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 designs. I think their appeal lies in their simplicity—clean, classic silhouettes that are incredibly versatile. These patterns are beginner-friendly, straightforward to sew, and come with a charming aesthetic. Plus, they offer endless possibilities for customization, as evidenced by the countless creative interpretations shared in the Flickr group.
Our latest addition, the Carousel Dress pattern, shares that same laid-back vibe while still delivering plenty of style and versatility. It's an excellent choice for newcomers to sewing but also offers enough flair and adaptability to keep seasoned sewists inspired. There’s something about its design that encourages endless creativity.
The dress features raglan sleeves with a subtle shoulder dart for shaping, giving it a polished yet relaxed look. The neckline is finished with bias binding, and the clever keyhole back ensures ease of wear without requiring complicated fastenings like buttons or zippers.
One of my favorite aspects of this pattern is the seam detailing. The design includes pocket seams that are integrated seamlessly, providing a tidy finish. You can play around with these seams to add unique touches. For instance, we experimented with contrasting topstitching on the chambray version featured on the cover—a small detail that makes a big impact. Or maybe you’d prefer experimenting with decorative stitches on your sewing machine for a more artistic touch.
Another exciting option is color blocking. By playing with different fabric panels along the seams, you can create eye-catching combinations that make each dress truly one-of-a-kind.
As always, we’ve included two distinct views of the dress. View A presents sleek, tailored lines, while View B offers a softer, more feminine take with its ruffled hemline. Both options are equally delightful!
In terms of fabric selection, quilting cottons are an obvious go-to due to their vibrant colors and endless print options. This pattern is perfect for experimenting with bold print combinations. Linen and chambray also work beautifully. For the cover image, I selected Robert Kaufman’s cotton-linen denim, pairing it with heavy-duty denim thread for striking topstitching. Other suitable materials include fine-wale corduroy, sateen, lightweight twill, or even luxurious silk dupioni or shantung for special occasions.
The Carousel Dress pattern is currently available in both paper and digital formats. I hope you’ll enjoy exploring its potential and discover new ways to personalize it. To inspire you further, I've curated some ideas on my Customizing with Oliver + S Pinterest board. Perhaps you’ll try isolating color blocks to just the central panel or the pockets? I’m excited to see what you come up with!
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Related
As I reflect on this project, I’m reminded of how rewarding it is to see sewists bring their own personalities to a pattern. Whether you're new to sewing or an experienced hand, the Carousel Dress invites you to explore and express your creativity. So why not dive in and make it your own?
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