Oliver + S Playdate Dress for Autumn

I really love seasonal sewing.  I think it's no coincidence that pattern companies (well, and fashion) have big releases in the spring and the fall.  I'm always so excited to see new patterns coming out, and I'm very inspired by the change of seasons.  Often, though, the excitement hits before the weather changes.  I can't very well be dressing Miss S in wools and jackets when the weather is still averaging 80 degree highs, right? :)

I made the Oliver + S Playdate Dress in a lightweight cotton, with fall-ish colors as a transitional dress that she can wear now, and when it gets colder with tights.  I've had this piece of fabric in my stash for a long time.  It's actually a really nice, super smooth pima cotton, I would say comparable to Liberty.  I got it at Fashion Fabrics Club a couple years ago, and I think it works great for this dress.

I used a yellow polka dot for the flat piping around the yoke, for the hem facing and for sleeve bindings.  The  original pattern doesn't call for sleeve bindings; it only calls for a hem on the sleeve, but I wanted to use the yellow print again, so I decided to make sleeve bindings.

I used a covered button for the keyhole opening at the back neck.  Also, rather than make a fabric loop, I cut up a hair elastic and sewed it on.  I read about this tip somewhere, but I unfortunately can't remember where I read it, so I apologize to the original inventor.  It's a great trick, though, because it's stretchy and can accommodate various button sizes, and you don't have to go the hassle of making a fabric loop or thread chain.

I wanted to pick up the lavendar color in the print, so I used some little purple flower buttons that I found at Joann.

I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out and I think it will get some good wear this fall/winter.

Here's a preview of some upcoming projects: above, the Fairy Tale Dress, Wizard of Oz version...

Fuchsia corduroy Hopscotch Skirt...

...and a Sunday Brunch Jacket out of the mos gorgeous, soft double-sided velveteen.