Our friend Liesl of the blog disdressed has just released the cutest new line of children's wear sewing patterns called Oliver and S. As soon as they came in I knew I needed to  make one for my little niece, who is turning four next month. Liesl used to teach classes at Purl Patchwork so I knew I could expect a clear, well written pattern that would challenge my limited apparel sewing skills. There was just one rather embarrassing problem... I'd never made a buttonhole!

I chose to take up the buttonhole challenge and make the Tea Party Dress. I talked to other Purl Patchwork employees and everyone assured me that making a buttonhole was easy, but I wasn't so sure. But, armed with a buttonhole foot, some scrap fabric, and my sewing machine's manual I tried it out. And it turns out everyone was right... it is really easy! If you need more convincing just check out my Buttonhole Tutorial.

I was so excited by my new buttonhole ability that I decided to go a little crazy and put 2 mismatched (but equally cute) buttons on my finished dress!

I am so happy with how the whole project came out. I used the sweet Tan Flower print from Yuwa's My Folklore collection for the bodice and two subtle and sophisticated purple prints from Yuwa's Live Life collection for the skirt. (The pattern uses only one fabric for the skirt. If you want to use two like I did simply buy 1/2-yard of each fabric and cut the sides from one print and the front and back panels from the other, then just sew together as the pattern instructs.)

Note: there is a mis-print on the yardage requirements for this pattern. it says that you need 1/2 yard of fabric for the skirt but you really need a whole yard. 

I highly recommend this pattern if you want to step up your game a little. It comes together in a really neat way and has a very clean, finished look when you're done. Check out the beautiful contrasting hem to see what I mean:

What girl wouldn't love that!? And don't forget, if you need a little buttonhole making confidence, check out my Buttonhole Tutorial. --Molly