Oliver + S Ice Cream Dress
I’ve had this pattern in my stash for at least a couple of years. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. It just has such a vintagey-retro-classic type of feel to it.
As I’ve been working my way through my fabric stash, sewing for my youngest daughter, I pulled out this pattern and this fabric that I’ve had for quite a few years. In fact, I think I bought the fabric when my older girls were little. It wasn’t really anyone’s favorite fabric, and I know it doesn’t totally coordinate perfectly together…mostly I just wanted to try out this pattern, and I didn’t want to ruin my good fabric (just in case it didn’t fit or I made a mistake or something).
I just love the little details like the “v” pockets and the bottom skirt band.
When it came time to add a button to the back, we looked through my button box and found this adorable little heart button that just matched the pink hearts on the calico fabric.
I think this little heart button is my favorite part of the dress.
I’m not going to lie, I had a terrible time with some of the directions. I’m not sure if it’s a true reflection on the directions or just the frame of mind I’m in these days (tired and needing super-simple). Also, I’m a very visual person, and some of the steps I just couldn’t visualize (and they weren’t illustrated). I had to read and re-read a few of the directions, and then I still couldn’t “see” it in my mind. Some of the construction steps were completely opposite of the way I’ve put similar garments together before, and that confused me.
If you look closely you can see that I really messed up the topstitching/edgestitching. But it all came together in the end, and my daughter is happy with it! And now that I’ve made it once, I know the next time would be a breeze.
My husband and older daughters said it looks like an old-fashioned “house dress,” (and one said it looks like scrubs) but I just love the design lines. I think it’s very artistic. I think most of what they’re seeing is the fabric. With some really cute fabric it would change the look of the dress entirely.
The final verdict is that I love this dress, and I would definitely make it again (with cuter fabric next time)! 🙂
I think it looks really pretty, and so comfy on a hot summer's day too – I've got that pattern in my stash but not made it yet, time to get cracking before the girls grow out of the pattern range!
Thank you, Carie! I know, I made the 12, which is the largest size, for my 9-year-old! They do grow out of the sizes quickly!
I love this dress so much. You've done a wonderful job. Also the fabric and chambray colours are very in now. When I a better sewer I will make one for my nieces.
That's very kind of you–thank you!
This dress is adorable! You did a great job!
Isn't it funny how we store fabric for several years and then all of a sudden find a use for it? 🙂 I love sowing!!
Thank you! Yes, it's strange about storing fabric. I seem to have done that a lot in the past. Now I'm on a mission to use it up! 🙂
What a sweet dress. I would love to be able to make clothes!
Thank you, Kim!
Oh I love it! I love simple lines like that, and so does my daughter. You did some beautiful work, I love the pocket detail. It would make a sweet little tunic top too.
Thanks, Jennifer! I'm seriously considering making the tunic option. 🙂
What a simple and cute dress. I love the little accents on the pockets and the small heart buttons! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
It is a very cute dress–with a very pretty girl wearing it. Very well constructed. Love the work.
Thanks, Jeanna!
I like it very much! A lovely dress for a beautiful little girl with a very nice hair-band !
Happy weekend,
Franca
Thank you, Franca! I hope you have a wonderful weekend also!
Hello Joy
I always enjoy seeing your sewing creations
I quite like the dress and the fabric has a nice vintage feel- You may like to try the main part of the dress all in one fabric and just the top and pockets in the plain or a contrast fabric-also a shorter version could be made in to a smock top to go with leggings
Your lovely little Model looks sweet and happy in her new dress which looks very comfortable
♥Fiona
Thank you, Fiona! That's a good idea about fabric placement. The pattern does include a top version, so that's another option to consider. I'm envisioning a cute smock top with leggings for autumn. Wouldn't that be cute?! 🙂
I think it's darling!!
You sound like me with patterns these days. Perhaps that's why – I don't use them so much anymore. I really should get back into making actual dresses instead of settling for simple skirts. 🙂
Blessings on your day!
Thank you, Bevy! I understand, skirts are so much quicker! I just made a different dress yesterday, and it was *almost* as fast as a skirt! It's a peasant-style dress, and it goes together very quickly. I love that kind of sewing. 🙂
Blessings to you!