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!
