Origami Oasis – Stand Tall Dress

When did the tradition of “dressing” for the big back-to-school event die out? I don’t know, but it has certainly fizzled to nothing around here. I, however, have a girl who loves school. She loves learning and treasures being back among her friends whom she hasn’t seen all summer. Oh, and she loves getting dressed up. So what better occasion than the first day back to make a bit more effort with one’s attire? I thought a new dress was in order.

To play with the straight lines in the Origami Oasis prints, I searched for a pattern with some structure, and as this girl of mine is growing so fast (eight years old already?!?) I figured it was my last chance to look into some great children’s sewing patterns. This was my first attempt at an Oliver & S pattern, the Jump Rope Dress, and it did not disappoint! Easy-to-follow instructions and a well drafted pattern make all the difference and Em and I are both delighted with the outcome.

For fabrics, I opted for Stand Tall in grass, with just a little hit of Spot in citrus at the neck. It’s fun and young without being too juvenile, and I love the whimsy of the butterfly landing on the nose of the blue giraffe. As these fabrics are printed on Michael Miller’s lovely Cotton Couture, they are just perfect for dressmaking. They drape beautifully and are so soft to the touch that they are effortless to wear, and a dream to sew with. I even found the perfect simple orange flower buttons to compliment the print.

Next up, I’ll show you a little something I sewed for the boy in my life.