my favorite oliver + s pattern: marie-michelle from rastaquouère

Marie-Michelle, the one and only, is back for a visit and we couldn’t be happier to have her. She crafts haute couture for kids using the most exquisite fabrics. Her Etsy store description reads: “High-end, one-off, handcrafted children’s garments made up in lush and unconventional fabrics.” Do you recall her interviews from a few years back? If not, definitely give them a read! You simply must check out her Oliver + S creations showcased in Sew Beautiful magazine—they’re truly a treat. You can also explore more of her talent on her French-language blog, Rastaquouère. We’re thrilled she’s here today to talk about her favorite Oliver + S pattern. Welcome back, Marie-Michelle!

Happy New Year to all! Up here at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, it feels like winter has finally arrived, with snowflakes falling like seals and polar bears. It’s the perfect time to stay cozy indoors with a hot cup of tea and some soothing music—Nina Simone, perhaps! When asked to write about my favorite Oliver + S pattern, my mind took off on a wild journey down memory lane. It’s been quite a while since I worked on anything child-sized, and I realized how much I miss it. Oliver + S patterns have been pivotal in my sewing journey, thanks to their well-drafted designs, clean lines, and straightforward instructions. Though I seem to have made countless Bubble Dresses, I’m not one to repeat patterns often, especially since having a son keeps my little girl’s dressmaking dreams in check. Still, when it came time to choose, the Ice Cream Dress and blouse pattern stood out to me immediately. I have a soft spot for underdogs, and this pattern, in my opinion, is just that—a small but heartfelt gem with immense potential.

The Ice Cream Dress has a charmingly modish vibe, blending sophistication with playfulness. As someone who adores everything from the 1960s, I think this pattern captures the youthful, modern spirit of the era while maintaining a sweet and polished aesthetic.

Over the years, I’ve only sewn two Ice Cream dresses and one blouse, but these pieces mean a lot to me. For those who don’t know, I’ve always had a deep affection for unique fabrics, and this pattern is ideal for highlighting rare or cherished materials. The two dress versions feature the now hard-to-find French rose embroidered silk dupioni, which I’ve used in several dresses and continue to incorporate into doll outfits.

I believe the process of making reveals aspects of who you are—the places you’ve been, the things you value, and where you’re headed. These dresses were created during my time in France and were inspired by the fragrant and prickly wildrose, Alberta’s floral emblem. My mother-in-law wasn’t exactly convinced by my choice of fabric pairings—railroad-striped cotton poplin and hemp denim paired with the embroidered silk—but I was determined to prove her wrong.

Despite her doubts, I pushed forward, confident that my fabric choices would reflect the essence of my roots. I’m glad I did. To me, these dresses embody a certain resilience and refinement, reminding me of harsh winters, oil rigs, and the kindness of strangers in unfamiliar landscapes.

This pattern is far more than just three loose-fitting panels with patch pockets—it’s the gentle slope of the kimono sleeves that drew me in!

Using unusual or heirloom notions, like a recycled branch button from Western Canada or a carved bone ladybug button, can add intrigue, evoke a sense of place, and spark conversations.

For those who prefer a simpler look, consider color-blocking with similar fabrics. The Ice Cream dress was designed with color-blocking in mind, and it’s currently trending on runways. Jump on board if you haven’t already! Playing with color is a creative exercise that links directly to memory and emotion, making it a wonderful way to weave personal narratives into the clothes you create. As Georgia O’Keeffe once said, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way… things I had no words for.”

All photography by Julya Hajnoczky

Looking for a trip down memory lane? Check out the introduction to the Ice Cream Dress, views A and B & C, from nearly five years ago!

Rayon Viscose Print

Rayon Viscose Print,Rose Printed Artificial Cotton Fabric,Satin Drill Print Fabirc,Rayon Tribute Silk Print Fabric

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