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5.14.2013

Oliver + S Popover Sundress

I was initiated into sewing using the big box fabric store patterns.  To say that didn't work out so well for me would be an understatement.  Thankfully, I was pointed in the direction of Oliver + S.  I started with their {free} Lazy Days Skirt pattern.  It came together beautifully and easily.  It looked professional.  It was a joy to sew.  It was almost too good to be true!  I was hooked!

At that time, pillowcase dresses were all the rage.  I liked the idea of sewing a simple dress for my (at that time) only daughter.  But I didn't love the shapelessness of the pillowcase dress.  Oliver + S had just the solution: the popover sundress.

Oliver + S Popover Sundress

Another free pattern, this dress is easy to sew and just right for those hot summer days ahead.

Oliver + S Popover Sundress

I had ordered this Alexander Henry print with Evie in mind.  She loves to talk about Ethiopia and she also really loves zebras.  (She likes to ask me if she can ride one someday!) But the zebra heads were much larger than I had envisioned, so the scale was too large for Evie's little body.  I decided it would work better on Indigo, since she's taller.  And Evie gets all of Indigo's dresses anyway, so it seemed like a win-win.  Given the scale is so large, I wanted to use it on a simple, A-line shape.  That made the popover sundress a good option.

Oliver + S Popover Sundress

I was running low on cobalt fabric for the contrasting binding, so I headed over to the Oliver+S forums to ask whether I really needed to cut it on the bias or if I could get away with cutting it on the crossgrain.  They informed me that it was important to cut the fabric on the bias in order for the straps to lay properly.  They suggested I place my pieced seam in the underarm so it wouldn't be visible.  Those ladies know their stuff!  That's what I did and it came together beautifully.  I highly recommend the Oliver + S forums!

Oliver + S Popover Sundress

Unrelated, my 20 year old niece is staying with us for almost an entire month!  The kids are having so much fun hanging out with their cousin (except for Iris, she's still terrified of her!)  :)  My niece is dairy and gluten free, so if anyone has any fab gluten-free recipes, I'd love to hear them.  We don't do much dairy, so I've got that one covered!  ;)

10 comments:

  1. That fabric is such a perfect fit for the pattern! My hubby and 3 year old are gluten free. You'll do just fine as long as you are cooking at home. Watch the double dipping in the kitchen. The butter, peanut butter, and mayo are great places for accidental cross-contamination.

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    1. ahhh, i hadn't thought of this! thanks so much for the tips!

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  2. What a lovely dress! That pattern is so perfect for a bold print like that, and I love the giraffe image:) Also love your pairing of colbalt as the binding - it's such a great contrast!
    Good luck with the GF factor the next few days. My daughter has been GF (currently is not), and we were able to buy many products at our local grocery store. They also sell GF flour if you plan to do baking. Rice-based cereals or oatmeal were good options for us for breakfast. Lots of quinoa for dinner:)

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    1. Lucinda, were the gluten free flours any good? i might try that! a month is a long time to not do any baking!

      yes, we are planning on oatmeal and rice based cereals as breakfast options and quinoa and brown rice for dinner. i just read that quinoa is supposed to be cooked like a pasta (?!) not a rice. who knew!

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    2. surprisingly, the GF flours were quite good! Most people would be hard pressed to tell the difference. It can be pricey though - that's a downfall. Plus, most if it is pretty processed - not much choice in the way of whole grain flour. Almond flour/meal is probably the healthiest, but also one of the more expensive. And quinoa will be a great dinner substitute! Try looking on Pinterest for quinoa recipes - there a ton of yummy ones out there!

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    3. This is so good to know! Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback for me! xo

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  3. That cobalt blue with the mustard is such a striking, yet earthy combo. Looks great on her! I had no idea Oliver & S had forums. Handy.

    BTW, I just opened registration on my Homeschool class. Thanks again for your encouragement!

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  4. Ooh, this color combo is so unusual and striking! Note to self: I need more cobalt blue in my life. And zebras! Must put this pattern on my list, I am normally of the "you get what you pay for" mentality when it comes to patterns (hence rarely making up anything free), but I make an exception for o+s.

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  5. This is adorable! I just love it. And with regard to gluten free, I realized I'm a bit late but I just adore Canelle et Vanille's blog, if you aren't aware of it yet. She's entirely gluten free AND a food stylist/photographer. Be prepared to drool...

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    1. wow, thanks liesl! i am honored you would say so!

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