Saturday, July 2, 2011

Modified Olivia- tutorial

IMG_8152 edit


IMG_8143 mod
IMG_8165 mod
arnt they georgeous!
This is a modified version of the Olivia pattern by Farbenmix.  If you have girls this is a must have pattern.  So easy and quick.  Typical me- instant satisfaction dress.

I was looking for a way to use only 50cm of my favourite knit fabric, yet still make a dress.  So here is my effort. I was inspired by this one that I saw on Flickr.  Sorry if you cant see it, but I cant find the blog address for this talented seamstress.
This fabric is JNY knits and also stella from Crafty Mamas

Started with the bodice of the Olivia dress. I just traced the front and then copped it off straight about 4cm under the arm.



Traced it out onto some more tracing paper to make the whole bodice.


Ruled a line from one shoulder to the bottom. I lined it up with the outer shoulder seam. I also filled in the part of the neck that was left with no paper.
The 2 lines are an error. There should only be one line.






Cut along the line

cut 2 in the opposite. If you are using directional fabric make sure that you notice the direction (yes saying this from experience). Also add a seam allowance on the bodice and skirt so that you can sew them together. I didnt add any seam allowance to the neck as it would have made the neck too small.


Cut out the back as per normal (just the bodice part), sew the shoulders together, and then add your neck binding. I did the traditional neck binding, but you can do it just right sides together, it just means that you would add a seam allowance and top stitch. I did sretch the binding slightly, but not as much as I would on a normal neck.


pin is all together and sew along your stitch line where you top stitched the binding. Make sure that the join at the intersection is sewn well, as there will be a lot of pressure on that seam.



then sew your pocket onto the skirt
attach your front skirt and back skirt, and top stitch.
add your sleeves. I did 2 tone sleeves.
The new from your hem right around to the end of the sleeve. Make sure that your seams match at the bodice and under the arm. You may want to use wonder tape of loads of pins.
Hem as per normal.

Hope you enjoy, and dont forget to show us all when you give this a go.







4 comments:

Crafty Mama said...

Very, very Clever!! Just gorgeous Carolyn!

Zoobeedoobee said...

Way cool, Another inspiration!

Karen said...

These looks great Carolyn - and a clever adaptation too.
The girls look so happy with them as well.

Mary said...

They look gorgeous Carolyn and great photos too.