size 5 project: bubble dress

Welcome to the blog today, where we're thrilled to introduce you to Catherine. She's here with the third chapter of the Size 5 Project—a heartfelt farewell to the original four Oliver + S patterns before our little ones outgrow them. We began with the Puppet Show Shorts, followed by the Tea Party Dress, and now we’re diving into the Bubble Dress. Catherine has put together a delightful collection of Bubble Dresses for us, and here she is to share her thoughts.

Thank you so much for inviting me to contribute to the Oliver + S blog and for the chance to participate in the Size Five Project. Honestly, this milestone caught me off guard! As both my daughter and my niece turn five this year, I feel incredibly grateful that this project inspired me to revisit some of my favorite patterns while they still fit. It’s been such a rewarding experience!

I have to say, my absolute favorite among these beloved patterns has always been the Bubble Dress. There’s something timeless about its silhouette—it just screams nostalgia for anyone who grew up in the '80s, when puffball skirts were all the rage. The Bubble Dress was actually my very first Oliver + S pattern, and I’ll never forget the flood of compliments it received—sometimes even from complete strangers in elevators or grocery store lines! Even now that I'm sewing size 5, I keep discovering fresh details to admire about this design, thanks to the inspiring variations shared in the Flickr group. So let’s take a moment to explore some of these beauties together.

This stunning version by Marie-Michelle, crafted in a gorgeous chiffon voile fabric, was one of the first to really catch my eye. When I revisited it later, it still held up beautifully, proving just how effortlessly the Bubble Dress can transition from casual to sophisticated. It’s the perfect blend of elegance and playfulness for any preschooler.

Another glamorous take on the Bubble Dress comes from Nicole, who used a fabulous fabric to create a dress that feels perfectly formal yet still approachable. Her creation highlights the versatility of this pattern, showing how it can easily transition from everyday wear to special occasions.

Of course, the Bubble Dress isn’t limited to formal events—it shines just as brightly in playful prints. Look at this adorable photo from george&izzy, where the dress looks like the ideal companion for a day of exploration. The clean lines paired with the elastic hem make it perfect for active kids who need room to move.

Sarahlamont45 took the Bubble Dress in a completely different direction with a bold jungle print that adds a touch of adventure. Meanwhile, NOTyourrunofthemill gave us a beautiful example of how scalloped edges can enhance the look of a vibrant floral print, creating a striking visual impact.

Though the Bubble Dress is famous for its iconic bubble shape, the bodice itself is equally charming. Many makers have chosen to “de-bubblefy” the dress by pairing the bodice with a fuller skirt, resulting in equally stunning creations. Carolyn’s version is particularly lovely, and she even coined the term “de-bubblefied.”

Charm.mama went a step further by combining de-bubblefication with a clever border print, creating three darling flower-girl dresses. Each one is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of this pattern.

Finally, there’s something undeniably magical about how the Bubble Dress inspires imaginative transformations. JenLoving’s bumblebee costume is a standout example, featuring black velvet stripes and delicate gauze wings that give the impression of flight. And then there’s Juliamom2009’s incredible volcano creation—a true masterpiece that deserves a closer look through her detailed blog post.

Now that we’ve admired all these incredible interpretations, wouldn’t you agree it’s time to get sewing? Thank you so much, Catherine, for sharing your passion and creativity with us. Join Catherine tomorrow and the day after for a Bubble Dress sew-along—trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

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