Here's the next part of the "My Favorite Oliver + S Pattern" series. Today, we're joined by Jen, who will share her favorite pattern and showcase all the amazing versions she's created. Thank you so much for joining us, Jen!
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Hi everyone! I’m Jen, known as @2lillemons on Instagram, and I’m thrilled to talk about my absolute favorite pattern today—the Fairy Tale dress from Oliver + S. A few years back, I rediscovered my love for sewing when I began making clothes for my daughter. During a Pinterest search, I stumbled upon the free Lazy Days Skirt pattern, which led me to explore other free designs on their website. I fell in love with them instantly and decided to dive deeper into their collection. Since then, I've amassed over 20 patterns and haven't looked back since.
Among all the patterns I own, the Fairy Tale Dress holds a special place in my heart. Its classic silhouette allows for endless customization options—whether you want something simple or detailed. I’ve experimented with various fabrics, from plain cotton to luxurious silk and brocade. Whether it’s casual or formal, this dress always looks stunning.
The first time I attempted this pattern, I must admit I was a bit intimidated by its difficulty level. Some blog posts recommended creating a muslin for fitting, which sounded daunting. I skipped the muslin step but still gathered enough courage to give it a try. To my relief, the instructions were clear and easy to follow. For my initial project, I made a simple version for my daughter to wear to see the Nutcracker Ballet. I used white cotton fabric with gold polka dots and added a sparkly tulle overlay instead of an underskirt. Although the tulle layer wasn’t perfect, the overall look turned out great. I even paired it with a handmade furry woodland cape.
Encouraged by my success, I decided to push myself further. Next, I crafted a sequined top paired with lavender dupioni silk for a friend’s daughter. This time, I modified the gathers into box pleats, which added a touch of elegance. This remains one of my favorite creations to date.
Following that, I made another Nutcracker-inspired dress for my daughter using blush and gold brocade. I incorporated box pleats again and swapped the tulip sleeves for cap sleeves. This dress became a staple in her wardrobe, worn repeatedly.
Over time, I’ve experimented with different variations. One memorable creation was a grey corduroy dress adorned with a velvet collar, complete with a matching 18-inch doll version. I also designed two flower girl dresses for our beloved babysitter’s wedding and a cotton sateen First Communion dress. For the latter, I kept the fabric minimal but added intricate details like lace and pintucks.
Recently, I completed a new version that quickly became one of my favorites. This dress features fabric from Rifle Paper Co., known for its beautiful prints. I chose a design that spoke to me and kept the styling simple—no collars, sleeves, or sashes, just the fabric itself with a small decorative bow. Friends loved it so much that I ended up making two more!
Thank you all for letting me share these projects with you. Sewing has brought immense joy to my life, and I hope my experiences inspire others to explore their creativity through fashion.
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