Recently I’ve decided I really like patterns by Liesl Gibson. I also really enjoy reading the Oliver & S blog. Especially the weekend links!
I know many of my sewing blogger friends were making these patterns up years ago, and singing their praises, but somehow they passed me by. I was probably busy sewing up 1940’s girls patterns or experimenting with drafting my own kids patterns. I’m not so into drafting patterns lately. I find it frustrating and also haven’t been getting as much time in the sewing room as I’d like. I can’t believe I’ve been making girls clothes since I started blogging in 2010, and this is the first Oliver & S pattern I’ve tried. I wish I had tried one sooner!
I’m happy to find a pattern designer who has well drafted patterns with great instructions and hopefully I won’t have to make a zillion adjustments like I do with most Big 4 patterns. Even if I am a few years too late to the party. So far, so good! I’ve bought several of the Butterick Lisette patterns for my sewing queue for spring, and have already made the Bento Tee with good results. I also bought the Gallery tunic. Hopefully I will get to them! 
Today’s pattern is the Fairytale dress. The size 6 fits Gigi perfectly, according to her measurements. It’s a bit long waisted, but that’s my mistake because I added 3/4 of an inch to the bodice length since Gigi is in the size 7 height. But apparently her height is mostly in her legs, not her torso, so it’s a little long. The only snag I had making this up is that I didn’t quite absorb the instructions about how to line the bodice with the invisible zipper, so I went ahead and sewed it in by hand.
I inserted the zip a little too low….
I bought this fabric a few years ago at the Rose Bowl Flea market. I’m assuming by the texture and feel of it that it’s from the early 60’s or even the 50’s. It’s a nice cotton poplin. Fabric never has this kind of hand anymore. There is a certain crispness and weight to it that I only find in vintage cottons. I had barely just enough fabric to make this dress so it was meant to be!
This is so gorgeous!!!!! It really was meant to be!! I love everything of Liesl’s that I’ve tried! I need to make this one!
Thank you Emily! I can’t wit to try the Building Block dress book.
That fabric is fabulous — and that dress is gorgeous! Lucky girl
Thank you!