Sunday, July 6, 2008

so happy!

You know what just totally makes my day? To see photos like this on the Oliver + S Flickr group.

Poppy Dresses
How thrilled do these little girls look with their new, matching Bubble Dresses? I mean, someone just made two little girls very, very happy. And enhanced the absolute adorability of them, as well.

Is that a word, adorability?

Anyway, they're really cute. And I'm smiling.

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Thursday, June 26, 2008

love Liberty

Liberty fabrics are all the rage these days, not just among crafters, but also in the fashion industry. All the top magazines seem to be featuring Liberty prints, as you can see from these tearsheets I've collected over the past few months.





Of course, sewers have long appreciated these amazing fabrics. The cotton has a lightweight, silky hand, and the prints are beautifully executed and amazingly detailed. I first encountered Liberty lawn in my early 20's when I came across rolls of the luxurious lawn in a dusty corner bin at B&J Fabrics one day after work. Back then I couldn't afford to purchase suitable work clothing for myself, so saved up birthday money and spent my evenings stitching wool suits and skirts. But when I found those amazing prints I knew I aspired to them. I still carry around swatches and splurge whenever I have the opportunity.


One of the great things about making kids' clothing is that they don't take much fabric, so although the Liberty prints are more expensive than most cottons, they're still affordable in the small quantities needed for little dresses and tops. The Bubble Dress lends itself especially well to Liberty fabric; the weight of the fabric is perfect for the lined dress. This one was sewn by Keri of A Bookish Life for her little daughter, C (be sure to click that link--you've got to see her adorable face).

I love how simultaneously timeless and modern the dress looks. Again, one of the great things about Liberty; it never goes out of style.

(Keri's photo is used with her permission. Thanks, Keri!)

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Friday, May 9, 2008

sort of like this

A seersucker Tea Party Playsuit with feedsack piping and lining and vintage buttons, hanging from a vintage-inspired rack. A fun way to display the finished garment at a shop or at home, right?


The Playsuit has gotten short shrift in our line, but it's included in the pattern for the Tea Party Sundress and is appropriate for boys and girls. Really easy to sew, with optional instructions for snap tape at the inseam (makes for easy diaper changes).

We'll be showing the Playsuit at Quilt Market next week made up in a really soft, luxurious Italian wool suiting for fall with a Liberty print piping in the waist seam. Can't wait to show you the photos when we return from the show!

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008

fresh orange

This awesome twosome was sewn by Aimee (of Betsy Ross Patterns fame) for the new Spool shop in Philadelphia, and I love everything about them.

Aimee clearly understands the Oliver + S "look." Her choice of colors (neutrals with a shot of brilliant orange), prints (sophisticated and bold but not overpowering), and buttons (cute but not "cutesy") are perfect. And I love her use of the Michael Miller Organics line.


The end result is a clean, fresh simplicity that's perfect for spring and summer.

You can read more about Aimee's choices on the Spool blog. Personally, I'm looking at orange with a fresh eye again.

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