Oliver + S

digital carousel dress sewing pattern

digital carousel dress sewing pattern
Price: $16.95
Brand: Oliver + S
Item: OLV-OS049CAD
Average Rating:
Difficulty:

This raglan-sleeved dress is easy to sew and looks impressive. The pattern features fun piecing and topstitching, patch pockets, raglan sleeves, and a keyhole button opening at the back. View A includes a ruffled hem, while View B has a smooth hem.

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digital carousel dress sewing pattern
  • Digital Patterns

    This style is provided as a digital pattern. It may be printed on both home printers (using either 8 1/2" x 11" or A4 paper) and at service bureaus that handle 36" wide sheets. When you complete your order, you will be provided with a unique code to instantly download the pattern. See our digital product policy for full details.

    Printing Information, Sizes 6M-4:

    • Instructions: 14 pages
    • Tiled pattern pieces: 15 pages
    • 36-inch pattern sheets: 1 page
    • A0 pattern sheets: not available for this pattern

    Printing Information, Sizes 5-12:

    • Instructions: 14 pages
    • Tiled pattern pieces: 23 pages
    • 36-inch pattern sheets: 1 page
    • A0 pattern sheets: not available for this pattern

    Description

    This simple raglan-sleeved dress is very easy to sew and looks quite impressive. The pattern features fun piecing and topstitching, patch pockets, raglan sleeves, and a keyhole button opening at the back. View A includes a darling ruffle at the hem, while View B has a smooth hem. No fancy buttonholes or set-in sleeves makes for easy sewing.

    Skills Used

    Each of our patterns calls on a unique set of sewing skills. Haven't ever done one of these things before? Don't worry. We'll walk you through it, step by step.

    After successfully sewing this pattern, you will have developed the following skills: bias binding, darts, French seam, gathering, raglan sleeves.

    Suggested Fabrics

    Light- to medium-weight woven fabrics like quilting cotton, chambray, and linen.

    Notions

    Coordinating thread, one 1/2" button, lightweight fusible interfacing.

    carousel dress sewing pattern

    Fabric Guide

    SIZE 6-12 M 12-18 M 18-24 M 2T 3T 4
    View A, Fabric A, 44" Fabric 1 yard 1 yard 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards
    View A, Fabric A, 58" Fabric 3/4 yard 3/4 yard 3/4 yard 1 yard 1 yard 1 yard
    View A, Fabric B, 44" Fabric 3/4 yard 3/4 yard 3/4 yard 3/4 yard 1 yard 1 yard
    View A, Fabric B, 58" Fabric 1/2 yard 1/2 yard 3/4 yard 3/4 yard 3/4 yard 3/4 yard
    View B, 44" Fabric 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 3/4 yards 2 yards 2 1/4 yards
    View B, 58" Fabric 1 yard 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/2 yards

    SIZE 5 6 7 8 10 12
    View A, Fabric A, 44" Fabric 1 1/4 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 1/2 yards 1 3/4 yards 1 3/4 yards
    View A, Fabric A, 58" Fabric 1 yard 1 yard 1 yard 1 yard 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards
    View A, Fabric B, 44" Fabric 1 yard 1 yard 1 yard 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards 1 1/4 yards
    View A, Fabric B, 58" Fabric 3/4 yard 1 yard 1 yard 1 yard 1 yard 1 yard
    View B, 44" Fabric 2 1/4 yards 2 1/4 yards 2 1/2 yards 2 3/4 yards 2 3/4 yards 3 yards
    View B, 58" Fabric 1 3/4 yards 2 yards 2 yards 2 1/4 yards 2 1/4 yards 2 1/2 yards


    Finished Measurements

    SIZE 6-12 M 12-18 M 18-24 M 2T 3T 4
    Chest 22 1/2" 23 1/2" 24 1/2" 25 1/2" 26 1/2" 27 1/2"
    Length, View A* 18 1/4" 19" 19 3/4" 20 1/2" 21 1/2" 22 1/2"
    Length, View B* 19" 19 3/4" 20 1/2" 21 1/4" 22 1/4" 23 1/4"

    SIZE 5 6 7 8 10 12
    Chest 28 1/2" 29 1/2" 30 1/2" 31 1/2" 32 1/2" 33 1/2"
    Length, View A* 24 1/4" 25 3/4" 27 1/4" 28 3/4" 30 1/2" 32"
    Length, View B* 25" 26 1/2" 28" 29 1/2" 31" 32 3/4"

