Popover Sundress by Oliver+S

Wow.

The last two weeks were so great.  I (Major Moma) approached Sally about potentially doing this blog together late in the Spring.  I was just hoping she would say yes.  She did and we set about the work of designing, creating a focus, and planning a kick-off event.  And then, we invited some of our favorite bloggers that we knew had tween children.  We did not know who would say yes ... and were just thrilled when they agreed.

But, they did not just say yes.  They ended up giving fabulous advise, great tutorials, and even a free pattern!  Again, wow.  Thank you to all our guest bloggers from the last two weeks!  And if you missed any of them, please check all of them out.  It is worth your time.

And now, on to what you will see quite regularly around here, a pattern review.  Since this month is a Project Run and Play season and Sally and I 'met' doing PR&P sew alongs, we will be using those themes in our pattern reviews and tutorials for the next four weeks.  This week's PR&P theme is a pattern remix.  They are remixing a free (yes, free) Oliver + S pattern; the popover sundress.

Now, Oliver + S patterns have a fabulous reputation.  This is the first time I have sewn one but I know many people love them.  And several of them come up to size 12.  (I really like the look of the rollerskate dress, playtime dress and forest path cape) Which means, you can sew them for your tween!  BUT, the popover sundress does not.  It only goes up to size 8.  My daughter is rather thin and I usually cut a size 10 for length and an 8 for width, so I could make this work.

The other thing that helped me make this pattern work is that it was a remix.  I did not feel tied to the pattern very much at all.  I decided to make it tunic length and get rid of the little bows.

I gathered up random black and white fabric and a leopard printed leather scrap.

I also did not intend it to be a shirt worn on its own.  Her elementary school has "spirit days" when all the kids wear the school colors and their mascot.  Her school colors are black, white, and light blue and the mascot is a snow leopard.  So, I thought I would make a little tunic that could be worn over her normal clothes on school spirit days.

machine embroidered snow leopard from emblibrary.com

The review:

The Popover Sundress by Oliver+S comes in sizes 2-8.  You will not need any special tools or materials to complete it as designed. (just your normal fabric, sewing machine, thread, etc)  However to make mine more fun and 'hip', I used leather and snaps for the straps. Oliver+S states that this is a good pattern for a first time sewer.  I agree.  It is very simple and quick if you are experienced.  I would highly recommend this as a mother/daughter project.

What I liked:  It was well drafted and the instructions were very clear.  The dress is sweet and simple.

What I did not like:  The dress is maybe just a little too sweet for an older girl.  So, it really  isn't too bad that it does not come in a size past 8.  It was designed for girls in that age range and is appropriate for them.  Like me though, you may take the base pieces of the dress and modify them to fit what you want.

Here at Sew Cool for the Tween Scene, we have come up with a rating system.  We will rate the pattern on a scale of 1-5 lightning bolts with 5 being the highest (well loved pattern) and 1 being the lowest.

I give this pattern 4 bolts.      In fairness, it is a good pattern; just not a tween pattern.

 Let us know your thoughts on this pattern and if you sew Oliver+S patterns.

~Major Moma