We currently have an adorable Oliver + S Trunk Show in the shop, so I’m taking the opportunity to share some the recent O + S samples we have made. The Music Class Blouse + Skirt falls under the category of “Patterns Grown-Up Ladies Want in Their Size”. Everyone wants that pretty little blouse!

We made this blouse using Anna Maria Horner’s Little Folks voile. Voile is a very fine, lightweight cotton with a the softest, silkiest feel. Anna Maria writes a wonderful post here about working with this lovely fabric. The print has a Liberty of London look, which is very of the moment, but a bit funkier, which is more to my liking!

Because the fabric is finer, I feel like the details are better defined. Those little pin tucks are perfect and sweet; Elizabeth used a contrasting thread to stitch them down- fantastic! Like the Sketch Book Shirt, this blouse pattern may take a bit longer to put together, but is a wonderful way to improve your skills and try something new.

While the Music Class Blouse may be a bit of a challenge, the skirt is easy as pie. Simple, and functional, with a little pleated girly flair! Plus, it has the all important pockets for everything a girl needs to carry along with her. This project can be completed in an afternoon- a great warm up for starting in on the blouse!

Now I know school is just ending, but this would be an ideal back-to-school outfit. If you start now, there’s a very good chance it will be ready to wear on the first day in the Fall.

We have a very pretty version Oliver + S-made version of this in the trunk show, so do stop in and visit. This is the last weekend of the show, and it would be a shame to miss out on the cuteness!

The Ice Cream Dress is finished! This super cute frock is one of 3 new Oliver + S patterns released this month. When I saw the illustration on the cover, I knew it would be the first sample we would make!

We chose Kaffe Fassett’s Serape Stripe, and a pretty lavender Shot Cotton to make our version, and Elizabeth got to stitchin’! I love the summery colors, and the horizontal striping. Simple to sew and extremely wearable, I can see this being a girl’s summer uniform. Oliver + S sizing now goes up to age 12, so older girls can get in on the fun! Believe me, there are lots of ladies at the shop that want this dress in their size!

The dress closes at the back of the neck with a single button. So cute! Didn’t Elizabeth do a great job matching up those stripes? Impressive!

These pockets are my favorite detail on the dress. I love the little dip at the center and how it echoes that same shape on the yoke. Girls need pockets to keep their tiny treasures and these are just the right size!

There’s no doubt this is a perfect summer dress! The only question is, which flavor Ice Cream would you choose?

If the rainy weather we’re having this week is any indication, Spring IS coming! With that in mind, we sewed a new version of one of our favorite Oliver + S patterns, the Birthday Party Dress. We used Art Gallery Fabrics Living Elements for the main fabric, and a peachy Shot Cotton for the accent. This pattern is feminine and full of movement, and the cotton quality is soft and fine. A wonderful combination!

Shot Cotton is the best-especially in this lovely placket detail! This shade really complements the delicate print, without being overwhelming. Elizabeth chose the sweetest button, and I think it pulls everything together quite nicely!

Oliver + S clothing is all about the details. One of my favorites is their signature hem facing. This style of finishing the hem allows you to avoid the turn and press method of hemming that can cause burnt fingertips and cursing! Plus you get to use another fabric to contrast with your main print. Win, win!

As always, Oliver + S directions are clear and simple to follow. Making this dress is well within your reach if you have sewn a few garments previously. Even if you think this might be a bit out of your range, new challenges are good! They give you an opportunity to expand your sewing skills. The extra effort will be worth it when you see your girl out for a Springtime stroll in your latest creation!

Amy Butler’s Nappy Bag pattern is a favorite among moms. It has plenty of pockets for toys, bottles, and of course nappies. Everyone’s favorite feature is the cute cell phone pocket on the shoulder strap!

We’ve made ours using Amy’s Laminated Cotton fabric for the exterior and her Home Dec Solids for the interior. Using the heavier fabrics eliminates the need for interfacing, making this bag come together more quickly. Moms know that inevitably their bags end up on the floor or in the grass. The laminated fabric makes it easier to keep your bag looking fresh and clean. Of course, Amy’s gorgeous print makes it stylish and fun!

New designs from Alexander Henry have arrived! I have long been a fan of this fabric company, and I am so excited to have them in the shop. I chose prints that I thought would be great for kids, but not so child-like that grownups with a whimsical nature couldn’t use them as well!

I’d love to see some Bedtime Story Pajamas, for a boy or girl, in the little elephant print. Crib bedding using the alphabet & car fabrics would be just darling! Any of these would be so much fun to use in our Quick Start Quilting class, where we make a small quilt suitable for a child’s playmat.

Personally, I would make a skirt from that lovely giant polka dot, and make a hem facing of little elephants. What would you make?

Still stuck on that one last giftee on your holiday list? Give something handmade…by us! How about a super cute purse, a lovely butterfly skirt, adorable child’s PJs, or an amazing colorful quilt? These are just some of the pretty pieces still available at our first sample sale in our bricks & mortar shop.

We have children’s items priced at $10-$25, women’s clothing starting at $25, zipper pouches & handbags from $8-$35, and a variety of quilts starting at $30 and ranging to $200, depending on size. Stop in to see our full selection! Happy Shopping!

We are having our first sample sale! Our sample storage is overflowing, so it’s time to part with some of our favorite pieces. We have all manner of quilts, purses, and housewares, not to mention beautiful clothes for women and babies. Each item was made by a Spool staffer and has been very well priced! This is a wonderful opportunity to give handmade holiday gifts, even if you don’t have time to make them yourself!

The sale starts in our bricks & mortar shop today and runs through the end of the year. See you soon!