You know it must be spring when the garage around the corner from our studio opens its doors and the ice cream trucks start to emerge. We’re bracing ourselves for seven or eight months of this: watch?v=wVB7OHgalkc

I have a favorite pair of canvas sailor pants. They’re French (of course). They’ve got wide legs. They are about as flattering as a pair of pants can be. Did I mention that they’re really comfortable, too? I was thinking …

We always take customer feedback seriously, and one thing we’ve heard clearly in the last year is that people want more patterns for boys’ clothing. Most boys’ tops are either T-shirts (no fun to make, in my opinion) or shirts …

When I started designing the Birthday Party Dress, I wanted to create something versatile that could be dressed up for weddings, parties, and other special occasions but that could also be made for everyday wear. With this pattern you can …

The weather may or may not be warming up near you, but in our studio it’s officially spring now that the new Oliver + S spring patterns have arrived! The patterns are on their way to shops around the world, …

Every time I look at the Oliver + S Flickr group I’m amazed at the new photos that have been posted by our customers. Such wonderful fabric choices! Such adorable children modeling the finished projects! Really, seeing your photos inspires …

I spent a little time in the garment district last week visiting my favorite fabric shops for a few items I needed. And while I was there I was thinking about you! Several blog readers have recently requested ideas for …

I was thinking this weekend about one more benefit of sewing. Because you can choose fabrics, patterns, and colors of your own liking, you can also build a cohesive wardrobe that all works together in many interchangeable ways. How may …

When I started this thread, I was thinking about how when I was young my mother sewed to save money, but how most people I know today don’t list that as their primary reason for sewing. I gave a few …

(continued from part 1) There are usually several stages in the development of sizes for an Oliver + S pattern. I always draft the first pattern in a 12-18 month size and fit that garment, or several consecutive garments, to …

Have you ever wondered how clothing gets made in different sizes? It’s a rather technical process, and I thought it might be interesting to explain some of the steps to you. Clothing and sewing patterns always start out from one …