my favorite oliver + s pattern: courtney from sweeter than cupcakes

Today we are happy to welcome Courtney who blogs at Sweeter Than Cupcakes. I’m sure you’ll remember Courtney’s ‘flipped’ Croquet Dress and also her color blocked Hide-and-Seek Dress. She is stopping by today to tell us about her favorite pattern. Thanks so much for being here Courtney!

My favorite Oliver + S pattern is the Class Picnic Blouse because of its style and simplicity. The pattern has the ease of a traditional peasant blouse, but with a more stylish finish. The flat bodice with elastic at the sleeves eliminates the need for tedious closures.

 

 

Sewing with Oliver + S patterns gives the added benefit of learning new techniques with each pattern. The Class Picnic Blouse was my first Oliver + S pattern to sew, and I learned the technique, necessity, and reason behind understitching for the first time. I have carried it through to many patterns that I sew even if the instructions do not call for it, because I like the finish it provides.

Another great thing about the Class Picnic Blouse is the versatility it allows for fabric choices. I made my first version of the top in corduroy. Slipping in some flat or corded piping at the bodice seam adds interest and provides the perfect embellishment for the blouse.

 

 

Soon after the first, I made the next version for Christmas. This time I lengthened both the sleeves and the main top pieces to create a dress from some vintage plaid shirting.

 

 

The very next Christmas I used more royal colors for a skirt and top combo. Again, the pop of piping at the bodice ties the pieces together.

 

 

 

My absolute favorite piece I made from the Class Picnic Blouse pattern is this sweatshirt. An upcycle from an old sweatshirt and an eyelet skirt never looked so good! The full tutorial for the modifications can be found here.

 

 

When asked to write this post about the beloved Class Picnic Blouse, I decided I needed to pull out the pattern again and sew something new. This time I went with a flannel fabric and turned it into a nightgown. I lengthened the sleeves and cinched them in with elastic. Then, I added a hand embroidered “sweet dreams” to the sleeve cuffs to personalize it for a special little gal.

 

 

 

As you can see, the fabric options are endless, but the style remains classic. I’m quite sure there will be plenty more Class Picnic Blouses in my future! One little confession, I have yet to sew the Class Picnic Shorts!

If you’d like to see more of any of the outfits above you can find them in the following links:

• Fall corduroy blouse
• Plaid Christmas dress
• Green Christmas blouse
• Sweatshirt tutorial
• Flannel nightgown