I made another Oliver + S Hopscotch Dress! I’ve used this pattern several times, and I always love the result. It’s quick and easy to sew, and the girls actually wear the tops and dresses I’ve made. In fact, some of the tops are worn out.
I’ve been reading great things about the Art Gallery knits for months, but this is the first chance I’ve had to try some. I have to say that the positive comments I read were not exaggerated. This really is the nicest cotton knit fabric I’ve bought. The weight is just right for kids clothes, the stretch and recovery are excellent, and it washes nicely without fading or pilling. Not to mention the colors in this Priory Square floral print are gorgeous—perfect for Spring!
The Hopscotch dress in a size 5 takes less than a yd. of fabric (at least the short-sleeved version does). Even with a quality knit fabric, the cost of making this dress was less than $15 and 2 hours. Similar play dresses at Hanna Andersson are $30-50, so I think it’s worth investing in fabric that will wash and wear as well as a ready-made dress.
I didn’t make any modifications to this version, but I did use knit interfacing on the neck band for the first time and it really makes a difference. It’s an optional addition, but for kids that pull at their necklines I think that the interfacing helps the fabric to keep it’s shape. It feels more like a store-bought top with the extra stability that the interfacing provides.
I would have loved to get some more pictures of my girl enjoying her dress, but we currently have snow on the ground and it’s too cold to get nice pictures outside without making her freeze! She did wear it to church this weekend (with leggings and a sweater!) and I’m sure she’ll be enjoying her dress all summer.
Is the cold weather making you wish for Spring or are you still enjoying time to sit by the fire and drink tea?
Adding this to the Sew & Show link-up at Straight Grain!
Donna says
February 24, 2015 at 12:02 pmDarling and ready for spring! I am looking forward to short sleeves again, although I think we are several months away from those. One can dream.
Sara Curtis says
February 24, 2015 at 12:23 pmThank you Donna! We still have a while before the weather gets warm, but it works great as a layering piece too.
Stephanie says
February 24, 2015 at 12:35 pmI love that bright green!
Sara Curtis says
February 24, 2015 at 12:36 pmThanks Stephanie 🙂
Sara @ Made by Sara says
February 24, 2015 at 12:35 pmSuch a pretty dress! That knit has the most amazing color and print! (I am a sucker for floral prints. 🙂 )
I am wishing for Spring yes, although we always have a mild Winter weather, with no snow.
Sara Curtis says
February 24, 2015 at 12:37 pmI love florals too! I think the fabric is going to wash really well too. The color looks like it’s going to stay very vibrant.
Teresa says
February 24, 2015 at 4:28 pmI love it! And you know I love AG knits. Did you know they are coming out with solids too? I just received a few yards of their solid knits and it is very similar in weight and feel to the robert kaufman jersey! I love all of the knit options out there!
Sara Curtis says
February 24, 2015 at 4:34 pmI may have read about the solids, but I forgot about it. I’ll be excited to see what colors they offer and how they coordinate with the prints. I’m trying to remember if I’ve used the RK knits. I think I have ordered some from fabric.com for small projects, but I’m usually really hesitant to buy knits without feeling them first.
Olga Becker says
February 26, 2015 at 7:52 pmSo lovely, Love the pretty fabric!
Sara Curtis says
March 2, 2015 at 11:42 amThank you so much Olga!
Vicky myers says
February 28, 2015 at 1:18 pmThat’s one beautiful dress, the fabric is pretty and you have done such a neat job:)
Sara Curtis says
March 2, 2015 at 11:43 amThank you Vicky! I always appreciate you stopping by to comment!
Maegen Foster says
March 1, 2015 at 10:52 pmWhat a gorgeous dress! The fabric is so lovely. I’m sure it looked darling with a sweater and leggings, but it will be perfect for spring!
Sara Curtis says
March 2, 2015 at 11:41 amThanks Maegen! I love plain and simple for myself, but I really love the bright fun colors on the little girls. I’m ready to go order some more!
Rebekah says
March 13, 2015 at 9:45 pmOh my! AG knits?! Those sound amazing. I’ll have to add this to my “to-make” pile for my little girl 🙂 Thanks for being the knit guinea pig!
P.S.
Your blog is a mine field of inspiration!
Sara Curtis says
March 16, 2015 at 8:19 amThank you! Yes, AG knits! They just introduced a line of coordinating solids too, so I’m excited to try some of those.