More from the Sewjourn weekend, and more from Oliver + S patterns.

The top is from the Hopscotch pattern, and the skirt from the Sailboat pattern. Both were made from fabric scraps left from other projects – happily, now all gone! I always feel quite satisfied when I use up pretty much every bit of a fabric length.

The fabric for the top is a cotton interlock from Spotty a couple of years back. It’s quite a nice weight and feel, but the recovery is fairly poor (no lycra content). However it works well in a top like this, with the gathers at the front and bound neckline.  I used a zig-zag stitch to finish sleeve and hem edges and along the front binding.

The skirt is in cotton drill. I was lucky enough to use Karen‘s snap press to attach snaps to the front for fastening rather than sewing buttonholes and buttons.    Never again will I attempt to attach snaps by hammering them in – the press works SO much better!  The front “pockets” aren’t terribly functional as pockets, since they allow for opening the skirt at the front to get it on.  But they do look cute!  The back is elasticised, and has a little kick pleat to allow for movement.  Simple top-stitching finishes the edges and the hem.

(And yes, those are quilter’s pencils in Clare’s bun).  Each time I sew an Oliver + S pattern I am pleased with the detailing and the instructions really do give a well finished item. I sewed both the top and skirt in size 8 for Clare, and am pleased with the fit. So is she.