Hi everyone, I hope all is well with you. This week is a week of relaxation for me and my family. We escaped to a little getaway in Florida, and are just enjoying the ocean view and relaxing atmosphere. The one thing that has made this trip better is the fact that every clothing that I brought with me was made by me. I finally have a wardrobe that is filled with casual and chic pieces that I can wear anywhere. There is a new favorite piece of me made clothing in there that I have already worn twice since I made it a week ago. What is it you may ask, it’s a dress that I made using Megan Nielsen’s newly released Olive top and dress pattern (cue the sound of excited people cheering).
Let me give you all a little warning before diving into this post. When you purchase this pattern, be warned that you will want to make it over and over again. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you. Lol! Now let’s get into the details of this amazing pattern.
Pattern Used
The Olive is a top and dress pattern with a relaxed fit, meaning it fits looser than regular, but not baggy. There are three views that you can choose from. View A is a blouse, view B is a dress with a sleeve band, and view C is a long sleeve blouse. All views have a v-insert that is stitched inside of the front bodice. It has a drop shoulder with two sleeve finishes for the dress or top. There is also an optional breast patch pocket, which I did add to my dress. I sewed view B.
Fabric Used
I used a mustard and fuchsia abstract cotton twill fabric from Mood Fabrics. This fabric 100% cotton, 57″ wide. The background color is white sand. It has a slight stretch to it as well. I have had this fabric for a year. I bought it during a sale, as Mood can be quite expensive, so I usually try to catch the sales and load up on fabrics that is usually more expensive at regular price. Right now, this fabric is $4.99 per yard, it is usually $15.99 per yard.
Size Cut
This pattern ranges from size 0-20, but I cut a size 12 as I am a 36 bust, 30 waist, and 38 in the hip.
Modifications
I only made a few modifications. I shortened the length by about 2 inches because I am 5’3″ so most patterns are often very long on me. I also cut a size smaller in the bodice to get a better fit. I will admit that I am a serial hacker of patterns, I often find something to hack on most patterns. However, with this pattern, I love it just the way that it is.
Final Thoughts on the Olive Top and Dress Pattern by Megan Nielsen
I am a very honest reviewer, and if there was any criticism to give to this pattern I would. However, I have none. The sizing is just right, at least for me, and the instructions are so easy to follow and understand. I love that Megan gives tips on what to do before you start your project. For example, she she shares a tip on how to store your pattern after you use it. I also love that there is also ideas for customizing your make. This pattern is truly for those who want something easy to sew but allows room for making it your own. I love the comfort and style of this pattern very much, so needless to say, I will be making this again and again.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog, I truly appreciate it. I hope that it was informative and that you learned something that will help you in your next sewing project. Please comment below with any questions or comments that you may I have. I will definitely respond quickly. Also, do not forget to subscribe.
In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. That means we have 1,440 daily opportunities to make a positive impact. -Les Brown
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Faith, I just discovered your blog after discovering Megan Nielsen patterns and specifically her Olive dress. Your selections of patterns and fabulous fabrics is such a reflection of your style and poise and class! I'm going to subscribe to your blog because I admire both your talents and your great style. Thanks for including information and specific fabrics and sites for purchasing them, something I'm just beginning to learn about. You are an inspiration to sewists everywhere!