Oliver + S

author archive

learn to sew with Oliver + S

For me, the hardest and most time consuming part of drafting a new pattern is writing the instructions. Our patterns feature more sophisticated design elements (and, therefore, include more fine dressmaking details) than other children’s patterns on the market. This …

lazy days skirt sew-along

Starting on Monday, October 12, Melissa of One Crafty Mumma is hosting a five-day Lazy Days Skirt sew-along. She already has over 20 people signed up! See her blog for details and to join. photo by Melissa And while you’re …

how a sewing machine works

I’ve been explaining how a sewing machine works for years but have never had a visual for it. I just came across this great one (via Swiss Miss via Dossier).

playdate for play

I’ve always wanted to do something a little more sporty with the Playdate Dress. Something that can be worn for a playdate on the swings and while tearing around the playground. Something that’s amenable to serious outdoor activity. For this …

wool options for the school days coat

As you’re planning your fall sewing, here are a few additional ideas for you. Many of you have been asking about wool fabrics for the School Days Jacket and Coat. If you don’t have a great neighborhood fabric store (and …

laminated fabrics

Update: I’ve just been alerted to some terrific laminates at Superbuzzy as well, in case you needed a little more inspiration… I’m so excited about this post. I know many of you have been eagerly awaiting the release of the …

new fall patterns: school days jacket, winter coat version

In my last post I introduced the School Days raincoat. In this post I’ll to highlight the versatility of this pattern’s features and how you can use them to make a true three-season, cold-weather jacket. The multi-season versatility comes from …

new fall patterns: school days jacket, raincoat version

Our new School Days Jacket and Coat can be made in multiple ways: as a lined raincoat, as a fall jacket, and as an insulated winter coat with a removable quilted lining. The lining even has options. You can make …

new fall patterns: jump rope dress, view B

In my last post, I previewed View A of the Jump Rope Dress. Now it’s time for the second version of the pattern, View B. This version is a simple, clean A-line dress with a hem that hits at or …

new fall patterns: jump rope dress, view A

Our in-house model is outside enjoying the sprinklers at the playground, so Pedal (as S has named her, presumably because she has a pedal to raise her up and down) has stepped in to help introduce View A of the …

principles of fabric selection: be eclectic

Fabrics within a collection are made to coordinate with each other. But who said you have to stick within a collection and follow someone else’s creative vision when you’re selecting multiple fabrics for a garment? I think it’s fun to …