    * Measured from shoulder at neck

     

  • English System
    Size Chest
    (in)
    Waist
    (in)
    Hip
    (in)
    Height
    (in)
    Weight
    (lbs)
    6-12M 19 19 ½ 19 ½ 27-29 17-22
    12-18M 19 ¾ 20 ½ 20 ½ 29-31 22-27
    18-24M 20 ½ 21 21 31-33 27-30
    2T 21 21 22 33-36 30-33
    3T 21 ½ 21 23 36-39 33-36
    4 22 ½ 21 ½ 24 39-42 36-39
    5 23 ½ 22 25 ½ 42-45 39-44
    6 24 ½ 22 ½ 26 ½ 45-49 45-55
    7 25 ½ 23 27 ½ 49-52 56-64
    8 26 ½ 23 ½ 28 ½ 52-54 65-72
    10 28 24 30 54-56 73-77
    12 29 25 31 ½ 56-58 78-82

     

    Metric System
    Size Chest
    (cm)
    Waist
    (cm)
    Hip
    (cm)
    Height
    (cm)
    Weight
    (kg)
    6-12M 48 50 50 69-74 8-10
    12-18M 50 52 51 74-79 10-12
    18-24M 52 53 56 79-84 12-14
    2T 53 53 56 84-91 14-15
    3T 55 53 58 91-99 15-16
    4 57 55 61 99-107 16-18
    5 60 56 65 107-114 18-20
    6 62 57 67 114-124 20-25
    7 65 58 70 124-132 25-29
    8 67 60 72 132-137 29-33
    10 71 61 76 137-142 33-35
    12 74 64 80 142-147 35-37

     

