oliver + s | garden party blouse. . .

Can you believe that this is the first Oliver + S pattern I've sewn up?! Seriously, it's kind of ridiculous. Not sure what took me so long! I've actually had a few in my stash for a while but never got around to using them for one reason or another. Now, I can happily say that I've got one under my belt. Thanks so much to Liesl for sending this cute pattern over so that I could try it out. It's part of a new collection!  I received a pdf version of the pattern but there are also paper patterns available. 

Talk about a well put together pattern. . . this blouse sewed up like a dream. I chose to do the sleeveless version but that pattern includes cap sleeves as well. I love the little details that add up to a super polished garment. The inside is just about as pretty as the outside. I tend to shy away from illustrated pattern directions - my mind just doesn't work that way - but luckily everything was clear enough in the Garden Party pattern that I was able to get through it with a minimum of fuss. I learned new technique too - the button closure is made using a thread chain. Pretty cool stuff. I love the gathering on the front as it makes the blouse flare out a bit which is pretty and the square neckline is so flattering.

I had a different fabric picked out for this top but I ended up changing my mind. That happens a lot! I've had this voile sitting around for a while and thought it would work well. Since it is such a bold print (and kinda hard to photograph), I opted to use all the same fabric for the blouse instead of doing contrasting bands on the front and back. Fit wise it's pretty spot on. According to measurements I really should have gone with the size 4 but went with 5 instead. My kiddo is pretty skinny and I probably could have even made the 3 with added length for a fitted look. It's a little roomy in the underarm area but I wanted to make sure there would be some room to grow. If I make it again, I'll probably add a little more length to the top since my child pretty much lives in leggings. 

 garden party dress + blouse | oliver + s      hearts voile | drygoods design    leggings |  johnny mango seed

Want to see more versions of this blouse/dress? Stop by the blogs below. . . 

skirt as top | probably actually | craftiness is not optional