I think that the Oliver + S Hopscotch dress is my most used Oliver + S pattern.  But until now, I’ve only used it for nighties and pyjamas!  It’s finally become a dress (and a top for Clare, but that is for a later blog post).

This patterns combines a few elements that I love – it’s simple, it’s well drafted, it is comfortable, it’s for knits, and it is versatile. I used left over cotton/lycra from other projects for this iteration. This is gorgeous quality fabric (originally from Darn Cheap fabrics) and I’m a little sad that this is the last of it.

Now it is time for me to blow my own trumpet – check out that stripe matching! Although I had a slight problem when constructing this dress, when I forgot to match the notches properly when assembling the front and didn’t overlap the front yokes enough, then didn’t gather the front much and wondered why it didn’t seem as gathered as usual but didn’t realise that it wasn’t right because I’d done something wrong and then had to fix it all up once I thought it was complete – I absolutely love the finished result. Thank goodness for a quick unpick. I’m pleased that I used a zig-zag stitch rather than my usual twin needle for finishing all the hems and front edges – and I really prefer the end result.

I’m sure that this dress will get loads of wear over summer. I’ve cut one out for Clare too, in red with black striped cotton/lycra. I definitely recommend this pattern. I’m certain that this won’t be the last time that I use it – and I haven’t even got on to making that gorgeous skirt with the clever folded pockets yet!