Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Oliver + S Fairy Tale Dress: Dorothy Version!

When the Fairy Tale dress came out as part of the new fall pattern release from Oliver + S, it immediately went on my list.  It's classic shape and adorable details caught my eye.


Since Miss S doesn't know much about Halloween yet, I can still decide what she'll be, rather than hoping she'll go along with her mother's suggestions.  I've been planning to dress her as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.  I figured this pattern, with it's classic details would perfect for a Wizard of Oz dress.


Since it's a quite involved project, being a fully lined dress with crinoline, I didn't want the dress to be just a Halloween costume.  I wanted her to get some additional wear out of it, too.  I plan on adding a little ruffly white pinafore or apron, along with a basket and little dog to finish the costume out.


I don't know if I'm getting away with doing double duty, but she did wear it to church on Sunday and only one person mentioned that it looked like a Dorothy dress...so maybe I'm not getting away with it.  Oh, well, I'm going to pretend that Dorothy wasn't the only one who ever wore a blue and white gingham dress and  keep dressing her it anyway.


What do I have to say about this pattern...well, it's a little time consuming, but the end result is so adorable I think it's worth it.  It almost kills me with cuteness :)  It seems simple, but is so well designed.  The proportions and shape of the collar, the fullness of the skirt, the wide hem, the tulip sleeves, the built-in crinoline, the trim and bow at the waist all add up to a really special dress.


The pattern says it is a fitted bodice and recommends making a muslin, but I didn't (I'm a risk taker ;)  I made a size 12-18 months, even though Miss S is 21 months, she fits into the 12-18 month measurements better.  I actually ended up cutting about an inch off the bodice length.  I'm happy with the fit of the bodice, but I wouldn't call it fitted.  In fact, I'll bet Miss S will be able to wear it next spring as well.  So if you're unsure or if you do want a fitted bodice, I'd definitely recommend making a muslin.


I used a lightweight cotton voile for the lining and a light blue tulle for the built-in crinoline, which you can see in the picture below.  It adds some nice fullness, but is not overly exaggerated for everyday wear.  It reminds me of a classic little girl's dress from the 50s or 60s. I think I'll definitely make it again, sometime, because the result is just so darn cute!

9 comments:

  1. I am so pleased to see the underneath view,thank you!
    Its lovely!

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  2. This is such a lovely dress, wonderful job!

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  3. So classy and pretty. Love the picture the with red flowers.
    What is the gingham fabric made of? Can't tell from the photos.

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  4. Thanks so much! It was a fun one to make :)

    Beth, the gingham is just a poly/cotton blend that I got at Joann. I would have loved to use a 100% cotton, but it seems a little difficult to find 100% cotton ginghams, unfortunately. It made up pretty well, anyway, and since it's lined, it doesn't feel too thin or see through.

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  5. Thanks for your reply.
    My daughter (age 5) wants one just like it.

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  6. Do you have an etsy shop?? Are you selling this dress??

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  7. very beautiful baby top.Comfortable fabric for baby.
    to get fabric on demand from weaveron textile.

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