Well, I sewed one thing for this round of KCW. It felt like a major accomplishment! I must be getting lazy in my old age. Here it is, a new-to-me pattern, the Oliver + S Nature Walk Pullover.
I never really gave this pattern much consideration, but over the summer I fell in love with this version from the Flickr pool and became obsessed with making it for Oscar. It never ceases to amaze me how one person’s interpretation of a pattern can have that effect. Anyway, I immediately traced the size 2 but didn’t get around to it until now, so, tragically, I had to retrace the whole thing in a size 3. Maybe I could’ve gotten away with lengthening the 2, but bigger is my rule of thumb for this kid.
I can’t say I love the fit. The arms are too long and the shoulders are big, and it’s a little hard to get on and off unless his arms are straight up over his head, which was same problem I had with Lila’s first Jump Rope dress. Is that just the nature of a garment with an opening like this?
But on to the fabric – I really wanted to make mine exactly like Audrey’s, I loved it so much. The sleeves are designed to be made with two different fabrics, but I joined those two pattern pieces and cut each sleeve as one piece, like she did. My plan was to use chambray, but then I found this Kaufman Shetland flannel in Denim – it’s textured and looks like chambray, and it’s the softest flannel I’ve ever felt. So I used that, and for the neck and pocket facings I cut into my precious half yard of Heather Ross moons. I wasn’t sure how much they’d show, and in the pocket facings they really don’t. But because the V opening is so low, they show plenty there. I top stitched everything in a heavy weight gold thread.
I took a couple of days making this, but the sewing was straightforward and easy, and everything was textbook Oliver + S, a.k.a a total pleasure. And despite the fit issues, Oscar likes it and I like it and sewing for boys is fun. The end.
Oh, and the winner of the Sewing to Sell giveaway was Lori! Thanks to all who entered 🙂
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It’s beautiful Gail. I think I’ve only ever made this in a knit, or a knit/woven combination and perhaps that helps with the on/off issue. I love the fabrics you’ve used and what a handsome dude you’ve got modelling for you!
Gail, I love it and when I saw the photo before reading your description of the fit, I thought the fit looked perfect to me. The sleeves look cute cuffed and these kids grow so fast, I think it will be great that it will fit for a long while. Also, I’m glad I can only comment from my computer because I missed these great topstitching details on my phone! I’m always nervous topstitching with contrasting thread, but yours looks awesome. I love the moon facing and the fact that it shows, in my opinion, makes it worth the extra effort and adds charm to the top.
Now that I’ve been sewing with knits, Indigo and Iris are starting to turn on me with wovens! But I still have Tia staying strong! 🙂
Looks great, love the fabrics! I have had the same problem with the fit on the jump rope dress– its very hard to get on and off.
Looks absolutely stunning. I too had never considered this pattern before either until now 🙂
This is great! I wish there’d been clothes like this around when my kids were little!
I love this! Beautiful work.
I love your version! Funny how Audrey’s was the first nature walk pullover that I loved as well plus inspired me to make my own ;). I agree about the fit too, it’s a pain to get on/off. Maybe I’ll try one in a knit next time around.
Okay I love it too! Your version is so clean and nice; beautiful topstitching work as always. Bummer about the pain to get on/off. I had the same issue with a woven pullover I made for O once – seems like a knit would work better eh?
Oh this is lovely! I love the colors and the topstitching. You are the queen of perfect topstitching! I bought this pattern right when my son was born and have been trying to figure out what to do with it ever since. Sounds like a knit is the way to go. Maybe some french terry or something with a bit of substance.
Gail, I love it, and it looks very very cute on him. I, like you, was not a big fan of this pattern when it came out but now with a baby boy for whom clothes must be made soon, I probably should keep this pattern in mind. Plus, like you said its o+s. When the time comes, I think I am going to have to copy yours 🙂
I just want to say that your children are absolutely beautiful! That boy of yours is going to be fought over, lol. Anyway, I enjoy your writing. And sewing tips and tutorials. New to this, but hopefully I’ll make it back! Enjoy your children. Mine are gone and I miss being a mom for the little ones. Children are such a joy!
could he be any more beautiful?? I love how much he looks like his sister too. Such cuties!! And the moons is a super-great touch!