Puppet Show Dress by Oliver & S

Hello! Hello!

I am so happy to show off one of my favorite dresses I have ever made! We recently decided to plan a trip to DisneyWorld for our beautiful Delilah. Although we limit her TV time, she has a definite passion for Disney films featuring the iconic Disney Princesses. We're pretty sure seeing some of the princesses "live" at DisneyWorld will blow our little girl's mind!

So for the occasion - I am preparing her wardrobe. Check out her new Disney Princess dress...can you guess who inspired it?!?



Snow White of course!

This pretty dress buttons up nicely in the back:



When I decided to make Delilah a Snow White Dress, I bought a costume pattern. Upon further reflection, I opted NOT to use an actual Snow White pattern. I didn't want her outfit to be a "costume", I wanted it to be a dress. Not a long flowing gown (called for in the pattern) but a dress she could move and groove in. Not something to be used for dress up over clothing, but an actual garment of clothing, with proper closures and neat finished hems. So I referred to my favorite childrens clothing pattern designer -- Oliver and S.

This dress is the Puppet Show Dress. I was a bit intimidated as this was a 3 scissor pattern! (O&S ranks the difficulty of their patterns with a 4 scissor rating scale). But honestly, it wasn't scary at all and I am SO pleased with the result. And even better, Delilah loves it too.

I did make my own adjustments to add the red pleats on the sleeves.

Now off to plan more outfits for our trip!

(You know, we like this dress so much, D might just wear it BEFORE the trip. I'll share pictures!)

Thanks for stopping by, Janimal

Sew Serendipity Skirt

Life has been a bit hectic lately, so unfortunately not much creativity happening at my house. Today's post is to show off something I made many weeks ago, but never got around to taking pictures until last weekend. May I present, the Sew Serendipity Skirt?



This skirt is from a pattern in the book Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt. Here's the cover of the book.



My skirt followed the directions for the cover skirt, except I used just 3 fabrics instead of the 5 Kay used on the cover. Also, the cover version has rickrack trim which I left off my version.

The best thing about this pattern was the invisible zipper installation instructions. The book has clear instructions with lots of pictures. Installing this zipper was a breeze, and if I say so myself, it's perfect!



For my skirt, I used some quilting cottons I had in my stash. So, as it is likely to happen when using quilting cottons, I think it does sorta look like I'm wearing a quilt! For my next version, I will be careful about choosing some nice apparel fabrics to avoid that quilt-look.

I have to recommend this book - not only did I learn how to install an invisible zipper (worth the price of the book alone) but I am confident with the clear instructions I will be able to sew many garments from this book. I think my biggest challenge will be fabric selection. And isn't fabric shopping also the most fun part?!

Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,

Janimal

Seashore Sundress Oliver & S Preview!

Greetings! I have something so exciting to share today!

If you have been here before, you know I am a BIG FAN of Oliver and S sewing patterns for children. They are fantastic. Each season I wait with great anticipation the release of their new patterns. I can't wait to get my hands on their new Spring patterns. But guess what?! I got my hands on one EARLY! They sent me the Seashore Sundress pattern early to be a pattern tester!!!

So check it out - my sweet girl modelling her preview sundress!



(Yes, it's a little big. I sewed this and took this photograph in January when it was too cold to wear. Delilah is growing like a weed so I've been making her Spring and Summer wardrobe in sizes that are currently too big in the hopes they'll fit when the sun is shining!)

I have to make a matching hair accessory of some kind. Oh and just picture some sweet little sandals instead of those socks!

Delilah, if you like your new dress raise your hand!!!



Before the patterns are sent off for a final print, they have real life sewists follow the patterns and give feedback from our perspective about how the garments fit on our kids, how the instructions were to follow, etc. How thoughtful of O&S to do this?! This is the kind of quality control that just makes me love them even more! I was PSYCHED to test this pattern. I hope my feedback was helpful.
Honestly, the pattern was easy to follow and I love how it turned out. What great details -- There are little pockets at the ruffled hem for Delilah to store her treasures in!

Delilah wants you to know this would be a good outfit for a supermodel to sport down a runway. Scuse her while she struts it out.



(If you want Delilah to model for you, she says she doesn't get out of her crib for less than $10k)

The fabric is Go By Bike by Erin Morris for Free Spirit in violet. My sweet husband bought me two yards from Whipstitch Fabrics for Hannukah! I love it when he picks fabric for me to make D clothes with - it involves him to make it a family project. He's made some odd choices before, AHEM, so I directed him to Whipstitch knowing he would get some good help there. I was SO pleased!

Now check my daughter with her crazy hair and expression to match. She is a character.



For the pattern test, I also made a smaller sized sundress using City Weekend fabric, Oliver and S' own fabric line which they so kindly sent me with the pattern.



This dress went to a sweet little girl in our neighborhood. But I can't show you her picture because she's not my kid, and I don't think it's cool to post other people's kids on the internet. Just trust me, she's cute. The dress looks better on her than on this hanger on my door!

If you are going to sew for children, you simply MUST try Oliver and S patterns. MUST! Later skater,

Janimal