She needed something wear on her second day too, right? I’m not usually one for themed fabric selections – I tend to avoid Santa faces on my holiday clothing, and I’ll be the first to admit that colored pencils on a back-to-school skirt is maybe a little on cheesy side. But cheese or no cheese, these pencils were calling my name.
I’ve had the Oliver + S 2+2 pattern forever (and made my very first Oliver + S garment with it, almost four years ago!) but I was never interested the skirt – I think the ironed pleats were too formal for my taste. But after seeing this version in the Flickr pool I realized it could have a softer look, and I was immediately sold.
Unfortunately, I only have the smaller size range in this pattern, which goes up to 3T. I debated buying the larger size range, but the pattern pieces are all rectangles, so in the end I cheaped out and just tried to size up from the 3T. I added 1.5 inches to the length and an inch to the width, and then attempted to do some math to move the dots and notches around. I’d say I was semi-successful.
The fit came out right, but I ran into some problems with the placket and ended up doing way more seam ripping than if I’d just used the real size 5 pattern pieces. And now that know I love the pattern, I’ll probably invest in the real thing so that I can avoid doing any math whatsoever when I make the larger sizes.
And I really do love the pattern! True to Oliver + S form, it was simple and straightforward to put together, but full of professional details – the pleats, the side placket with a button and loop waistband closure, the flat front waistband, and the wide two inch hem. The placket itself closes with sew-in snaps. I don’t have much experience with these, and apparently sewed them in completely wrong (my mom was appalled and showed me the light, aka resewed them for me). The snaps work well, but I really like Justine’s version with the buttons on the outside of the placket. I might try it that way next time.
The only thing I did differently was to add interfacing to the waistband, because I hate a floppy waistband. I should’ve just added it to the front, though – it got a little bulky when I pulled the elastic through the back.
Anyway, this skirt makes me happy – I just love it when a previously dismissed pattern suddenly becomes a favorite. That’s Oliver + S for ya.
Thanks to everyone who entered the Llama Fabrics giveaway, and I truly appreciate all the teacher gift advice! The three yards of fabric go to commenter #22, Lightning McStitch!
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Lovely skirt and fabric! I have similar pattern (Japanese sewing) which I want to try it too.
I love the colors in that fabric- and the pencils are subtle enough that they seem more like a geometric pattern. Beautiful skirt! I have this pattern in the lower size range too and need to measure and see if a lengthened size 3 would still fit.
I’ve made this skirt only once, and am now sad that I don’t have the larger sizes either. Lila’s is adorable, themed fabric and all:) With all the different colors in it, I’m sure it will become an easily-matched wardrobe staple. And congrats to Shelley on winning the fabric give-away! What a worthy recipient:)
Very cute! Suddenly Lila looks a lot older!
very cute! I love that you can’t really tell that they are pencils from a distance, love the colors too! 🙂
I love it, Gail! It IS a softer look! I think it’s chic! And I couldn’t recognize the colored pencils as colored pencils until I really looked closely. Lila’s looking like such a grown up girl. She’s so beautiful!
oh now that is cute. i’ve only made the 2+2 in polyester mystery plaid from the uniform company, but it’s definitely adorable in that cute print! i used velcro instead of sew in snaps, HA.
Perfect choice of fabric for school. I love the 2 + 2 and have made the top many times but the skirt only once. Must remedy that.
What a cute little skirt. Love the fabric.
Another lovely outfit!!
I love this skirt pattern too, and bought the large size after deciding that it was beyond me to tinker with the measurements 🙂 Love your combination especially the skirt fabric.
Sweet. I had a nightie when I was little with fake pencils sticking out of the pocket. I still remember it and would love some pencil fabric!
Oh, they are pencils! Love the fabric – works so well as a skirt.
I’ve only made it once – really should make another one too!