Friday, June 29, 2012

The long Awaited Ava dress (Victory Patterns) Photos and a Review.

Pattern Description: The garment features a fitted bodice with a side seam zipper that sits just above the natural waist. Hem options allow you to choose between a peplum blouse, a short dress, and a tea length dress. The sweetheart neckline also includes optional pleat detailing along the front and back bodice and a pleated sleeve cap. Choose a sleeveless option, or a pleated or a mini cap sleeve.

I chose the tea length dress without the sleeves and pleat detailing.

Pattern Sizing: 6 (I think.)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were straight forward and accurate. I liked the picture detailing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is very similar to Colette Pattern's Macaroon which just doesn't do it for me style wise, I really like the swing style in the skirt and the multiple options on the bodice, and of course the neckline is super cute.
What I disliked was doing on the pattern was a FBA, I understand that not every sewer is well endowed but the big 4 pattern companies make a B cup and I think in this day and age it's slightly unrealistic to make the bust for B cup, but I just hate having to do it every time I want to make something.


Fabric Used: Navy Silk Dupion from the Silk Trader, and black lace remanent from Darn Cheap. Vintage bias binding from a friend.

Fabric Cost: Roughly $50 for the silk and $7 for the lace. Bias binding, interfacing and thread from stash/ friend so all were free.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I had to make a FBA and a sway back adjustment. I cut the lower back pattern pieces seperatly.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Actually I already have, I've made a top, from a very loud print that was destind to be PJ bottoms, so I'm not sure I'll ever wear it but I do have plans to make the short dress and another top for work, I'm just wanting to find some suitable lace for the top section. I would recommend it to everyone, as it could be as simple and classic or dressy and detailed.

Conclusion: I love this pattern I think it was well worth the time taping the pattern together. It was quite any easy project, although I had doubts about my skills with the bias binding, until I worked out how easy it is! Bias binding forever!

I taped, traced and cut over 2 and a half days. I started sewing I got half way and left it for two weeks then banged it out in over 3 evenings and a morning. I was fiddling with the neckline the morning of the wedding. If you're a fast sewer you could make this in a day or two.

I love this dress, it's flattering with or without a petticoat, it something I know I'll wear again to other parties and weddings coming up.

This is a good classic pattern, that's a bit of fun and quite easy to sew.
I say go on and buy it. :)

I loved my hair that day, although my fringe needed a cut.


Thanks for reading!

Kat

22 comments:

  1. This looks so gorgeous on you and the fabric and lace are just stunning!

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  2. Thank you Suzy! I changed my mind about using spotlight lace, when I found this.
    Seeing your version made me make this so thanks! :)

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  3. So Beautiful!
    You did an amazing job.
    I'm a sucker for lace!

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  4. Thank you danielle, me too! How is your sewing going? Are you ever coming back to class? I made the Ava top out of the pink mult print fabric we both have. X

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  5. Oh my goodness, that mix of silk and lace is so wonderful! Why haven't I seen that before in that set up - usually it's silk and sheer or silk and a tiny lace pattern. Well done! Looks like it fits you super well, too!

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  6. Thanks Elizabeth, on reflection I could of added an extra cm to the FBA but oh well. I was going to make the upper bodice in navy lace and I'm glad I didn't as the back lace added a wow factor.

    I checked out your blog, you look lovely in your white dress!

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  7. Amazingly gorgeous and the black and royal blue look stunning on you! I really love the idea of lace panels like you have here, I bought some lace just the other day with the intention of doing something similar. Thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. Your more than welcome, I love your blog and you do some pretty awesome things yourself!

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  8. What a SPECTACULAR dress! You look radiant!!!!

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  9. This dress is so stunning - you did such a beautiful job! The belt is also very pretty and an awesome touch to the outfit.

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    1. Thank you Jess. I love the dress, but I do think it needed the belt to jazz it up.
      I bought it years ago for $5, bargain!

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  10. I just realised i have not commented - what an amazing dress Kat! It suits you perfectly - that combo if royal blue with black lace is so lush!

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    1. Thank you Rachel, I'm in the middle of making a top. I hope to wear it to the meet up! :)

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  11. Stunning!! what a gorgeous colour and that lace is incredible! an amazing dress! B

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    1. Thanks B, I love the dress even tho I can't wear it atm. Soon I hope.

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  12. Looks gorgeous! I want to make this dress as my bridesmaids dresses and your is the first I have seen done up so nicely. I found your blog by searching for the dress on google hehe. I will have to check out what else you have made!!

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  13. Oh thanks for that. When I saw the pattern I saw a more formal version than a casual version. I believe someone else was planning on making the dresses for Bridesmaids. I would recommend the pattern, just take your time with V section as I had to redo it twice to get it right. I have always been a fan of review dress but not the length or price. I like your fabric. Congrats on your upcoming wedding. K

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  14. THis is so so gorgeous. :) I am looking at making the ava soon and you have just sold me on it :)

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  15. Your dress is really beautiful, it looks lovely in the blue with the black lace!

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