  • Average rating: (4.8 of 5) based on 37 reviews

      So many opportunities to get creative
    Reviewed by Lonna ( Verified Buyer) on 11/25/2022
    I sewed up this little dress for my 2-year-old granddaughter and I love it! I am an experienced sewer and had no issues with the pattern layout or instructions. Sizing was accurate. Best of all, this pattern lends itself to endless possibilities to mix patterns and embellish details. I plan to sew it again for sure! Do note, however, that the bottom panel does not lend itself to obvious linear patterns (checks, stripes, plaid).
    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      Did not disappoint!
    Reviewed by Beth ( Verified Buyer) on 01/11/2022
    I’ve sewn many Oliver + S patterns over the years. I have found every single one to be easy to follow, and projects consistently turn out beautifully with a professionally-sewn appearance! I also love that I often learn a new skill. With this dress it was the thread chain for the button on the keyhole back. Again, it was explained clearly and concisely and even linked to a tutorial online! The dress turned out super cute and I will definitively make another in a lighter weight for a warmer season when that time comes. Bravo, Liesl, another remarkable pattern!
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      Wonderful Pattern!
    Reviewed by Beth S. ( Verified Buyer) on 07/30/2020
    The pattern directions were easy to follow, and the pages were clearly labeled so taping the printed pages together was a breeze. My daughter loved it. The dress turned out very well and I look forward to making another!
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      Darling dress and easy to sew
    Reviewed by B Norman ( Verified Buyer) on 10/15/2018
    So cute - I made two of them - one for each grand-daughter. Very easy to make and to style it different ways. The girls LOVE the pockets!
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      Easy to make
    Reviewed by Nicky H on 05/30/2018
    This cute dress was easy easy to sew and turned out well. The instructions were straight-forward and easy to follow. It is definitely roomy and the next time I make it I'll be taking it in a bit. I adjusted slightly by adding a button loop before sewing the placket on the back rather than adding at the finish.
    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      A challenge for beginner but the style is chic
    Reviewed by Nenny ( Verified Buyer) on 11/24/2017
    I like the style of this pattern. It looks clean and simple. The instructions are excellent and I can understand most of it although English is not my mother tongue. But since I am new to sewing, it's quite a learning curve. I still have trouble hemming the dress since ut has circle skirt.
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      Carousel Dress
    Reviewed by Patty ( Verified Buyer) on 10/13/2017
    I could not get this dress on over my granddaughter's head. I had to make a significant modification to the neckline.
    There should be ample room, in almost all cases, to fit the dress over the child’s head with the keyhole opening at the neck. If you would like to make a fit adjustment to increase the size of the neck opening, you can enlarge piece 9 by extending the length slightly to provider a deeper opening on the keyhole. This will provide more room for the neck to open to fit over the child's head.
    4 of 5 customers found this helpful.
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      Really excellent design
    Reviewed by Clare ( Verified Buyer) on 09/20/2017
    I like all aspects of this pattern, but especially the way the pockets are set. The raglan sleeves are a very good feature too. I will use it again and again. By UK standards it seems to make up fairly big.
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      Excellent instructions
    Reviewed by Frances ( Verified Buyer) on 09/19/2017
    This was my first time sewing a garment on my own in over 20 years. The instructions were very straight forward. I especially enjoyed doing French seams.
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      Another great see.
    Reviewed by Linda M ( Verified Buyer) on 09/05/2017
    I love this little dress. I used a double gauze that hangs beautifully. It is a quick sew with professional results. I made the 6-12 month size and it looks rather large for my granddaughter. It came together easily. I will definitely be making another one.
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      Beautiful results!
    Reviewed by Catherine Crowe ( Verified Buyer) on 05/18/2017
    I am fairly new to sewing and was thrilled with this pattern. Instructions were easy to follow and the dress turned out beautifully. I used a cotton-linen blend that hangs nicely. I had a ton of fun making this project.
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      Love this pattern
    Reviewed by Susan B ( Verified Buyer) on 04/23/2017
    This was my first Oliver & S pattern and I thoroughly enjoyed making it. It came out beautifully. I made a size 4 for my almost 4 year old granddaughter. Since her measurements didn't correspond well to the size chart, I just went by the chest measurement and could adjust the rest (though I didn't have to). I appreciated all the little details in the instructions; these were elements of sewing that I learned many years ago and haven't seen recently. I loved learning to do French Seams and the slight poof on the pocket was a nice detail.
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      Carousel Dress
    Reviewed by Diane shepherd on 11/15/2016
    Liesl and Co patterns always produce excellent results and the carousel dress was no exception. I have made two variations and both have turned out really well. Easy to follow instructions and good size range make this one of the best pattern range with the convenience of instant downloads. Will be back for more!
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      Carousel Dress
    Reviewed by Debbie Hill ( Verified Buyer) on 08/29/2016
    I haven't made my Carousel Dress yet--I purchased it because I see it's versatility for my granddaughter who wears a uniform at her school. The requirements are solid color dresses, preferably navy and khaki, so I see lots of potential for her with this pattern. I plan to pipe the sleeves at the cuff and to add some contrast at the pockets. I will let you know how it all turns out. I'm looking to later in the fall and early winter before I get much done. Thank you for wonderful patterns and super directions--the pictures are so helpful! You have done a great job for the experienced and beginning dressmaker!
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      Carousel dress
    Reviewed by Martha Holloway on 06/09/2016
    Hello' this dress was so easy to make the sleeves were very Easy ' my mum always has trouble with her sleeves.I wanted My dress longer so I added 3 inches on to the ruffled hem pattern.
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      Carousel Dress
    Reviewed by Mary ( Verified Buyer) on 02/26/2016
    This is the first Oliver &S pattern i have used. It was very easy to make and the instructions were clear. I made it twice for my 2 year old granddaughter-one version I embroidered the pockets before making the dress and the other i used purchased bias binding for the neck, sleeve hems and pocket tops.
    I have yet to make the Reunion dress but am looking forward to it.
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      Used for Nightgowns!
    Reviewed by Genevieve ( Verified Buyer) on 01/09/2016
    I was in search of a tailored night gown pattern for my daughters and ran across this pattern. I made a size 5 and 10 for my giant 3 and 6 year olds. It worked well, the gowns are relaxed and comfortable. They'll look great for pyjama days at school too! I made them both longer for extra warmth. The thread chain isn't holding up well for the kids to use without being able to see them on the back, so I might go ahead and make a real buttonhole as a fix.
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      Carousel Dress
    Reviewed by julie999 ( Verified Buyer) on 12/21/2015
    This pattern is the first Oliver + S pattern I have sewn, but it is the first of many, I am sure. I made the 12-18 mo. size for my granddaughter who is many miles away so I was somewhat concerned about fit. She wears a 12-18 mo. size in most retail lines and this pattern fit well.

