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!

Miss Mouse for a Day

I have a little book that I bought at a church youth fundraiser called The Smart Little Mouse.  It's an old children's book with really cute illustrations.  The mouse in the story strongly resembles Miss S, so for Halloween, I decided to make her a little mouse costume.  

I used Simplicity 2506 for the costume.  It was a perfectly adequate pattern, but I think I've been spoiled by the fantastic instructions that come with the Oliver + S patterns.  I made it in a short pile, midweight upholstery velveteen that I got at Joann on super clearance for less than $2.00/yard.

 I used a light pink flannel for the belly, ears and tail.  I also made the little booties that are shown on the pattern cover, but Miss S tries to pull anything that is on her feet off, so I just gave up on them :)

We were visiting my husband's brother and his family in New Orleans over the weekend, so we brought the costume along and dressed Miss S up for a Halloween party there.

We had a great time in New Orleans.  We visited Lake Pontchartrain, the French Quarter and Saint Charles Street.  My husband originally was planning to run a half marathon with two of his brothers, but due to flight delays, we arrived in the middle of the night and got to sleep just an hour before he would have to get up to run the race.  He was too exhausted and opted not to run, which I think was the right choice.  We still had a lot of fun, in spite of the travel issues.

Holly's skirt arrived and she sent me pictures.  I think she looks great and I'm glad it fit her okay.  It's always a gamble to sew something for someone when they can't try it on.  The dimension I measured incorrectly was length, so it ended up a couple inches too long.  She just re-hemmed it, and it looks perfect.  Isn't she cute? :)