Holiday Gift Guide 2012: Oliver + S Digital Patterns

My childhood Christmases were frequently of the hand-made variety. We strung popcorn and cranberry garland, created our own ornaments, stamped Christmas cards.

Usually my Grandma Howard sent each of the girls in the family a handsewn item. Pillows, stuffed animals, quilted purses, Laura Ingalls style dresses with pinafores. I always loved opening up those handmade gifts, and I still have many of them today!

What can be more giving than lovingly making a present with your own hands? That’s why I’ve been taken with the charming digital patterns from Oliver + S!

With a couple dozen children’s clothing patterns to choose from, if you enjoy sewing children’s clothing, you need to check out Oliver + S – a Brooklyn, NY company that creates contemporary sewing patterns for children’s clothing!

I was especially intrigued to try a digital sewing pattern for the first time.

When you order, you’ll receive a link to download PDFs of your pattern. Then you print the pattern yourself on 8.5×11 paper, and cut/tape the pattern together. Or, send the file to a local office supply store and have them print on 36″ paper for a continuous pattern. I tried both and I prefer the large paper print out, even though it cost an extra $6 and travel to get the large pattern.

On the other hand, it’s convenient to print a new pattern on demand. I will note that copier paper pattern are more challenging to pin than tissue paper patterns.

The two patterns I tried (Bedtime Story and Sandbox Pants) were in the easy category. I love pajamas so I wanted to sew my boys some Christmas PJs.

For our baby, I chose the Bedtime Story kimono and pants. As with all new patterns, I had to figure out how this one went, and I usually don’t sew tops. In retrospect, it was simple – the band collar, on seam sleeves and bound hem were not difficult! I made the mistake of choosing two directional fabrics. which added to my pinning/cutting time; as well as contrasting trim, so I had to change my thread often! Otherwise, it came together nicely! I’m still working on the Sandbox pants for my older son.

At the pattern’s suggestion, I used ribbon instead of creating my own ties, which saved time. The pattern directions and images were clearly written and easy to follow.

One thing I enjoyed was using my iPad to have the pattern directions next to me for reference as I worked. I like how I will never lose my pattern or directions this way! Less paper and storage in my craft area too!

What do you think of my first go!? I didn’t have enough of each fabric to make a matched set, so I thought the doggies with the dog prints would look cute together. I already have some snowflake flannel to make another pair!

I made the size 6-9 month pattern because a lot of his store-bought clothing runs small, but as you can see, this pattern must be more true to size because the 6-9 pajamas are very big on him still.

Making children a cute outfit is a great Christmas gift! Check out all the adorable designs at Oliver + S. They have digital as well as printed patterns for around $12 each. Also a nice bunch of free patterns! And if you sew for a living, check into getting a license to sell what you make with their patterns!

WIN IT: One reader wins TWO digital patterns of their choice from Oliver + S! ARV $25. Enter in the Rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY RULES: Open Worldwide. 18+ to enter/win. Winner will be emailed directly and have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize! Ends 11:59 on December 3, 2012. Fulfillment handled by Oliver + S. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook.

Thanks to Oliver + S for sending patterns for review and offering a giveaway prize! All opinions are 100% my own!