena
9 yearss ago


So lovely as usual! I can’t believe how big she looks in these pictures! She’s growing up fast!

(Reply)

Bernadette Reinecke
9 yearss ago


This is really lovely. I like this better than the gathered version :)

(Reply)

Charity
9 yearss ago


That is beautiful! I love the smocking on this dress. The colors along with the longer length and the eyelet trim really are fit for a princess. Lovely. =)

(Reply)

Cindy
9 yearss ago


Love, love, love the smocking! The dress is gorgeous and fit for a princess.:)

(Reply)

Joy Candrian
9 yearss ago


Beautiful and classic…good job on the smocking!
http://xoxograndma.blogspot.com/

(Reply)

Jennifer Lachman
9 yearss ago


One of these days I’m going to get brave enough to try smocking. I’m just not sure when that day is going to be yet. The dress is so sweet.

(Reply)

motherof5
9 yearss ago


Beautifully made.

(Reply)

carin van den berg
9 yearss ago


I love the smocking and color choices beautiful as always!

(Reply)

Suzanne
9 yearss ago


Gorgeous! I just bought the pattern and can’t wait to make it. Don’t think I’ll try the smocking though!

(Reply)

Karen
9 yearss ago


I’m with your niece! The dress is absolutely gorgeous and I wouldn’t want to take it off either! Once again, you have enticed me to purchase a pattern I wasn’t going to get and really, truly, positively don’t need. Now I NEED that pattern! You brought the hidden beauty out of this. O+S should pay you to advertise their patterns. Every one of the ones I have, I purchased because of your beautiful interpretations of the designs. You are inspirations!

(Reply)

    FrancesSuzanne
    9 yearss ago


    Oh Karen….you are too, too sweet {and completely made our day}!! Coming from someone who knows her heirloom, we take this as a huge compliment!!

    (Reply)

FrancesSuzanne
9 yearss ago


Thanks everyone!! If only we could get this kind of response every time we sew for our niece….:)…. It was priceless!

(Reply)

Heirloom Techniques: Smocked Dress Round-Up | Blog | Oliver + S
9 yearss ago


[…] First up, we have Ashley and Emily with a light blue striped Garden Party Dress for spring. The bodice panel was pleated and smocked instead of gathered. More details about the modifications made to this dress and some close up photos of the smocking can be found on their blog. […]

(Reply)


Leave a Reply









  Cancel Reply

  • Recent Comments

    • Broadway Fabrics on The Building Block Dress: Design Challenge
    • FrancesSuzanne on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
    • designdreamer on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
    • Lightning McStitch on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
    • Jenny on Sewing for Disney: Sleeping Beauty
  • Subscribe Via Email

  • Find us on Facebook

  • Follow Us on Pinterest

    2280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 443132280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 44313White melamine craft room with raised panel door and drawer fronts and crown molding. Multiple workstations and large island for crafting while standing.
    This is carol byert fallerts studio plans, i like the sitting area, sometimes you just need to think, or read, or look at reference books ds or a laptop.note open space around island work areas.
    Inspiration for the Oliver + S Building Block Dress book.Vintage Pattern Butterick 3312 Girls' Dress 60s Size 6X by La-Prairie-Lady, via FlickrYUMMY! Why carry a plain, boring veggie tray when you can carry colorful, delicious Veggie Bars to your next get-together!
    Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins
  • Oldies, But Goodies

    <
    2021
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    ▼
    >
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb1 Post
    Mar4 Posts
    Apr6 Posts
    May0 Posts
    Jun0 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep0 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan9 Posts
    Feb7 Posts
    Mar7 Posts
    Apr3 Posts
    May1 Post
    Jun1 Post
    Jul1 Post
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov1 Post
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb0 Posts
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May2 Posts
    Jun12 Posts
    Jul12 Posts
    Aug1 Post
    Sep6 Posts
    Oct3 Posts
    Nov1 Post
    Dec11 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb1 Post
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr4 Posts
    May7 Posts
    Jun5 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep0 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan3 Posts
    Feb4 Posts
    Mar5 Posts
    Apr3 Posts
    May2 Posts
    Jun4 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug1 Post
    Sep2 Posts
    Oct1 Post
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan1 Post
    Feb2 Posts
    Mar2 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May4 Posts
    Jun9 Posts
    Jul8 Posts
    Aug10 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct2 Posts
    Nov3 Posts
    Dec3 Posts
    Jan6 Posts
    Feb16 Posts
    Mar13 Posts
    Apr15 Posts
    May5 Posts
    Jun8 Posts
    Jul11 Posts
    Aug2 Posts
    Sep1 Post
    Oct2 Posts
    Nov5 Posts
    Dec5 Posts
    Jan18 Posts
    Feb12 Posts
    Mar13 Posts
    Apr16 Posts
    May12 Posts
    Jun17 Posts
    Jul18 Posts
    Aug16 Posts
    Sep21 Posts
    Oct15 Posts
    Nov10 Posts
    Dec6 Posts
    Jan9 Posts
    Feb6 Posts
    Mar6 Posts
    Apr6 Posts
    May11 Posts
    Jun17 Posts
    Jul19 Posts
    Aug14 Posts
    Sep18 Posts
    Oct10 Posts
    Nov16 Posts
    Dec17 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb0 Posts
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May0 Posts
    Jun9 Posts
    Jul8 Posts
    Aug5 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct11 Posts
    Nov5 Posts
    Dec10 Posts


  • About Us

    PeekABooAboutUs

    Hi everyone! We are two sisters who lovingly sew for our youngest sister’s children. We are so glad you are here and invite you to join our many sewing adventures! It would be an absolute honor to call you our friend!

  • Follow Us on IG

    No images found!
    Try some other hashtag or username
  • Recent Posts

    • An Oliver + S, Carousel Dress for the Oldest

      An Oliver + S, Carousel Dress for the Oldest

      April 22, 2021
    • A Carousel in the Zoo

      A Carousel in the Zoo

      April 19, 2021
    • And then there were more: Oliver + S, Playtime Tunics for a Tween

      And then there were more: Oliver + S, Playtime Tunics for a Tween

      April 15, 2021
    • Knit Playtimes for the Win!

      Knit Playtimes for the Win!

      April 12, 2021
  • Need Inspiration? Help?

    2280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 443132280 Stockbridge Rd, Akron, OH 44313White melamine craft room with raised panel door and drawer fronts and crown molding. Multiple workstations and large island for crafting while standing.
    This is carol byert fallerts studio plans, i like the sitting area, sometimes you just need to think, or read, or look at reference books ds or a laptop.note open space around island work areas.
    Inspiration for the Oliver + S Building Block Dress book.Vintage Pattern Butterick 3312 Girls' Dress 60s Size 6X by La-Prairie-Lady, via FlickrYUMMY! Why carry a plain, boring veggie tray when you can carry colorful, delicious Veggie Bars to your next get-together!
    McCalls 7929 Vintage 1960s Girls Dress pattern Size by bellaloona, $6.001960's girl's dress My Grandma made this pattern for my sisters and I!!!1960s McCall's 7994 Cutest Mad Men Era Girl's Five Panel Dress 60s Vintage Sewing Pattern Size 4 UNCUT
    Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins

Copyright © 2012 Nemesis Theme. Powered by Wordpress.
Wordpress theme by Peerapong
All images are copyrighted to their respective owners.