(Hearts on fire) Ava top

This little pretty is my new Ava top.

This time around I decided to make the top version with the cute little cap sleeves.

I made a few minor changes, I increased the FBA, and use bias binding for hem to give it a bit of a flounce, the biggest change I made to this version was to put a zip in the center back above the peplum, and for the upper back section I folded each side over twice and stitched the sides down (I forget the technical term for it), I made a little loop and added a button to the other side for easy access to get my head through.

It came together quite quickly, although again I had trouble with the sweetheart V, it took a few tries to get it right. In this photo, the sweethearts neckline it looks like it has folds, and looks rumply which isn't the case IRL.

Train sewing, a great way to pass the time.

The cap sleeves are super cute and as you can see from the photos, the upper bust section is dotted Swiss as well as the cap sleeves,I bought it from the Clegs remnant sale, one metre for $4, which is a bargain. The on the edge of the sleeves the dotted balls hang down slightly which makes for an interesting feature. The main fabric is satin back crepe I believe, purchased from Alannah Hill outlet.


I love this top and the style, but I have really struggled to find the appropriate bottom to go with the top, which my hold me back from wearing this more often, and from making about 10 more. If you have any suggestions, I greatly welcome them.

I'll post more photos when I get the chance as the last two was taken in my work's bathroom. I washed my hands, promise. Ewww. :)

I have plans to make the short dress version with liberty lawn and ecru lace but still trying to find the lace......then I think I'm done with this pattern, maybe I'll try one the new Victory patterns.

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

preview of the Ava dress

Ah what a week I have a 4 day weekend with a wedding, endless appointments and some heavy duty garden stuff!

It was all so enjoyable though!

Here is a sneek peek of my Ava dress by Victory Patterns.

I'll do a full post but I just want to say this was a BRILLIANT pattern, I recieved by far the most compliments from all time with this dress. I love it and have plans to make more in the future.