I was going back through the draft section in my blog and discovered some old posts that never got published. This is one of them, originally from fall 2014, but the information is still valid although old.
Pattern: Oliver and S Class Picnic Blouse
Pattern Description (from designer): The raglan-sleeve pull-on blouse includes gathers at the yokes, elastic at the shoulders, three-quarter-length sleeves, and wide hems.
Fabric Required: For the 12-18 month size, 1 yard.
Amount of fabric used: I am not 100% sure because my mom cut these out for me. I think you could probably do it with 3/4 yards for the smallest sizes.
Sizing: My daughter’s chest is the 12-18 month width, and 2T in height, and it fits well.
Alterations: None, other than to add the extra length to the shirt
Instructions: Through my own fault, I did not realize there was elastic at the shoulders to make the neck line. This part of the pattern therefore confused me very much because it seemed like such a crazy way to make the sleeve and collar. Once I figured out the reason there was a casing, it made much more sense. Liesl never makes her patterns crazy, so I don’t know why I thought this one was. When I make more of these shirts next fall, it will be much easier.
- Tip: In the instructions, it recommends pulling on the elastic when cutting it to get the cut as close to the fabric as possible. When I did this, I had the elastic actually pull out of the seam twice. I found it was better to have a little over 1/8″ of the elastic sticking out and live with it not being perfect that to have the frustration of the elastic pulling out of the seam.
Pattern Issues: No issues with the pattern that weren’t a result of me not reading through them completely before starting the project.
Fabric Choice: The green one is a 100% cotton shirting, and it was a dream to sew up. The orange plaid one is a very loosely woven double gauze that was a nightmare to cut and sew, but the end result is so cute, it almost makes the hassle worth it. The orange one is also semi-sheer so it probably should have been lined, or I should have used a double layer for the bodice portion.
Finished Product: These shirts were the perfect shirts for a fall day. They are comfortable for my daughter, easy to wear and play in, not fussy at all, and look great.
Husband’s opinion: Also a fan, wants me to make more of them.
Notes for future makes: No notes, great as is.
Final Thoughts: I am definitely making more of these.
Very cute, especially the Orange one. I have had the same troubles with the elastic pulling out, so I do three lines of stitching further in and leave a good third of an inch which is then hidden under the seam allowance.
I am sorry to hear that the orange fabric was a pain to sew. I love it so much I want one in my size!