my favorite oliver + s pattern: class picnic blouse + shorts
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Anne is back with us again today, and we couldn’t be happier! Over the years, she’s shared some fantastic tutorials with us, including her Pom Pom Skirt and Customizing the Sunny Day Shorts. Today, she’s here to talk about one of her favorite Oliver + S patterns, and we’re thrilled to have her contribution.
As soon as I heard about the Class Picnic Blouse + Shorts pattern, I knew it would become my go-to. There are so many incredible patterns from Oliver + S, but this one holds a special place in my heart. It was the first pattern I ever made from their collection, and it didn’t disappoint.
When my daughter was just 18 months old, I made her the shorts and top from this pattern. At the time, I was fairly new to sewing, and none of my earlier projects had turned out quite right. But when I discovered the Class Picnic Blouse + Shorts, I was immediately smitten. The mock wrap on the shorts was particularly appealing, and I quickly purchased a digital copy to get started.
I chose Robert Kaufman Essex yarn-dyed linen for my first project, and I fell in love with the final result. I couldn’t believe how well it fit and how beautiful it looked. Encouraged by this success, I went on to create a yellow gingham Class Picnic Blouse next.
The blouse quickly became one of my favorites. The elastic at the shoulders, the three-quarter-length sleeves, and the relaxed, flowing fit made it an instant classic in my book. Even now, six years later and with two more children under my belt, this pattern remains my absolute favorite.
I’ve continued to sew the Class Picnic pattern for my daughter, and every time I do, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with it in the first place. Some of my most cherished creations for her have come from this pattern.
For instance, my second pair of shorts was crafted from bright pink eyelet fabric, which my daughter adored. She wore those shorts constantly, so I followed up with a third pair that summer—this time in khaki with orange topstitching.
One of my favorite versions of these shorts is the slate blue linen pair. Linen is my favorite fabric to use for this pattern because it gives the shorts such a timeless, polished look. The design details—like the subtle mock wrap and the elegant fit—are what truly set this pattern apart. No matter what fabric I choose, the end result always feels classic and effortlessly stylish.
Recently, I revisited the Class Picnic Blouse. This time around, I made just a few modifications: I extended the hemline, added a ruffled sleeve, and incorporated some functional pockets. The yoke panels offered a great opportunity to play around with bold prints, so I decided to cut them on the bias to create a chevron effect.
And there you have it—my all-time favorite pattern. I hope this inspires you to dust off your sewing machine and give the Class Picnic Blouse + Shorts a try just in time for spring!
Thanks so much for sharing, Anne!
If you'd like to explore more sewing memories, check out Liesl's original introduction to the Class Picnic pattern from eight years ago.
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- Class Picnic Blouse with Spaghetti Straps
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- Class Picnic Blouse as a Dress
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There you have it—a heartfelt ode to one of the most beloved patterns in the sewing community. Whether you're a seasoned seamstress or just starting out, the Class Picnic Blouse + Shorts offers endless possibilities for creativity and style.