School Photo Dresses

Awhile ago Oliver + S was having a pattern sale, so I snatched up the School Photo Dress pattern. I love the detail in this dress: the collar, the sleeve bands, and the hidden kangaroo pocket.

It calls for an invisible zipper, which seemed very daunting.  After some consideration though, I figured it wouldn’t get any easier if I didn’t try it at least once, so I pushed onward.  You guys, I am so brave.

I bought some corduroy prints in two color ways, some white lining material, and 2 invisible zippers.  Then I got to work.

I made Charlie’s first, and had to re-do the pocket 3 damn times.  I couldn’t wrap my brain around it, for some reason.  Once I figured it out, though, it was so easy.  And then I smacked myself.

Charlie’s zipper turned out *ok.*  Not great.  It’s not truly invisible.  It went in just fine, no fuss, but I really wanted it to be completely invisible.

When I made Phoebe’s, I really took my time on the zipper part, and I nailed it.  I am so proud of the back of her dress that I might just make her wear it backwards.  For realsies.

I think these dresses will be great through spring, since they can be work with or without tights, and the sleeve length is great for warmer or cooler weather (with a sweater).

I even hand-stitched the lining, just like the pattern told me to.  I’m so good at following directions.

Anyway, I’m really proud of these, and again, I can’t stop raving about Oliver + S. The instructions made it so damn simple, and here I have two beautifully constructed garments.  I feel like a real sewist.