    I am an experienced dressmaker and this pattern went together quickly and beautifully. The one adaptation I made was to put a placket into the back instead of the keyhole neckline which the pattern calls for. I think the next time I make it, I will have the dress button all the way down the back.

    I also made the digital leggings pattern to coordinate and the leggings were complete in about thirty minutes from cutting out to finish.

    I'm looking forward to sewing with many more Oliver + S patterns in the future.
    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      Love it!
    Reviewed by Ashley on 12/20/2015
    I loved making this dress. The instructions and diagrams are clear and the finished product is beautifully designed. This is a simple pattern but the details in the dress make it special. Really a delightful sew!
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      One is not enough
    Reviewed by Carolina ( Verified Buyer) on 11/03/2015
    It was a great sewing, explanations clear and such a simple but stylish design...it makes it impossible to sew only one, I want to sew a few and play around with it, mix fabrics, line it perhaps! Great! Very glad with the digital pattern and with the fit.
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      great!
    Reviewed by Katrin ( Verified Buyer) on 10/14/2015
    I love your patterns and love to sew them. I did a lightweight denim B-variant of the dress with two turquoise vertical pipings along the front. This led me to "loose" 1/2'' and I had to adapt the lower front. If I was nitpicking I felt that the lower parts of the dress were not even in length: there was a slight wave upwards towards the middle and the sides were considerably longer. But no problem!
    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      Wonderful Carousel Dress
    Reviewed by jenny ( Verified Buyer) on 10/10/2015
    I am thrilled with the Carousel Dress pattern...so glad to have found a company that has a sense of construction. I hadn't sewn toddler dresses since my daughters were small and when granddaughters arrived I went the old school route with the usual paper patterns. The results were not what I wanted. I've sewn for years and am a bit of a perfectionist and it seems to me that modern 'sewing store' patterns produce a less superior product than they did 25 years ago...lots of shortcuts and quick methods that make the finished item look like it was purchased at Walmart.
    The pattern was really easy to follow...I made a slight alteration by gathering the sleeves into a narrow cuff band. Thanks for the great pattern Liesl.

