Oliver + S Tea Party Dress: Cherry on Top

I think it's pretty common knowledge that I am surrounded by babies. Last year was the year of baby showers, which means this year it's all about first birthday parties. While I know way too many babies to try and make something for each of their birthdays, I am making an effort to whip up a birthday outfit for the children of our closest friends. Who knows how long this will last, but I'm putting in a valient effort this year. :)

Kelcat's daughter's first birthday is at the end of this month and her party was on Sunday. I knew that I wanted to make the Oliver + S Tea Party dress for her, but spent a long time finding a fabric that I liked for it.

I wanted something summery and fun, but I couldn't seem to find anything that really wowed me. I finally stumbled upon a red cherry print on a cream background and thought it would be a good fit.

Since I am the queen of procrastination, I didn't start this dress until last weekend and did little bits on it here and there. Thank goodness this is a really simple pattern because there is no way I would have finished this had I encountered problems. The dress and bloomers went together like a dream - no snafus whatsoever, which is a rarity for me.

A few construction details: I omitted the optional flat piping since I couldn't find a green that worked with the print and I used good 'ol Wrights bias tape on the bloomer legs instead of cutting my own per the pattern piece included. I also added a contrasting cream topstitching to the dress bodice to give it a little more oomph. I didn't know how it would look, but I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

I really love the hem facings for the Oliver+S patterns - for this dress I again went with a bright color so you could catch glimpses of it now and again. Lastly, I used pinking shears to finish off all of the seam allowances. I found that this worked particularly well for this dress. It gave everything a clean finish and allowed the dress to flare out easily.

Here is the final dress:

I knew that I wanted to add a little something to go with it, but couldn't find a bodysuit or t-shirt that worked with the dress. However, when I was out shopping last weekend with Blondie, we ran through Gymboree and I saw this sweater that was practically a perfect match to the dress. I mean, really, can you believe how well it works with the dress? Yeah, me either.

I added some matching socks and red patent leather shoes and called it a day. Kelcat has already said how much she loves it, which is the most important thing. And yeah, I'm pretty thrilled with how it turned out, too. :) Another pattern winner from Oliver + S!