Laowai

I sewed a new pattern – it’s called the Swingset Skirt from Oliver + S. We have a wedding coming up and I told Bea I would make her a skirt. Getting dressed up is a big deal for her. I mean she never does it. She is anti fancy, fun, girly fashion. But we are going all the way to London to a friend’s wedding and I’m trying to make her understand that her jeans and a t-shirt just won’t cut it. Anyway – this polka-dot version is a practice run with this new pattern. I bought some blue dupioni silk for the wedding skirt. Next I have to think of a way to get her to wear some dressy shoes…

I recently tried making a nightie for Claire with an old McCall’s pattern. It reminded me how much I love, love, love Oliver + S patterns. The pictures on the old pattern didn’t really look like what they were supposed to be showing and the pattern pieces were wonky – not matching up at a couple points. I hate that feeling when you are trying to put something together but the directions make it into a big mystery and you just stand there in your sewing room not knowing what to do. The Oliver + S pattern directions are always completely clear and helpful – no guessing. It makes me want to only sew with patterns designed by Oliver + S founder Liesl Gibson. Love that lady!

The Swingset skirt has three little casings – two for quarter inch elastic and one for a little drawstring. It’s lined and it has a lovely twirly shape. It feels like it’s been a long time since I sewed something and Bea actually liked it. Here it is blowing in the wind. Success!