Earlier this month Oliver+S released their fall 2013 patterns and the Playtime dress, tunic and leggings really caught my eyes (of course, it wasn’t the only one, but let’s take them one at a time).
Usually, Oliver+S patterns have quite a few (clever) details that take sewing for children into another level, but the Playtime pattern features a (great) simple design and that’s really why I find it a “must-have”.
The dress/tunic features a basic loose-fitting style, that I find perfect to be layered with almost anything (pants, leggings (pattern also included), shorts and even skirts) and fitted to almost every occasion (just pick your fabric accordingly). Yet don’t be mistaken, as most things in life, sometimes simple is better.
And obviously, Oliver+S has the bonus of Liesl flawless instructions, so I knew I couldn’t get it wrong.
I love the timeless lines of the tunic/dress as I’ve been looking for a similar Japanese pattern for quite a while.
I ordered the pdf version (which I highly recommended it, specially if it will be shipped internationally because of the shipping costs) and, in a blink of an eye, I managed to sew the tunic version with just 1-meter of fabric (it’s a size 5).
I used a Liberty print from eBay (name unknown. Enid, maybe?) which was quite a deal (this was 1/3 of the retail Liberty price, shipping included).
For adding interest, the pattern calls for contrasting stitching around the neck and back, which I’m quite sure would look very nice (specially if you play a bit with it, like Liesl suggested in this pattern introductory post). However, I have to confess, I couldn’t bear to do it. I used a similar thread for my stitching so no contrast for me. Maybe next time …
It turned out exactly how as expected: classic design and with loose enough to add a lace blouse underneath when it gets colder.
If you’re looking for a basic pattern that would be perfect for showing a beautiful/favorite print, this may be the one.
As expected, the instructions were great and the fit was perfect on my girl. I can’t get enough of the skirt gathers at the front …
and back …
Unfortunately, my little girl was not as cooperative as to model it (the fact that it’s still too hot for fall clothes might have been used as an excuse).
Ops, did I also mentioned it has pockets?
Well, fall sewing season is just about to start around (despite the summer weather outside and my model mood). And I’m pretty sure, there will be more Playtime (tunics and dresses) to come.
And that’s a promise 🙂
Happy sewing,
xx Ana Sofia
Just perfect!
Thank you so much!!
This is so pretty, I love the fabric.
Thank you! I didn’t know this Liberty print but it’s truly beautiful! I love florals 🙂
You are done already!?! You are fast. It turned out absolutely lovely!
I plan to have my dress posted tomorrow 🙂
Thank you Rachel! I ordered it during the week and almost couldn’t wait for the weekend to work on it (of course, I knew exactly which fabric to use).
I love your version – It’s stunning and looks so great on your girl (I need to make a dress version next).
CLASSIC pattern from Oliver+S sewn with a lovely Liberty of London small floral print… and modeled by your daughter! PERFECT INDEED! I know Liberty of London fabrics… soft 100% finely woven cotton, gorgeous and worth the higher cost, but I have never sewn an Oliver+ S pattern. The numerous colors make this Playtime tunic/dress so VERSATiLE with any color pants and leggings. BRAVO many times for your efforts… and GREAT PHOTOS!
Sarah Helene in Minneapolis, MN
Thank you so much Sarah Helene for your wonderful comment!
This one is on my list! It is such a great basic to have in a girl wardrobe. You version is really pretty!
🙂
I can’t wait to see a version from you! This pattern is perfect for you!
It would make an easy and very cute dress. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. I love your version!
Thank you so much! I will definitely be making a dress version next.
I’ve just discovered your blog and I just love it !!! Congrats for all your amazing sewing ideas… (and sorry for my crappy english…)
Thank you so much! (I just add your blog to my reading list. Love the inspiration!)
And your English is great 🙂
Beautiful dress, gorgeous fabric and I love seeing the fit on your model. My little girls would love this and it’s just the kind of thing I love seeing them in.
