Pattern Scout Ava Dress Review: Stylish and Versatile Woven Dress
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Pattern Scout Ava Dress
- Description and Features
- Sizing and Adjustments
- Fabric Choices
- Styling Suggestions
- Pros and Cons of the Pattern
- Friday Sewing Updates
- Life in Calgary
- Sewing during Online Schooling
- Balancing Work and Parenting
- Fabric Haul and Fabric Snob
- Lush Fabric
- Boyfriend Jersey
- Plans for Future Projects
- Closet Audit and Wardrobe Refresh
Pattern Scout Ava Dress: A Stylish and Versatile Woven Dress
If you're on the lookout for a new dress pattern that combines style and versatility, the Pattern Scout Ava Dress might just be the perfect choice. This dress, available in sizes 0 to 30, offers a flattering silhouette and a range of customization options to suit your individual style. From the cup-sized front bodice pieces to the beautiful crossover v-neckline, this pattern is designed to make you look and feel your best.
Description and Features
The Pattern Scout Ava Dress is a woven dress pattern with a pop-over design, meaning there are no closures to worry about. The dress features a crossover front with topstitching detail, an elasticated waist, and two length options - knee-length and maxi-length. The maxi-length version includes side slits for ease of movement. With its straight skirt and column shape, the Ava Dress is a perfect choice for spring and summer.
Sizing and Adjustments
One of the standout features of the Ava Dress pattern is the inclusion of cup-sized front bodice pieces. This means you can choose a cup size (A, B, C, or D) that best fits your bust, ensuring a more tailored and comfortable fit. The pattern is drafted for a height of five foot nine, which is the average height for many women. However, adjustments can be made if needed.
Fabric Choices
When it comes to fabric choices, the possibilities are endless. The Ava Dress works well with a variety of woven fabrics, including cotton, linen, and rayon. For a crisper look, you can opt for a linen or cotton lawn, while a drapey rayon or structured knit can lend a softer and more flowy feel to the dress. Consider your personal style and the occasion you'll be wearing the dress for when choosing your fabric.
Styling Suggestions
The Ava Dress offers endless styling possibilities. Dress it up for a special occasion with heels and statement jewelry, or keep it casual with sandals and a sunhat. The dress can even be a stunning option for bridesmaids, especially with the ability to customize the cup sizes to suit each member of the bridal party. Let your creativity shine and make this dress your own.
Pros and Cons of the Pattern
As with any sewing pattern, the Ava Dress has its pros and cons. On the positive side, the cup-sized front bodice pieces provide a great fit for various bust sizes, and the straightforward construction makes it a relatively quick and satisfying sew. The pattern also includes French seams, which give the garment a clean and professional finish. However, some may find the elasticated waist creates more blousing in the back than desired, although slight adjustments have been made to the pattern to address this issue.
Overall, the Ava Dress from Pattern Scout offers a stylish and versatile option for your wardrobe. With its flattering silhouette and range of customization options, it's a pattern worth considering for your next sewing project.
Friday Sewing Updates: Balancing Life and Sewing
Life can be busy, and finding time for sewing projects can sometimes be a challenge. In the latest installment of Friday Sews, I share a glimpse into my recent weeks and the sewing projects I've been working on. From juggling online schooling for my daughter to managing work from home, finding time for sewing has been a bit trickier than usual. However, I've managed to squeeze in some sewing time and even had the opportunity to test a new pattern.
Online schooling has become the norm for many families, including ours. While it has its challenges, having my son still attending daycare has been a big help in managing the demands of work and parenting. Balancing the needs of two little ones, one with a strict online schedule and another who just wants to be involved in everything, can be complicated. But like many other parents, we make it work.
Although I haven't been able to do as much sewing as I would like, I recently had the chance to test the Pattern Scout Ava Dress. The moment I saw the line drawings, I was hooked. The dress features a gorgeous crossover v-neckline and an elasticated waist, which creates a flattering silhouette. I made the maxi-length version with side slits, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
The Pattern Scout Ava Dress comes in a broad size range and includes cup-sized front bodice pieces. This ensures a better fit for different bust sizes. The pattern is designed for a height of five foot nine, which happens to be my height, so I didn't need to make any adjustments. However, slight tweaks have been made to the pattern since I tested it to reduce the blousing in the back.
I made the Ava Dress in a linen-cotton blend fabric that I had in my stash. It's a fabric I don't remember where I bought, but it complements the dress beautifully. The structured fabric gives the dress a crisp look, and the straight cut skirt adds a touch of modernity to the overall design.
While I haven't been sewing as much as I'd like to, I did manage to do a tiny fabric haul. One fabric that caught my attention is the double brushed interlock called "Lush" from Fabric Snob. It's a soft and cozy fabric, perfect for sweatshirts and joggers. I also picked up some boyfriend jersey, which I plan to use for another workout top.
In the coming months, I'll be focusing on a closet audit and refreshing my wardrobe. I have a bad habit of cleaning out my closet when I'm frustrated, only to realize later that I've left myself with very few options. So, instead of repeating this pattern, I'll be taking a more productive approach to go through my wardrobe, identify the gaps, and plan my sewing projects accordingly.
In conclusion, while finding time for sewing can be challenging, it's all about balance and making the most of the time we have. Whether it's testing new patterns or working on quick and easy projects, sewing is a source of creativity and relaxation in a busy world. And with a refreshed wardrobe on the horizon, I look forward to exploring new styles and adding my personal touch to each garment.
