So now that I have finished my last four patterns, I am in back-to-school sewing mode for my girls. We start back in the middle of next week, can you believe it? I wanted to share this little outfit that I made for Matilda who will be in her second year of preschool this year. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom of the post because I have an incredible fabric giveaway for your as well!
I have so many patterns in my stash that I have been just dying to try. I have had this Oliver + S Summer Picnic Shorts and Blouse pattern in my collection for about three years now. And seeing as though the version of this pattern that I have only goes up to size 4T, I figured I better get this sewn (since Matilda is currently wearing size 4).
Matilda’s favorite color is blue. So when April (owner) from Modern Yardage asked me if I would like to sew some projects with their fabrics, I knew that ‘Poppy Hop’ by Cindy Lindgren for Modern Yardage in the Turquoise color-way would be perfect for this little outfit.
You might not have heard of Modern Yardage before, but they are a fantastic fabric manufacturer and to be honest, they are new to me as well. But I would like to tell you some things about them that set them apart from some other manufacturers in the quilting cotton fabric market.
All fabric designs available from Modern Yardage are available in three different scales. Seriously, this blew my mind. To me, one of the MOST important parts of designing a children’s outfit with patterned fabric is scale. Many times I’ll have pieces I want to put together, but if the scale isn’t right for the piece then I just can’t put those designs together. So you can choose just the right scale for each part of your garment.
All designs are printed on 100% pre-shrunk cotton (yes, I said PRE-SHRUNK) and for garment sewists, this is an amazing feature. No pre-washing….yay! The fabric is slightly heavier than traditional quilting cotton and has a wonderful feel (or hand). The fabrics are printed with environmentally-friendly, water-based textile pigments and they do not use any harsh acids or chemicals. Again, perfect for garments.
Finally, the fabrics are printed on demand. So when I got the three prints I selected for this garment, they were all printed out on one continuous piece of fabric. The fabric design is 44″ wide, but is printed on 58″ wide fabric, meaning the extra 14″ has maybe a new craft project idea, a message from a designer, a coupon for your next sale……..you never know…….it’s always a surprise.
Here is little miss thing wearing her new blue outfit. I really should show you all the faces she gave me during this photo shoot……..she was working it.
I didn’t alter the pattern at all, which is kind of strange for me. But it’s such a great design, I didn’t want to detract from the look with too many embellishments. And the fabric was pretty busy as well. The only thing I added was some white piping in the seam on the blouse in the front and the back and then the two little white buttons.
I always add a ‘The Cottage Mama’ label to everything I make for the kids. If you are looking for garment labels, you can read more about mine here.
I thought the fit was absolutely perfect. Matilda is spot on in a size 4 commercial clothing and I don’t think these pieces could have fit any better. The only thing I would do differently is that I don’t think I will finish the back elastic waistband the same as the pattern calls for next time. I wasn’t a big fan of being able to see some of the elastic on the inside of the shorts, but it was a great technique if you wanted to use adjustable waist elastic.
Oliver + S instructions are so easy to understand and follow. They come with black and white illustrations that are very clear. I’d say this pattern would be great for an intermediate or confident beginner.
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
Lovely outfit for Matilda! It sounds like this shop specializes in beautiful fabric and attention to detail — thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks, Michelle! Yes, definitely check them out……I think you would really live their stuff. Great prints for adult fashion as well!
I cannot express how happy I am to have found your blog, and now your sharing about Oliver S Patterns which as a novice seamstress (quilting is more my gift) I love her patterns because the instructions are so easy to follow. Your designs I am eager to try out for my little girl as well. She and I have poured through your pages oohing and ahhing over the darling clothes! This is a great giveaway!
You’re the best! The fabrics Are fantastic and this suit is very beautiful!
Thank you Claudia!
The fabric is stunning and works perfectly for the pattern… A lovely back-to-school outfit!
That is the cutest short set ever! Just wish I had the confidence to try to make it!
You should give it a try Bobbi Jo!! It’s not a hard pattern as long as you have some basic techniques down. The instructions are really easy to follow. Go for it!
That girl is adorable and the outfit is perfect for her personality! 5 yards of fabric, well YES!
Awwwww, thank you Lisa!!
This is one of my favorite O + S patterns. As usual, your fabric pairings are perfect! She’ll have lots of fun wearing that outfit in school!
Thanks Veronica! Yes, I think she will get lots of wear out of the outfit……especially since the shirt will carry over well into fall. I love the version you made on your blog. SO fun!! Great to hear from you 🙂
I’ve only purchased one paper pattern and I promptly put it back in the envelope and it has been there since. But this shirt is adorable! Need to hop on over to Oliver + S (again) and Modern Yardage and check them out. Love the fabric you picked out!
Do not fear the paper patterns! Just remember…….not all patterns are created equal. For example, my printed patterns have photographed instructions which are the same as with PDF’s. And you’ll figure out what designer explains things in a way that is easy to understand. Give Oliver + S a try…….you won’t regret it. Have a great day, Lindsay
Wow, Lindsay, this is my introduction to Modern Yardage. I love your comments. Isn’t this everything we want in our yardage? Does anyone but me have trouble with dyes ruining their hands? I love everything you said about them. Started pinning, will begin in depth investigation of their designers as I have time. Thank you!
By the way, you are my go to person for tutorials. : )
Hi Lindsay – thanks for the info about Modern Yardage – very unique as far as fabric goes. This outfit is so cute! I’m not sure if it’s cute because it’s just cute or if Miss Matilda is making it cute. I think it is actually BOTH! This is one of the patterns I picked up at the School, so it’s on my radar. Thanks so much!!
Miss Matilda is a charming lady. Didn´t know the blog, quite charming too! Congrats!
What a darling outfit and a darling girl to model it!! I LOVE Modern Yardage and would LOVE to win some fabric! Thanks for the giveaway!
Sweet outfit! Thanks for introducing me to Modern Yardage!
Both Matilda and the outfit are delightful! Thanks for sharing!
What a cute outfit for your little model!
The outfit is so cute! Great fabrics and great design.. not talking about a great model 🙂 And I completely agree with the scale thing. I often love the print on the fabric but the print is just too big for my projects.
I never have heard about Modern Yardage before. Is a great discover thanks for sharing, preshrunk fabrics and green made is the best for me 🙂
By the way, I really love Matilda’s outfit she looks so cute and happy with it. And I really love the last pic is sooo fun 😀
I’m excited about this fabric! I love that It comes in same pattern/different scale- I have an AG doll loving granddaughter! Or mother/daughter outfits, I have 3 daughters with daughters! And I’m always looking for “a little heavier than quilt weight” and have a hard time finding it. I’ll check out this store.
Well you make very pretty clothing! Thanks for the chance to win some great fabric, hugs Susie.
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Fantastic!