I wanted to make something for Lila to wear on Valentine’s Day. It was supposed to be pink or red or covered in hearts, but try as I might, nothing brilliant came to me. So instead I just finished the Oliver + S Roller Skate dress I cut out and abandoned during Kids Clothes Week. I had major trouble getting motivated for this round of KCW – I guess sometimes you feel like sewing, and sometimes you feel like watching bad TV.
Anyway, it’s my second try at this pattern, and I really like the Roller Skate dress. It’s simple to put together, very customizable, and uses only a yard of main fabric for a size 4 – it’s really rare to be able to make a dress with just a yard anymore. I made View B with the neck facing but left out the notch, much like I do on just about every pattern that includes a notch.
She’s about to size out of the smaller range in most Oliver + S patterns, but this size 4 actually came out pretty roomy. I like the fact that it can be worn with a shirt underneath, too.
The fabric is a chambray stretch shirting from Robert Kaufman (available here). It’s very lightweight and drapey, and I think it worked pretty well with a lined dress like this one. I’m always looking for good chambrays, and I’m hoping this one will wrinkle less than Essex linen.
And those colorful half-square triangles are Gem in Mango from Helens Garden by Tamara Kate, which I bought to make a skirt but decided I could spare a little bit for the facing. It doesn’t take much, and I wanted to use something that would stand out since the dress is otherwise very simple. I added the ribbon (another option in the pattern) for that reason, too – it just needed a little extra color.
That’s all. Many more dresses to come, I hope.
probablyactually.wordpress.com 
very pretty! The tights and colorful neckline really make it special.
So cute! The colorful collar is the perfect touch. 🙂
Sarah M
It is adorable! I love the triangles and ribbon. I was waiting for warmer weather to make this dress but it looks so cute with the shirt underneath that I may have to make it sooner.
super cute. i wasn’t a huge fan of the roller skate but just like always…i eventually come around. seeing great examples always helps!
I wish I could hire you as an indentured seamstress for all my kids’ clothes! 😉 beautiful.
This is so pretty- I love the combo of the chambray with the print. I’m having one of those weeks where the tv is sucking me in and I’m not inspired to sew or think about sewing. House Hunters International is ruining my sewing-nightlife.
Gail, I love it. I had almost forgotten about how much I love this pattern! I love what you did with the contrasting yoke. This is perfect. I love the leggings, too. (Oh and my girls wore V-Day temporary tattoos, too! 🙂
Gorgeous! I love the pops of color! Just perfect!
It’s really great! You always turn me on to new fabrics. This shirting is beautiful.
It looks great! I too just finished a Roller Skate dress a week or so ago and I do love the simplicity of the pattern and how it goes together. I have already cut out a tunic version using some voile that I am really excited about. Beautiful work and young lady!
I keep seeing little girls online or in person with awesome tights – and when I try to shop for them everything is pretty dull. Good places to try?
All of ours are from the Gap and Old Navy. Boden has a nice selection too!
So cute! And I was wondering how the stretch chambray worked for clothing patterns so I’m glad to know you liked it.
This is adorable! And with the striped tights, totally a Valentine’s Day outfit 🙂 I’ll have to give the neck facing a try next time. I love the look and the contrast on the dress. And nice to know about the chambray stretch. I was just hunting for some fabric with a bit of a stretch to make my little guy some spring pants. Do you think this fabric would work on some sailboat pants or quick change trousers?
Thanks Elizabeth! The chambray is pretty light, but I think it could make nice spring/summer pants – especially quick change trousers since they’re lined/reversible. I wonder if you might want something more substantial for sailboats…depends on how much structure you want them to have. It’s really nice stuff though, I know you’d find a good use for it!
Love how this turned out – you got just the right fabric for the facing! Chambray anything wins, too.
You are very talented! Great fabric choices and your photography is fabulous.
love the chambray, love the un-notched collar. This dress is a win!
This is a lovely version of the dress. I have the patterns but for some reason developed some reservations about making it. Your version makes me want to jump right into it, abandoning all other projects 🙂
love this! I made roller skate dresses for my nieces (who also live in portland!) and was very surprised about only needing 1 yard (even with a directional print, it just required thinking through my cutting)