I think its safe to say I’m obsessed with Oliver + S patterns. This is my third dress for Layla in a month, and next week I’ll be making another. I can’t stop, people!

This is the Oliver + S Jump Rope Dress. I’ve made the “B” version, and modified it by added the short, cuffed sleeves from the “A” version. The longer sleeves would just be too hot for Layla in the Florida heat. I’m sure I’ll be making all the versions at some point, though.

I used two gingham fabrics from October Afternoon’s Fly a Kite line. The fabrics are just gorgeous, and I’m thinking I need the red gingham from their new line. I wasn’t sure what to do with the trim on the pockets, sleeve tabs, and the interior button placket. My initial thought was to go with white, but then I thought that was too safe. But I wasn’t really happy with any of the other options in my stash. When I came across some the yellow gingham that I had leftover from backing this quilt, I figured it was my best option. I didn’t know how gingham on gingham would look, but I have to say, now that the dress is finished, I couldn’t be happier with using the two prints together.

This dress came together flawlessly, with the always concise and clear language that Leisl uses in all of her patterns. Seriously, she is so good at what she does! Next week I’ll be making her Bubble Dress, and then I have plans for the Birthday Dress and the Ice Cream Dress. You can find all of these patterns and more on the Oliver + S site and you can find the Jump Rope Dress on my Amazon widget.

I never thought I’d make a garment for Layla. I really thought it was severely uneconomical. And I do think alot of clothing patterns are. It really is cheaper to buy a good brand name at the store than it is to invest in equal or better quality fabric to make your own clothing. While I still think that in large measure, Leisl’s Oliver + S patterns are very cost conscious. Her patterns use little fabric (especially when you’re only having to make 2T), and the total cost of dress + pattern for me is about $30. And the more dresses I make with the patterns, the more the cost of the pattern goes down. I totally enjoy making these little dresses for Layla, and hearing her say “Mommy its so cute. I love it! Can I wear it, please?” is worth every penny and minute that went into making the dresses.

What about you? What’s your view on garment sewing? Are you becoming obsessed like me or do you detest it entirely? I’d love to hear what you think!

-Meredith

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