I haven’t sewn an article of clothing in almost three months (unless you count those undies), and I’ve missed it. Last month I started a Burda pattern and ended up abandoning because I couldn’t decipher the (lack of) directions. I guess I figured I should be able to follow a commercial pattern by now, but apparently I can’t, and I was pretty bummed. So it’s back to tried and true Oliver + S, which is just what I needed. I bought myself the Class Picnic Blouse pattern for my birthday last week, and it’s an instant favorite.
I love the wide hems, the 3/4 raglan sleeves, and the way it pulls on with elastic at the shoulders. And the fact that it only took a few hours from start to finish.
Here is it with her chambray Hopscotch skirt, which magically matches everything. I think I’ll make the Picnic shorts from the same fabric for the summer.
The green and aqua plaid is a lightweight shirting I found at Fabric Depot and bought with St. Patrick’s Day in mind. We usually gloss over the holiday since Lila’s birthday is two days after, but I always appreciate an excuse to sew something green. I cut the yokes on the bias (to avoid matching plaids, mostly) and lined them with Honeydew shot cotton, which you can see peeking out in the top photo.
I made a 2T but cut it to a 3T length. Over the last couple months Lila has shot up in the way that almost three-year-olds do, mainly evidenced by her upwardly creeping pant legs and shirt sleeves. She needs clothes that fit, and I see many more of these shirts in our future. I’ve seen some great versions in the Flickr pool with piping under the yoke (this one, for example) – I want to try that next.
Okay, I think that covers the shirt from just about every angle. Now for the action shot….
Beautiful top and your little girl is adorable!! You’ve made me want to grab this pattern! Oliver + S = fabulous. I have a few in my stash, but have only sewn up one top so far. I need to remedy that! Don’t be hard on yourself about the Burda pattern, though. I think you have to be ridiculously used to those traditional patterns to not have problems. I have had quite a few issues that only a master seamstress (DH’s grandma) could help me with, even though I’m well- enough versed in garment construction.
Cute! Yeah sometimes you need to go back to your moral boosting projects, Oliver and S seem to be good for that. I’ve missed your sewing! Hope you’ve got your mojo back now…
Very nice! Love the yokes on the bias:)
Oh, so glad to see you sewing (clothes) for Lila again! The change in season always inspires me to update my girls’ wardrobes. After a long winter here in Michigan, spring sewing is always very inspirational:) I love how you cut the bodice on the bias – reminds me of a Japanese sewing pattern I have. And isn’t chambray the best fabric – truly seems to go with everything without being overly “matchy-matchy”! Lovely outfit – perfect for carrying Lila into Spring!
(and happy belated birthday!)
what a lovely color on your daughter. sorry about the burda pattern better luck in the future. i’m gathering my courage to cut into my ‘expensive’ fabric for a family reunion easter dress myself.
It’s a lovely top…I love the plaid on the bias for the yoke.:)
ooh i love it. now i really do have to go get this pattern.
It looks fantastic! I love that you cut the yokes on the bias…it adds such great detail!
I made that burda pattern last fall and agree about the terrible directions. I’ve had decent luck with other burdas in the past so don’t write them all off. If if makes you feel better that pattern is cut very slim in the sleeves and my daughter won’t wear it, so good thing you didnt waste your time finishing it.
oh thank you, that makes me feel so much better! i just hate that i wasted time and fabric starting it out… burda does have some cute patterns though, so i’m glad to hear you’ve had success with other ones!
Glad you didn’t let the bummer with the Burda pattern stop you from forging ahead with more sewing niceness. She looks so cute!
Has it really been three months since you sewed any clothing?! Shoot! I knew it had been a while, but not that long! Anyway, three cheers once again for Oliver + S patterns! Those always give you a boost when you’re feeling unsure. Love this top and love it with the hopscotch skirt, too. I keep looking for chambray but can’t find stuff I like, so maybe we need to go shopping together and you can point it out to me. 🙂
It turned out so great! I hadn’t really seen much made from that pattern yet… I think I’ll need to invest in that one also. LOVE the skirt. LOVE the green!
Found you via my sewing friend in Iowa on Pinterest (hope that made sense!) Love the things you have made – and can’t wait to have a reason to make the swaddlers.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who has a hard time following commercial patterns! I feel like I have to muscle my way through them. What’s worse is I have to occasionally swallow my pride and ask my husband to read and explain the directions (which vexes me and pleases me all at the same time).
Fortunately there are so many amazing tutorials available online.
The shirt is lovely Gail! I enjoy all of your projects, whether big or small. Your attention to detail delights me every time. My Eliza girl is going to be 3 on the 23rd of this month and I think I am going to make her some felt food as a gift.
Okay, I’m done now. This comment is getting embarrassingly long.
Very very cute! The top is really sweet and I can see it in many different fabrics. The skirt is just precious too. Chambray is like magic too. I’m about to make some chambray sailboat pants for both of my girls.
I also can’t follow commercial patterns. Bought a simplicity project runway pattern to make a dress for Clover, and it was a painful process. I don’t really love how it turned out either.
this is beautiful and i love the skirt you linked to in the flickr group as well. amazing! you find (and sew!) the best things. thanks for sharing them with us!
I love this little outfit so much! That chambray skirt is so practical, and the top is simple and lovely. Love the bias yoke. I pinned the second photo from the top of the post, btw. 🙂
OMg, I just started a Burda pattern & if I didn’t some how find myself invested over $60 in making a newborn romper, I would go to the new Oliver+S, layette! No directions, seam allowances not included, it’s the last Burda pattern I buy. All Liesl’s patterns are fabulous and easy to follow.