I was lucky enough to be able to sew up one of the patterns from the Perfect Pattern Parcel this week. The PPP is a bundle of 5 really terrific patterns being sold together. Part of the proceeds are donated to charity, so if you’ve been eyeing any of these patterns, this is a great time to buy! I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these patterns, but I was especially excited to sew up the Ava dress by Victory Patterns. I’ve been planning to make a sheer-yolk casual dress for awhile, so when Rachael sent me the list of contributing patterns, I immediately jumped on board. The Ava is intended for woven fabric, but you probably won’t have a heart attack and die from shock when I tell you I made it with knit. Navy striped knit.
To make the knit version, I went down a size, and still ended up taking out some of the width in the bodice and waistline. Also, because I used my serger to construct the side seams and waist seam, I didn’t have to use a zipper – score! Just fyi, you can do this with many patterns for wovens, especially dresses, and usually you can eliminate the need for any closures. Just make sure your head fits through the neck opening and sew everything with a stretch stitch.
I love the pieced A-line skirt of this pattern, but I don’t love the look of a-lines made with striped fabric. The stripes end up making a rainbow shape across your body, with the highest point at your waist. It’s visually odd and tends to make your waist look bulky. Nobody wants that. So instead I just cut the skirt as a gathered rectangle. Because this knit is so thick, I probably could’ve used even less width, though I do like the width at the hem.
I really wanted an easy knit slip-on dress with a little bit of detail, and I think this dress fits the bill perfectly. I’m a busy mom of 3 living in the tropics, so dresses like this fit my lifestyle really well. I stay cool and comfy, but still look put together, and laundry is a breeze. Gotta love that.
I just can’t stop loving this neckline with the amazing tribal print lace I found. The sheer portion of this dress is perfectly placed to show a tasteful amount of skin, but still allow for the wearing of under-necessities.
You can’t go wrong with this pattern in your stash. It also comes with a peplum option and two different sleeve options. I dressed it way down, but I think you could also dress it way up. I love that kind of versatility in a pattern!
Thanks so much to Rachael and Perfect Pattern Parcel for including me! You can learn more about the Perfect Pattern Parcel and buy it here. Also, be sure to check out the Perfect Pattern Parcel facebook page where they’re having a giveaway for, like, ALL the fabric EVER!
Stripe knit sourced locally, tribal lace from lace fabrics, arrow necklace and drop earrings from petit formal.
Oh I love it! I have sworn off wovens because I am addicted to comfy clothes. I have been wanting to do this with color blocking and sleeves like one I saw on modcloth! love it! I’m glad your knit was a success!
loooove it! It’s adorable !
Adrianna! This Ava looks so awesome on you! I love the idea of making the pattern in a knit. I may just have to try that next. Thanks much for sewing with us. You kick ass!
OMG!!! I love this dress!! Make it in knit!! Genius!!
Lovely! I really like the lace!
i love it! i love it! i love it! you made one for me too, riiiiiiight??? XO
this dress is so cute!!! it never occurred to me to try it in knit fabric. love this look so much!
Okay…can I copy your dress? I live in another country so we won’t have any awkward running into you at the supermarket moments wearing the same dress at the same time. I love the idea of making this dress out of knit fabric!!!
And I said the exact same thing to Monica at Adirondack inspired…you both have awesome taste. And maybe it’s the striped fabric. And maybe it’s the knit dress!
Um, you can totally copy! I do it all the time to other bloggers ;)
it’s so adorable on you! great fit.
Amazing!! I bought the Perfect Pattern Parcel, but I havn;t had a chance to make anything yet.
It’s so cute! Stripe and knit all the things!
Love your version!
I never would have thought to do the Ava out of a knit! I love how yours turned out! That tribal lace is great with the stripes! I made the top version and love how it turned out. I love how all the different variations can make each make look so different.
Really cute dress, I would never have thought to make it in a knit but it’s such a great idea!
What a cute dress. I love the nautical vibe and it looks great made in a knit. I will try your sizing down method.
Love it in knit! What a great idea!