One of my favorite patterns is the "Olivia". It is a Farbenmix pattern which includes a hooded knit underdress and a woven pinafore. In most online sewing circles when people talk about the Olivia, they are referring to the underdress, which is fantastic all on its own.
One reason I love it is that it is very quick and simple to put together, with a funky, casual style. The long-sleeved version looks great over leggings, yoga pants, or even jeans, and the short-sleeve version is a perfect playdress when paired with simple bike shorts underneath.
Another reason to love Olivia: The elf-like hood, which is a nice Euro-ish touch. The pattern includes a long, knotted hood, which I'm sure is great, but I've always shortened it because I know the long, knotted one would get in the way of The Princess's daily routine of crazily running around jumping over things and climbing under other things. I also line the hood, which is very simple to do and gives it a more finished look. One of these days I will put together a tutorial on lining a hood.
The Princess and I both love Olivia's pocket. She loves it because she can carry small treasures in it, and I love it because it provides a little bit of color contrast to break up a print.
And finally, I love Olivia's hem. It has a very broad curve, which gives it a wonderful twirl when it's in motion, and a pretty fluted effect when it's standing still (which isn't very often).
If you haven't yet met Olivia, please be sure to make her acquaintance. I bet you will love her too!
Hello again:0) I am back after a thre month hiatus!!
My daughter would LOVE that dress.It is great.I see knit fabric though and I tend to run away as fast as my little legs can carry me when knit is involved!!could this be made with cotton?
Posted by: natasha s | February 25, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Hi Natasha! I've missed you! :)
I think the problem you'd run into with sewing this dress in woven fabric is that it wouldn't have enough stretch to go over the head and maybe the shoulders too. But if you modified it to have a zip/button front maybe, or took off the hood and put the zip/buttons in the back, it might work.
I'm off to read your blog! :)
Posted by: Ula | February 25, 2009 at 10:15 PM