When I first began working on the fall collection last spring, I found myself reminiscing about the effortless styling of both the Ice Cream Dress and the Hide-and-Seek Dress. It struck me how much everyone seemed to enjoy those patterns. I think their appeal lies in their simplicity—clean, classic silhouettes that are surprisingly versatile. These dresses are straightforward to sew, feature an adorable shape, and offer endless possibilities for creating diverse looks—evident in the countless ways you’ve shared your creations in the Flickr group.
Our latest release, the Carousel Dress pattern, shares that same laid-back vibe and is perfect for beginners. Yet, it also boasts plenty of style and customization options that will inspire you to dream up countless variations. Its versatility truly sets it apart.
The dress features raglan sleeves with a subtle shoulder dart for shaping. The neckline is finished with bias binding, and the back keyhole adds an elegant touch while making it easy to slip on and off without complicated closures like buttons or zippers.
In my view, the standout feature is the seam details. The pattern includes hidden pockets integrated into the seams for a sleek finish. You can play around with these seams in so many creative ways. For instance, we added contrast topstitching on the chambray version for the cover image, which gives it a polished look. Or perhaps you'd like to experiment with your machine's decorative stitches for a unique effect.
Another fantastic idea is color-blocking using the seams. This approach can add a pop of personality to your dress.
We always aim to provide variety, so the Carousel Dress comes in two distinct views. View A offers a sleek, tailored aesthetic, while View B showcases a more feminine, frilly design with its ruffled hem.
For fabric choices, quilting cottons are ideal due to their vibrant colors and prints. They’re perfect for experimenting with print combinations. Linen and chambray also work beautifully. For the cover image, I used Robert Kaufman’s cotton-linen denim, paired with heavy-duty denim thread for topstitching—a technique often seen on jeans. Other suitable fabrics include fine-wale corduroy, sateen, lightweight twill, or even luxurious silk dupioni or shantung.
The Carousel Dress pattern is currently available in both paper and digital formats. I hope you'll have a blast sewing it and exploring all the customization options. To spark your creativity, I've added some ideas to my Customizing with Oliver + S Pinterest board. Perhaps you’ll try color-blocking just the center panel or the pockets? I’m excited to see what you come up with!
As always, thank you for your support and enthusiasm. Crafting these patterns wouldn't be possible without your feedback and inspiration.
If you're interested in trying out new techniques, consider joining our online community where we share tips and tricks. It’s a great way to connect with fellow sewists and exchange ideas.
Happy sewing!
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