Thursday, January 30, 2014

Oliver + S Playtime Dress

This fabric is from the oldest corner of my stash, purchased on Ebay 13-ish years ago, back when I had the time to sift through countless pages for vintage fabric listings, and the inclination to stay up all night sewing skirts to wear the next day. Every time we've moved, it's made the cut, thoughtfully folded and tucked into a new, heavily edited, box of fabric. It took a lot for me to cut into what's left of such a cherished print. As much as I love this fabric, it seems like I should love the dress more. I really like it, but I don't love it.  L seems to be swimming in print. A few alterations are in order. 
This is the Oliver + S Playtime Dress, made for KCW, but this fabric isn't going anywhere near play time. It will be worn on ladylike occasions when, even a 4 year old, sits with hands placed daintily in the lap.
I really like the pattern, and love that it is written for knit or woven fabric. It has some great on-seam pockets and includes a leggings pattern. I used my favorite cast off oxford shirt material for the pockets and facings. There are so many possibilities, which is the main reason I  bought the pattern. I have plans for a solid knit version, and a knit print, both made of far less precious fabrics that I can stand to see drug around the playground.
Cut the length to tunic? Shorten the sleeves to 3/4? I don't think I can bring myself to "waste" any of the length by cutting it off (its just pinned here). I think shortening the sleeves will be enough. 
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10 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 30, 2014 at 6:36 PM

    i completely agree - that is fabulous fabric!!

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  2. ElizabethJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:28 PM

    Very cute, I've eyed this pattern for a while and haven't been able to make up my mind about it. I love it here! Thanks for sharing.

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  3. ElizabethJanuary 30, 2014 at 8:28 PM

    Very cute, I've eyed this pattern for a while and haven't been able to make up my mind about it. I love it here! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. KristiJanuary 31, 2014 at 8:30 AM

      I do really love this pattern. I only bought it after I thought of two or three things I wanted to make. I haven't tried the leggings yet, but I have big plans for them.

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  4. kristinJanuary 31, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    I love it as is, but yeah it it is a lot of print! I might shorten the sleeves a bit but leave the skirt long - she'll grow into it so fast, ya know? Another option could be to add a charcoal sash or ribbon trim to the bottom to sort of "ground" it? Anyway I found you through KCW and it made me click over, so it definitely got my attention! Really great.

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    1. KristiJanuary 31, 2014 at 1:25 PM

      Thanks Kristin. It actually never occurred to me how quickly she'll grow into it. Ha! Focused on one detail, totally not looking at the big picture. I already shortened the sleeves. But decided not to mess with the hem.

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  5. PreethiFebruary 10, 2014 at 7:20 AM

    This looks great. Love the contrast striped fabric on the inside.

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    1. KristiFebruary 10, 2014 at 2:05 PM

      Thank you, its my favorite part, too. I don't know what I'm going to do when I run out of that fabric.

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  6. MashaMarch 19, 2014 at 11:30 PM

    This dress is very cool! The fabric is great. LOL at the ladylike occasions and dainty hands in the lap - I am trying to picture my own 3- and 4-yo doing this and I can't ;)

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    1. KristiMarch 20, 2014 at 9:16 AM

      You're right. Preschoolers are not known for sitting quietly anywhere. A mom can dream, right?

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