Oliver + S patterns

[mimimomma]

Has anyone ever used a Oliver + S sewing pattern? I like the styles, but they're really, really expensive and don't fancy shelling out if they're not easy to follow etc? $16 for a pattern (plus p&p) then fabric on top...Whew..why is the good stuff always expensive?!

Hi, those patterns are fab, but you don't have to buy from the States. Try Saints & Pinners (www.saintsandpinners.co.uk/department/oliver_s/), they sell them from £11. I also run an online shop www.sewbox.co.uk but I don't sell them yet, hope to soon though!

Enjoy and please post back to let us know how you got on!

I have just bought my first one - sailboat. I bought from backstitch as they no longer had the one i wanted in Saints & pinners.

I have 2 boys & am desperate to make them something nice.

I have never sewn from a pattern before (although I vaguly remember helping my mum once) but the instructions seem quite straightforward.

I found this site for pattern reviews - O & S reviews are very positive.

There is a free skirt pattern on their website which is really easy

Thanks! Have taken the plunge and ordered sailboat too...hoping it's not too difficult

There is a new free pattern on the website www.oliverands.com/blog/2010/06/ruffled-halter-free-downloadable-pattern.html

Hope the link works!

Well I have just finished my top - i did age 3 but it is bit small for my almost-three-year-old. (but I think I was over generous with seam allowences)

I am really pleased with how it turned out. But I used an old stripy bed sheet & i dont like how the fabric looks. However, it was my practice run.

i also ended up interfacing the facings as the fabric was thin & the fabric kept getting chewed up by my sewing machine.

I found doing the sleeves & bottom hem tricky but have been googling & found some tips/tutorials to help next time & also how to finish seams.

I now have some lovely green linen/cotton mix to make one for DS2.

Well done soccerwidow, and thank you for the tips. I've brought a bright red with white polka dots cotton to make sailboat for my dd....am thinking it'll look cute with some jeans...that is if I ever get around to making it! Have got a pink gingham pinafore dress to make first

Glad I found this, I was just debating buying a couple of their patterns, and now I'm convinced!

If you're a relatively experienced sewist, I've also heard fabulous things about Ottobre magazine as far as boys clothes. I've just ordered a copy, will report back if it's good...

soccer did I just see your website mentioned in Sew Hip?

chegirl - i dont have a website but chestnutlady does.

Also I have just discovered that O&S have a website & blog with tutorials for various techniques relating to their patterns.

Ottobre have really nice patterns for kids and you can browse old magazines before buying:

www.ottobredesign.com/

Ottobre is a brilliant magazine, I highly recommend it to anyone who makes clothes for kids If you subscribe you get to pick an old edition too so if you've seen one you love you can grab it. The patterns are so cute!

I sell Oliver + S patterns on my site for £11 plus P+P if it's okay to self-promote?

Also, as soccerwidow says, Oliver + S have a brilliant Learn to sew syllabus on their blog which starts you off with their free patterns then moves onto the paper patterns.