I’m so excited to tell you all about the Olive dress and top sewing pattern!
The story of this pattern started a long time ago. The very first version of this design appeared in the early days of my brand, back when i created ready to wear pieces. It was inspired by a top of my mom’s from her teenage years that I had loved as a child. I still have a box full of patterns from the beginning of my brand, and I had been nostalgically looking through it when I stumbled upon the Olive top pattern I had drafted 10 years ago. I fell in love with it all over again and knew I had to turn it into a sewing pattern for you!
The original view of this pattern was A the top with bias sleeve finishes and patch pocket, and from there I added the View B dress and View C long sleeve blouse.
As often happens, I love where this pattern ended up even more than the original! Lets have a look at all the details…
View A blouse with patch pocket
This is the original view of the Olive pattern and features a drop shoulder with bias finished armscyes and a patch pocket. For our samples I really wanted to play around with print and show how much fun it is to use stripe placement with this pattern! It’s so tempting to go absolutely nuts with matching when sewing with stripes and i love how these turned out.
This pattern is a relatively simple sew with the V insert being the most challenging aspect. I want to make sure everyone is able to enjoy this pattern so we have included two different methods for inserting the V panel depending on your skill level!
View B gathered dress
This view of Olive includes a hem band to finish the sleeve which is a detail i really love! The skirt is generously gathered and includes deep inseam pockets which are anchored to the waistline to make sure they are always stay in place and if you fill them with things (like me!) it’s less likely to distort the drape of your dress which is really nice.
As with all versions, this view is really great for pattern placement and I’m currently sewing a striped version for myself as well as one using an Ankara border print! I’m using the border print along the skirt hem, hem bands and V insert which i think will be really cute.
View C long sleeve blouse
I don’t know about you, but I love having good winter top options! View C has fast become a favourite for me. In keeping with the relaxed fit of the design the sleeves have a generous amount of ease and can be worn loose, or my favourite – cuffed!
Like all views of this pattern you can play around with print or colour blocking to highlight the V insert panel, or you can enjoy subtle detailing. The different methods of inserting the V panel apply to all views.
All the sizes!
Olive is available in my entire extended size range, Sizes 0-20 are available in printed and PDF format and Curve sizes 14-30 are available in PDF format. Sizes 0-20 are drafted for a B cup and Curve 14-30 are drafted for a D cup and include a bit more ease in the bust, as well as a bit more ease in the bicep and hip, and multiple patch pocket sizes.
How does it fit?
This pattern is designed with an intentionally relaxed fit and generous ease without being overly baggy. It does not have any closures and slips comfortably over your head! Both 0-20 and Curve 14-30 are dartless, however we have included a marking for bust apex to help with bust adjustments if you find you need one. We’ll be sharing a comprehensive tutorial for how to do this and even add a dart if you’d like one.
Mix and match!
One of the things that I really love about this pattern is that you can mix and match the elements to your hearts desire! All three sleeve finishes can be used on any view, and you can add the patch pocket to any view as well. We’ve even added a bonus cut line for a cropped blouse which i’m pretty excited about!
Of course there will be tutorials!
You know how much I love providing extra value for you – so there will absolutely be some accompanying tutorials here on the blog to help you make your blouse or dress. These will begin very soon and we’ll show you the simple construction of the pattern as well as loads of tips on the more challenging parts of the sew.
I also can’t wait to show you all the tops and dresses I have made for myself! So excited!
If you have any questions at all please let me know in the comments below or send us an email at hello@megannielsen.com.
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNolive and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet?!