Thank you Hillary!
I’m sure she also loves it and it will be worn a lot – yet, the fabric selection was entirely mine (I’m quite sure she would pick something with dolls or pink-only)
Delightful, you are my sewing hero.
Life is too short NOT to sew with Liberty.
lol
You’re my sewing hero (just in case you don’t know it by now…)
To be honest this piece of Liberty was less expensive than an imported quilting cotton from a local shop. I love eBay auctions (and not only for liberty), but one needs to have patience and be “open” to new prints (I didn’t knew this one, but it’s so beautiful. I was in awe when it arrived).
I agree, I have a nice little collection purchased from UK eBay. I just received a parcel of baby pink and baby blue Capel to make Lidia and Matilda Music Class blouses.
Oh, these would be so beautiful. The Capel is truly the timeless Liberty print 🙂
Es una blusa preciosa y con esa tela mas aun!!.
Besitos
Muchas gracias Sonia! Besitos, Ana Sofia
That’s so lovely – But now I’m going to HAVE to add this pattern to my ever growing sewing list! I love back-opening buttons, and also tunic length styles like this. They are as pretty as dresses but so much more practical for my very active little girl, particularly in the autumn.
Thank you Victoria! I feel your pain (my sewing list is always growing), but at least I know I’ll be using this pattern for quite a few years …
Can’t wait to see your version 🙂
Simply STUNNING, Ana Sofia!!! Love the pattern, and your pairing of Liberty with it is divine!
Thank you so much, ladies!!
I did love your knit version – great colors and the fit on EA is amazing!
Soooo pretty! Love it, Ana Sofia!
Thank you An!
I reckon I love tunics 🙂
Adorable–both the top and the model!
Thank so much for Todd.
Although, to be honest it does take a great pattern to achieve great results! This pattern is amazing (not that I would expect anything less from you…)
O tecido é lindo. Adoro 🙂
Obrigada Carla! Foi uma sorte ter encontrado uma bid que ninguém queria (!). Como não é um padrão muito conhecido acabou por ficar esquecido e consegui um bom preço.
Ana Sofia, can we borrow a photo for our blog? I love how it turned out and would like to show other people too! I’ll link to your blog, too, ok? It’s just adorable! xo
Sure, Liesl!!
Thank you so much for your compliment!
I really love how this design can be translated into many different (fashion) styles. Congratulations (again) for such a lovely collection 🙂
Beautiful!! That Liberty print is just perfect 🙂
Thank you Meghan! I also love this print – too bad the auction was just for one meter 🙂
Gasp! Ana Sofia, this is just gorgeous! Really, just speechless over here.
Thank you so much Brittney! It means a lot coming from you 🙂
It’s fabulous, Ana Sofia! And she looks so happy in it.
Thank you! I do think she likes it, but I think she was mostly happy because of her new ballet flats (she was not happy about wearing long sleeves and jeans as it was really hot outside – pictures were taken indoors for that same reason).
Adorable little girl and fabric! I love liberty prints, but I might try this with some patterned sateenI got at http://www.organiccottonplus.com
Thank you! That will be lovely 🙂
Será que alguma vez me vou cansar das roupas liberty da tua filha?! Acho dificil…
Adorei! Classica, simples mas super pratica e gira, como sempre!
Obrigada Marta!
Para dizer a verdade, adorei este padrão Liberty – as cores são bem mais giras ao vivo. Não conhecia e tenho pena de só ter conseguido o suficiente para a túnica 🙂
The top is lovely! You and your Liberty creations…you always make the most beautiful articles of clothing.:)
I see that you like to sew with Viyella. Do you have to pre wash Viyella before sewing? Will it shrink much if you don’t wash it first!
Thank you Roberta! I always pre-wash my fabrics before using them – I had a few accidents when I started to sew and I’ve learn my lesson. I don’t take any chances now 🙂