After seeing Penelope’s Playdate Dress, I wanted a shop sample of my very own! We chose Sandi Henderson’s Farmer’s Market fabric, and Alana got to stitching! The end result is just lovely, with all the special details we have come to expect from Oliver + S.

This would make a wonderful holiday dress; the front pleat and yoke add the necessary dressiness, and the a-line shape keeps it comfy enough to play with newly opened toys! With clear pattern instructions and diagrams, this will be a cinch to finish by the holidays. Your little angel will love wearing a dress handmade by mama, and you will love seeing your handiwork in family photos for years to come!

Marianna brought her awesome version of the Oliver + S Tea Party Sundress for show & tell. So much fun! She made it for a friend’s daughter, who, I’m sure, will love it. What little girl (or her mom) wouldn’t love a pretty little dress covered in cheerful birdies?! Marianna used Park Slope fabric for the skirt and a delicious orange Shot Cotton for the bodice. She found the pattern easy to follow, and likes the versatility of the style. As her little friend grows, she can easily layer it over pants, keeping this soon-to-be favorite in rotation a while longer. Thanks for sharing, Marianna! This dress is top notch!

People always ooh and ahh over our Oliver + S samples when they come to the shop. Many customers have been inspired to learn to sew or get back into sewing because of these adorable designs. Oliver + S has 5 new patterns for the Fall, including 2 patterns for boys, and sizing expanded up to a child’s 8. They’re not just for babies anymore!

Our new staff member, Alana, sewed up the 2+2 Blouse. We chose Michael Miller’s Garden Tour for the body and a raspberry floral from their Pod Posey collection for the contrast. This pattern has the option of short or long sleeves and buttons up the back. The pretty A-line shape of this blouse gives your girl room to play while the sweet tie and placket keeps it pretty enough for a school picture. This project involves gathering, applying bias binding, making buttonholes, and setting in sleeves. Trying new techniques will expand your sewing knowledge and refine your finished garments. Comprehensive instructions and detailed diagrams are always part of the Oliver +S package. Remember, the Spool staff is always here to help in case you come across a bump in the road! Imagine your little girl heading off to school in this…completely worth it!

The Oliver + S Bubble Dress is just adorable! We used our favorite fabric du jour Park Slope. Teal and fuschia make a great girly combination, but not overly sweet. This dress is fully lined and gathered at the bottom with elastic for that fun bubble shape. The scalloped edge is an amazingly creative detail that any baby girl (or the grown-up girl sewing it!) will flip for! There are instructions, however, to leave the scallops out, making for a more basic play dress. Personally, I can’t get over the little cap sleeves that are made in one piece with the bodice. So clever! I’d say this dress is a winner and is sure to become a favorite in your little girl’s wardrobe!