My Fifth Bubble Dress.... (it must be a favourite!)

This project was so much fun! I adore this pattern anyway (as you can tell from my title) and I splurged on some really pretty fabric in a recent sale, which was calling to me to be made into a dress for one of the girls. I only had a meter. So an Oliver + S Bubble Dress it was!

The fabric is by Leah Duncan for Art Gallery Fabrics. It is a beautiful print and a really nice weight. Very soft and silky.

My little model was on top form despite having her flu vaccination that morning. I love seeing her face light up when she wears a pretty dress. I feel so lucky to have two little girls who adore dressing up. They are always so happy to have a new dress in particular.

I didn't make any alterations to the pattern. The Christmas before last, both girls had a Bubble dress for our family get-together and so I could see that she only needed to go up a size to a 3T.

It is a lovely fit on her. 

The one thing I adore about this pattern is how it is completely sealed inside. No raw edges or seam allowances of any kind on show and fully lined so it is soft against precious skin. Which is probably the reason I have made two as gifts in the past.

We are currently at temperatures of around 3C outside so layering is essential. The way the cap sleeves are shaped make it perfect to go over a long sleeved tee. I love this dress in summer but this styled this way it also works for winter too.

Lunch Box Tee & Culottes

Last month saw the release of two new Oliver + S patterns, the Carousel Dress and the Lunch Box Tee & Culottes. I was particularly excited to see this culottes pattern and after a bit of consideration bought the PDF version in the small size range for my youngest daughter. I will no doubt buy the paper copy in the larger size for my biggest girl (because I can do without sticking two PDF's together thank you). 

Just for a change I decided to buy the pattern for L, because I have never actually bought a O+S pattern in the small size range before. It feels like I am giving her some sewing attention, and this pattern has her name written all over it. She is a robust little girl who hardly ever stays still, is always hurtling headlong into puddles, crowds, mud etc. But she does love her pretty dresses, princess outfits and singing 'Let It Go' at the top of her voice while walking around the house with a blanket-cape. So shorts that look like a skirt are perfect for her. Practical yet pretty. Brilliant!

I had to really focus on the sizing for her. She falls across several different size categories.
For example:

Chest 22" (putting her between a 3 and a 4)
Waist 20.5" (12-18months !!)
Hip 22.25" (between a 2 and a 3)
Height 39.25" (that would be between a 3 and a 4)

Phew! She is making me work even before I have started.

I finally settled on making a size 3 tee and size 2 culottes. Because I was unsure how the sizing was going to play out, I used some clothes that had been set aside for recycling. A velour skirt (passed on by my Mum), and a stripey t-shirt that was too small for me.

The culottes ended up too big around the waist and I drew the elastic up to the point where I had to stop else I would distort the drape. The length of them is absolutely perfect though. Just where I would want them to fall.

The velour culottes (note: not the recommended fabric) have an air of Christmas about them and maybe she will fit them a little better by then.

I made view B of the tee, this is the simpler version with no pockets. Next time I would need to add 2" onto the length as it hits just a bit too high on her waist. 

The top is super quick to put together. I cut everything out the night before, folded and pinned all the pieces and put it out to finish in the morning. Madam had me up by 6am and by 7am, the top was done! 

I have to say, I adore this pattern. If the word culottes makes you shudder, don't be put off, these are fabulous. The box pleats at the front and back (while not coming out particularly well in my fabric choice) make the skirt/shorts fall beautifully and they are mega practical. If I had any tights that were the right colours I would have put them on her. That would complete the look for a Christmas party.

I also whipped up a pair of Sunki Leggings using some dark grey knit. They are a 2/3 and are a bit baggy, but the length is great and they look so comfy. It is such a great leggings pattern!

I am glad I got the size right with the tee, I will be making many many more. Just with a bit more length. Does anyone else have a child with really random measurements?! If she carries on, she will be tall with a tiny waist. (If only she got that from me!!)