Oliver +S Sailboat Top and Skirt

 

I finished Susie's skirt for the Fourth of July, but I put off the top, because it is a long sleeved pattern, and lets face it Texas is hot (old post with the skirt).  Since we have had a few cooler mornings I cut out several warmer tops for Susie. Last week I cut the Oliver +S Sailboat Top, Patterns for Pirates Jolly Roger Raglan, The Cottage Mama Double Dutch Cardigan, and a Titchy Threads Rowan Tee.

Cut out patterns waiting to be sewn.

I'd asked about sizing the sailboat set before making the skirt and had been told to size up the top if I wasn't using knit. I opted to make it in a size 3, because my knit has very little stretch. I must say I'm thrilled with the quality of this pattern and simplicity.

The Sailboat Top, Skirt and Pants pattern is rated one scissors out of four for difficulty and I agree that though it has lots of pieces it is a very simple sew.  There are facing pieces for the front and back top and the front and back hem, so there isn't the need to hem the curve.

The smaller size group offers 6-12months,12-18months, 18-24 months, 2T, and 3T.  The PDF is nested with every other size together, while this helps avoid confusion when tracing sizes it does make grading between sizes more difficult. The pattern has sleeves that are assymetrical and not cut on the fold.  There are facing pieces for the front and back top and the front and back hem.  Finally there are front and back body pieces.  

The instructions call for a 1/2" seam allowance for the full pattern.  It offers clear illustrations and instructions for assembly.  There is a cutting layout that helps you maximize your fabric and a thorough glossary of sewing terms.  The pattern contains a size chart and a chart with the finished measurement of the garments.  The button and buttonhole areas are reinforced with interfacing helping ensure a quality finished item. 

Shirt inside out front side.

As I mentioned above it really is a simple sew.  Despite this, you won't have to worry about skipped steps or poor finishing techniques. The sleeves are gathered to fit in the arms, but they are sewn in flat, so you don't have to maneuver a round sleeve into the body.  The sleeves are hemmed after the side seam is sewn, so you have a clean finish at the wrist. The hem of the body is completed with the front and back facing, so you don't have to fight to hem a curve.  Again the facing is applied after the side seam is sewn, so you have a clean finish at the bottom hem.

 

Shirt inside out back side.

 I bought the knit specifically for this outfit. I was a bit disappointed, because it was supposed to be cotton/Lycra, but it is not stretchy. The red is printed on the fabric and the back is a bit fuzzy. Unfortunately it's also a bit stiff, so it looks pretty boxy on her.

I'll add pictures of Susie in the full outfit once the weather dries up enough to take pictures outside.