Oliver + S Little Things to Sew: 20 Classic Accessories and Toys for Children [Hardcover]

Liesl and Company Inc. (Author), Liesl Gibson (Author), Dan Andreasen (Illustrator), Laurie Frankel (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2011

Home sewers love to dress the children in their lives in garments they have hand-crafted. No one understands this better than Liesl Gibson, who is both a mom and the founder of Oliver + S, a sewing pattern company known for its contemporary yet classically sensible kids’ designs, its precise, easy-to-follow instructions, and its charming paper doll–inspired packaging. In Oliver + S Little Things to Sew, you’ll find 20 acessories for children, such as a hat with bear ears, scarf, vest, tutu, art smock, backpack, and quilt—all impeccably photographed by Laurie Frankel. The book includes two full-size pattern sheets and, as an added bonus, two cardstock paper dolls that can be dressed with “clothing” cut from the book’s jacket—a little something extra to keep young ones occupied while grownups stitch new items for their wardrobes! 

Praise for Oliver + S Little Thigns to Sew:

“Making a bucket hat probably isn’t on anyone’s bucket list, but maybe it should be. The reversible bucket hat in the book Oliver + S Little Things to Sew (STC Craft, 2011) is classic, cute and comfortable. And author Liesl Gibson maintains that making it is a treat for grown-ups as well as the young recipients.”

—Holly Ramer, Associated Press

 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Liesl Gibson is the founder and creative force behind Oliver + S. She is a graduate of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology and previously worked as a designer for Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584799102
• ISBN-13: 978-1584799108
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Toys & Models > Toymaking
  • #86 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Sewing

More About the Author

After starting a career in publishing and finance, Liesl Gibson returned to school and earned a degree in fashion design from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. Before having a child in 2005, she worked as a designer for Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.

While staying home with the baby, Liesl began designing her daughter's clothing. "People were asking if they could buy the patterns for the dresses I was making," Liesl says. "One thing led to another, and I had a new career." In 2008 Liesl launched Oliver + S, a new brand of sewing patterns for children's clothing. Today Liesl also designs a line of Oliver + S fabric. She published her first book, Oliver + S Little Things to Sew in 2011.

In 2011 Liesl also created Lisette, a line of sewing patterns and fabric for women's apparel that is now available at Jo-Ann stores in the USA and Spotlight stores in Australia. In 2012 Liesl debuted Straight Stitch Society, a collection of patterns for gifts and accessories. The brand's tagline, "Life is hard. Sewing is easy." expresses its quirky and sometimes irreverent personality.

Liesl lives in Manhattan with her husband and daughter and commutes daily to her studio in Brooklyn.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Oliver+S Design February 19, 2011

By J. Lemley

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just adore this book. On my first look-through I was a little apprehensive that the ideas would be too simple but was so pleasantly surprised to find projects that have the classic Oliver+S idea of using patterns as a way to teach new sewing techniques. The instructions for individual projects are clear and the photographs are wonderful. There is also a section on sewing techniques as well as pattern layouts. All of the patterns are included inside the cover of this very sturdy hardcover book. This would be a great book for a beginner to advanced sewer because the projects vary in difficulty.

The projects included are:

mittens
tutu
no-tie scarf
messenger bag
reversible bucket hat
bias trimmed apron
bento box carrier
play town
penguin backpack
art smock
cozy winter hood
messy kid bib
juggling balls and drawstring bag
tea party doll dress
travel quilt
red riding hood
explorer hood
bear carrier
bear puppet bath mitt
puppet theater

So many really useful projects! I'll be starting with the "bear carrier" which my little one will be using for her doll. Next I think I'll make matching mother/daughter messenger bags. Fun!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing stuff you'd actually make March 18, 2011

By Vegan Mama

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is full of projects that you'd actually want to make. I bought it because I was so excited about the Red Riding Hood pattern in particular. It's also great for both genders; if you've got a boy (or girl!) the explorer vest is great too. What I like is that the size range is so large (6 months to size 10) so we'll be able to use this for a very long time. My only complaint was that they attached the patterns with sticky dots and it ripped my pattern pages a little bit. So be careful when getting the patterns off.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely - Classic Oliver + S Style! February 23, 2011

