Playtime Tunic in Chrysalis Butterflies

Well, that was quick! This weekend I had other plans, but when I realized that I already had a great pattern for this fabric on hand, I just went ahead and made it happen.

This is the Oliver & S Playtime Dress/Tunic pattern. There it was in my closet, unused and ready, perfectly suited to sewing with quilting cottons! I sewed size 5 for Elora (who is 4 1/2 years old), making the tunic 3” shorter than the pattern specs.

Since I’m sewing the smallest size in the pattern, I didn’t want to cut out the tissue paper and lose the other sizes. Thus, I traced the size 5 pattern pieces with thin paper to make size 5 copies.

Sewing a garment is so much quicker than sewing a quilt, but I find the process not at all as enjoyable. I used to think that was because my brain has to work harder when sewing clothes, but actually it’s probably more about the magic that is patchwork. I just LOVE patchwork!

For me the joy of sewing clothing is all in the result. I do love how this top looks on my little girl and, even more, I value how special she feels wearing something that I made for her.

And, did you notice that Elora got bangs? Yep! At first she wasn’t so sure about them, but on day two she greeted her reflection with, “Oooooh, I like my bangs!” They make it much easier to keep her fine hair out of her face. As you can see, she is always on the go!

When I asked her to slow down so I could photograph her this morning before school, she insisted that we start by showing you her bandaid (mij pleister). Have no worries, it is the tiniest little “ow”, but she is quite attentive to it.

I’m grateful that I was able to eek the entire top out of one yard of this butterfly fabric from The Confident Stitch. It’s counterintuitive to me as a patchwork-lover, but sometimes not mixing fabrics is actually better, haha.

Happy spring friends! Wishing you a week brimming with flowers and sunshine.