When I first looked at the Oliver + S Hopscotch dress pattern I thought that it would make a terrific nightie.  And it has!

These were made when I was away at Sewjourn, and have been the nightwear of choice in our house ever since. The cotton interlock fabrics came from Spotlight. (By the way, I was in Spotlight at DFO recently, and was amazed at how terrific their range of fabrics is nowadays. Still messy, and I think quite expensive, but they certainly have some gorgeous fabric). Since I was planning to make these at Sewjourn, I had them all cut out. Except I’d forgotten to cut the strips to use to face the neckline. Luckily, I had some frilly pink stretch elastic with me (!!!!) that matched both fabrics adequately.

I sewed the elastic trim to the right side of the fabric, stretching it ever so slightly as I went, then flipped it over and zig-zagged it in place. I did the same for the sleeve hems.

I made size 8 for Clare and size 5 for Stella. After making quite a few Oliver + S patterns I feel that they are definitely drafted for slim girls – which is why they fit my daughters well. This is a delightful design, either as a nightie or as a dress! It can be made short or long sleeved, and I plan to give this pattern quite a workout. It’s quick and easy to assemble, which always helps too, and because of the cross-over v-neck yoke it’s easy to get on and off.

Fabric choice really will make the difference between it looking like a nightie or like a day dress.  It would also be a terrific pyjama top paired with simple elastic waisted pants….hmmm, Clare really could do with another pair of winter pj’s….

I actually bought this pattern for the skirt, with its cute pocket detail. I wonder when I’ll get around to making that!

(For some reason WordPress have just changed their dashboard/post writing template – and now I have NO idea how to centre things!  Aaaargh!)