By Jessica D. James

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is beautiful and inspiring from cover to cover. Oliver + S is known for their step by step instructions and detailed depictions of the steps necessary to complete each project. I recieved my book last week and so far have made the mittens and bucket hat. Both turned out beautifully! I'm new to sewing and I find learning so much easier when working from O+S patterns. You'll love this book!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Making the virtues of O+S more widely accessible. March 29, 2011

By Sarvi Sheybany

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Oliver + S sewing patterns have a fanatical cult following for a good reason: the clothing they make is stylish, clean, elegant, and hits the sweet spot -- the overlap in the Venn diagram where one circle is what kids want to wear and the other is what parents want to sew. Not every parent has the time to sew their child's clothes, though. What's so great about this book is that it covers such a broad spectrum of fun and practical projects: a tiny messenger bag! a baby bjorn-style carrier for a doll or teddy bear! a hat with animal ears! You may not have the time or (think you have) skills to make your daughter a fully lined Jackie O dress with hidden pockets and an invisible zipper (hello, O+S School Photo Dress!), but you can totally make the projects in this book. The key is Liesl Gibson's often-remarked-upon style of instruction. These are not the Vague Patterns sorts of instructions, and you will not mistake them for a haiku. They are explicit, plain, and detailed, and seem to have been written specifically for a person who doesn't have a ton of specialized equipment. These are a great confidence-builder if you think you might want to do more fabric crafts in the future.

The book itself is very high-quality. Thick, nice paper, well-bound, with great design and gorgeous photos that make every project look very appealing. The patterns are full size and include seam allowances, and a little box on the first page of each project lists specific skills (sewing curved seam, installing zipper) you'll be taught.... I describe them as skills you'll be taught rather than skills you already need to have because when I made my first O + S project, the last thing I'd sewn was in 9th grade home ec class, {ahem} years ago -- and I still have been able to make every project I've tried, with great results. The patterns aren't printed on thin tissue, they're on nice, sturdy paper. My one issue was the glue used to stick them to the front and back inside covers. It's the rubbery type that you find sticking credit cards to statements when you get a new one, only this is a bit thicker and didn't roll off as easily as I would have liked. It's a cosmetic, rather than functional issue, and some other folks I've talked to said that using a hair dryer to warm up/soften the glue does the trick, but frankly I was too impatient to pull out the patterns. Read more ›

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars TIP ON REMOVING PATTERN WITHOUT TEARING IT May 30, 2011

By rockymountainmama

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Love this book. A huge thanks to those who cautioned about having a hard time removing the pattern sheets from the book. If you set a hairdryer to hot on low speed and heat up the glue on the inside covers, the pattern sheets come right off. Aim between the pattern & book and be patient. Use it on the pattern sheets as well to get the glue residue off. Works like a charm. I was hesitant to get this book, not sure if I would use that much of it. I'm so glad I did. Its full of great projects. I'm waiting for some lovely linen blend Japanese fabric to arrive & then I'm going to make the Art Smock for my girls. Can't wait. The instructions are clear & the book is beautiful to look through. I'll update when I've made a few things.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love it - February 14, 2011

By soulatpeace

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a beautiful book. All the projects are very appealing. There is a beautiful tutu, a bear carrier, penguin backpack among others. All the instructions are detailed with pictures. There are projects for boys but not too many.

Definitely a keeper. I own a lot of sewing books but only keep the one that i consider really good or unique. This one qualifies.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! March 28, 2011

By SB

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book has fresh new ideas with extremely well written directions. A great value when you consider all of the ready-to-use patterns (no enlarging needed). If you've sewn with any of the author's oliver & s patterns you can expect the same quality and well thought out steps. I love the bento box carrier, messenger bag and the explorer vest which can be made in sizes 3 to 10!
I highly recommend Little Things to Sew!
I am editing this review. I finally completed 3 projects from the book...the tutu, the vest (the telescopic pockets were not as intimidating as I thought thanks to great directions!) and the puppet theater. The directions are extremely well thought out and written...better than any sewing project book that I've purchased in recent years. Each project came together beautifully....not a frustrating or confusing moment! The author is an amazing teacher and a great designer. So, I am still highly recommending this book but from a more practical perspective!