Oliver+S Lazy Days Skirt for the Fourth of July Weekend

"Freedom has its life in the hearts, the action, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed- else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die."

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Click on the photos to enlarge.  The tree seen in the photo is decorated with birds, butterflies, and tea themed things for Spring/Summer.

 The Fourth of July weekend is almost here with all its parades, picnics, barbeques, fireworks, and fun.  I made some little outfits for my sweet friends to wear to their various events.  The first one up  is for Chloe.  I made her a Lazy Days Skirt in an old Daisy Kingdom remnant that I was gifted several years ago.  It has a great nautical toys border that seemed perfect for this skirt.  It is a free pattern that you can find HERE at the Oliver+S website.  There are just dimensions and great directions but nothing to print out. 

I made the skirt a bit fuller (about 58 inches) but otherwise, I followed the very simple pattern.  I remember making my dolls skirts just like this when I was little and again for my niece when she was in preschool.  You can make one up during a naptime!  The best part of the pattern is the ribbon trim on the bottom.  It completely encloses the hem.  Although I have used this technique in heirloom sewing with Swiss beading insertion, I had never used it with ribbon on casual clothing.  I love it!

For the halter top, I used Simplicity #1472 in a remnant left from a sailor dress I made my daughter for the Fourth of July fifteen years ago.   It is hard to see in the photos but there are blue stars in the center of the red/white plaid.  I trimmed the bottom with the same color blue rick rack.  She can wear it with the denim shorts I made (see below) or with jeans.  The little skirt looks sweet with a white shirt, too.

 

                                               

 





I used the pattern pieces for the size 4 top (shown in the next picture) but shortened and without the ruffle.

 

Here (almost five) Chloe tries on her new duds.

 

I used a 1965 Jiffy pattern for a pair of shorts to wear with the halter top.

 

 

 

I made the shorts out of a pair of old jeans, some ribbon, and two applique stars from my stash.  I always put a button on the front waistband to indicated the front to the child.  ("The button goes near your bellybutton!")

The ribbon is attached at the hem just like the O+S Lazy Days Skirt.  I love the smooth finish on the denim against the skin.

 

 I hope to get Kayla's July 4th outfit posted on Saturday.  If I don't make it, I hope you all have a fun-filled and safe Fourth of July!