    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      Sews like a dream.
    Reviewed by Nicole on 05/22/2015
    I am a little late to the Carousel party but no less pleased. A really good sew. I truly admire the way the designer is able to create a pattern that works on a baby all the way up to a 12 year old. I love the clean lines and 'Japanese pattern' feel. My daughter loved the fact that she could still climb trees in it. I used contrast-topstitching to play up all those lovely seam. Bravo O+S
    4 of 4 customers found this helpful.
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      fabulous
    Reviewed by Jody Mellenthin on 05/01/2015
    you are at the top of your game - perfection If you ever need any sewists to do up your patterns - call on me.
    2 of 3 customers found this helpful.
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      Simple but beautiful
    Reviewed by Anna on 03/22/2015
    I made this dress in two sizes for my daughters - my first dressmaking episode since they were born 7 and 5 years ago. It was also my first attempt at a digital pattern. Unlike a lot of European patterns, the written instructions couldn't have been simpler to follow. In fact, I enjoyed making the dresses so much, I bought more fabric and made another two.
    2 of 2 customers found this helpful.
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      Carousel dress
    Reviewed by Lindy on 02/06/2015
    I loved this dress and I am a beginner sewer, so it was tricky at times, but I had my mum to help me. I did find it difficult because all the measurements are imperial rather than metric. A gorgeous dress though.
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      Easier than I thought!
    Reviewed by Shannon on 01/05/2015
    I was a little leary of this one when I opened the instructions and glanced through quickly. but once I had everything cut out and ready to go, I had this sewn together in about 4 hours. Much easier than i initially thought. Comes together easily, and looks great when it's done. This is going to be a new favourite, I can tell already!
    3 of 3 customers found this helpful.
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      Love this pattern
    Reviewed by Crystal on 12/31/2014
    Yet another fabulous o+s pattern. I will be so sad when my girls grow out of your patterns. I've never had a bad experience with any of them and the carousel dress is no exception. Each new pattern is delightful and fun to sew. The instructions are so clear and precise, even the newest beginner can use your patterns. For those who have been sewing for years (me) your patterns have shaped the way I look at garment making. There really is no comparison in children's patterns. Thank you for being such a staple in my children's wardrobe!
    4 of 4 customers found this helpful.
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      carousel dress
    Reviewed by sandi myers on 12/06/2014
    Love it but it ran quite big compared to the same size lunch box shirt and coulottes.
    3 of 3 customers found this helpful.
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      Carousel dress
    Reviewed by Geraldine Watson on 12/02/2014
    I have made this dress twice since I got the pattern I Love Oliver + s patterns and have quite a lot The biggest problem I had was page two hadn't been printed so I had to email and get a down load I was a bit disappointed but not a major problem it just stopped the enthusiasm I had when I started making it
    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      Possibly my Favorite oliver + s pattern
    Reviewed by Diane Clark on 12/01/2014
    I have been making many of the oliver + s patterns for my granddaughter and the carousel dress is by far my favorite one. It has pockets for small treasures and just enough twirl factor to satisfy a four year old. Goes together easily and as usual the oliver + s patterns are engineered so well there is never a problem with understanding the directions. Well done!
    2 of 2 customers found this helpful.
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      Carousel Dress Review
    Reviewed by Tatjana on 11/28/2014
    I love the look of this dress. With the sleeve length it can be used for all seasons. The instructions were easy to follow, and I am pretty new to sewing clothes. I had never sewn a keyhole button opening, and had no idea what I was doing until I had the finished piece. So yes, definitely well written explained. I assume I will continue making this dress as long as my daughter is willing to wear it. The only thing I would say that it has too many pieces for quick sewing. It is a beautifully designed pattern, but I might also look for something quicker to make.
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      Adorable!!!
    Reviewed by Polly Carlton on 11/28/2014
    Made it out of a Moda flannel... It was so precious. Like all oliver + s patterns it went together perfect and always true to size.
    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      Carousel dress
    Reviewed by Marilyn Hunt on 11/27/2014
    I made this for my 4year old grand daughter who actually designed how she wanted it to be made with different coloured pockets, sleeves and flounce. Apart from changing threads on the machine several times to fit in with her multicoloured design, it was very easy sewing and turned out to be a great result. She calls it her rainbow dress
    3 of 3 customers found this helpful.
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      Excellent pattern
    Reviewed by Denise on 11/27/2014
    Easy to work with the patterns
    1 of 1 customers found this helpful.
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      Carousel Dress
    Reviewed by Hilary Calder on 11/26/2014
    This is a great pattern. I made it in denim and sent it to my grand-daughter in Sydney. She LOVES the pockets. It is a bit big for her now so am about to make another one in a smaller size in lighter weight fabric with contrasts.
    2 of 2 customers found this helpful.
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      Another well written pattern!
    Reviewed by Johanna on 11/15/2014
    I just finished the Carousel Dress in size 4. As always, it is a pleasure to follow one of Liesl's patterns. It has the best keyhole opening I've seen. They usually look messy but this one looks much better. By the way, follow the written instructions for sewing on the neck binding rather than the photo.
    3 of 3 customers found this helpful.
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  • Errata

    In the first printing of this pattern there was a minor error in the instructions. In the second column on page 4, the bottom two illustrations have the fabric right side-fabric wrong side shading reversed. Where you see the fabric right side illustrated, substitute fabric wrong side and vice versa. This error has been corrected in the digital version of the pattern.

     

    Determining Which Printing You Have

    As errata are discovered, they are marked for correction in subsequent printings of the pattern. To determine which printing of an instruction sheet or pattern sheet you have, look at the copyright box which appears on each. Toward the bottom of the box, there is a series of numbers.

    The lowest number you see there indicates which printing you have. For example, if the lowest number in the box on the instruction sheet is "2," you have an instruction sheet from the second printing. Any errors in the instructions mentioned for the first printing have been corrected in your version. If the lowest number in the box on the pattern sheet is "1," you have a copy of the pattern sheet from the first printing.

    Pattern sheets and instructions sheets can be printed separately, so be sure to check the errata notices for pattern pieces against the printing number on the pattern sheet and errata notices for instructions against the printing number on the instruction sheet.

     

  • From the Discussion Forums

    Discussion on the digital carousel dress sewing pattern from the Oliver + S Discussion Forums.

  • Your Photos

    A selection of your photos from the Oliver + S Flickr group.

    Find and share more photos on Instagram using the hashtags #carouseldress and #oliverands.