The Olivia Top Pattern + Giveaway

Hello, my sewVery friends and visitors from Craftiness is Not Optional!  I'm so glad you stopped by today to see my version of Jess's latest pattern:  the Olivia Top and Dress Pattern!

All things from CINO are wonderful, and this pattern is no exception.  It's simple and versatile--offering three sleeve variations and two lengths--and can ideally be used for year round wear.  The fit is loose and comfortable and so easy for a 4 year old to put on all by herself!  That earns major points for us since Ella definitely wants to do everything for herself lately.

I love this time of year.  The weather is so mild and fall festivals are happening every weekend. Last Sunday, we decided to head out to a small event not far from home where the kids could run and play, pretend to be farmers, and enjoy some fair food. 

As you might have guessed, Ella dressed herself.  I kept encouraging her to put on some skinny jeans or a different pair of shoes, but she would have none of that!  Oh, well!

She twirled and fell into our couch just before we left home, resulting in a bad carpet-like burn on her elbow.  I think she cried more over this boo-boo than when she busted her chin and ended up in the emergency room for stitches.  You can see her favoring her left arm in almost all these photos!

A few weeks back, Ella had a bathroom emergency on our way to pick up my son at school, so we ran into our local fabric store which just happened to be on our way.  The remnant room is in the back of the store near the restrooms, so on our way out, Ella caught a glimpse of this kitten fabric and insisted I buy it.  We were in a hurry, and to avoid a full blown fit if I refused, I decided to just buy it.  She said, "Moma, you could make me a purse!"  Why a purse, I'll never know, but I insisted we could make her something. Soon after, Jess invited me to try out her Olivia Top Pattern and be a part of the pattern tour.  I knew this kitten fabric would be purr-fect!

I had just enough of the Anna Marie Horner fabric I used for the top part and 3/4 length sleeves. Since the kittens are so cute and cuddly, I decided to add a little ruffle to either side of the button placket to make the top more feminine looking.  

This top was super easy to make, even with the little button placket.  In all, it took me about an hour and a half to sew together.  Just like the free tutorials on her blog, Jess provides lots of simple, easy to understand instructions accompanied by wonderful photographs for each step of the pattern. The Olivia Top and Dress Pattern is one that you'll use over and over again.

Want to win a copy of CINO's Olivia Top and Dress Pattern for yourself?!  Then just enter the rafflecopter giveaway below.  If you've already purchased the pattern and end up winning, then Jess will give you a refund!  Isn't she sweet?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you have to have the pattern right away, then you can buy it HERE.  And guess what?  All CINO clothing patterns are on sale for 30% off this week (Oct. 21-27) in honor of Kids Clothes Week!  

Thanks for dropping by for a visit!  Want to see more versions of the Olivia Top and Dress Pattern?  Then be sure to visit all the stops on the Pattern Tour!  There are some amazing ones out there that will inspire you. I know I have at least two pinned already!