Yes, I know. I am looking a bit smug. But I’ve been in quite the sewing drought and it feels so good to have it over. I cut out the Ava pattern back in June, I think. And it sat in a drawer until I finally decided to put it together last week.
And I am so glad I did. Initially I thought I was dragging my feet so much because I wasn’t in love with the fabric I chose. But that wasn’t it. The more I thought about it, the more I wished I had used a lovely Liberty tana lawn I’ve had in my stash for ages. Fear of cutting into such pricey fabric made me hesitate. Enter the mustard fabric. At Ā£2 or so a meter cutting into it didn’t feel so hard. But I fell out of love for it and so it went neglected. But with a meetup coming up I figured it would be the perfect event to finish Ava so I could wear it to. And I did. Just in time.
I struggled putting in that mesh. Man, oh, man. It took three attempts, two hours and a lunch break. But finally it went in and I was so glad that I had saved my Liberty fabric from so much seam ripping š
The fit (only change I made was to add a couple of inches at the waist) is pretty good. Next time I might drop where the bodice and peplum meet by half an inch. For all that feet dragging I sure love my top and look forward to the next one.
Pincushion Treats 
You already know that I think this is a beautiful make…I love everything about it and it’s left me itching to cut into my Ava pattern asap. Now just need to find some mesh that’s as adorable as yours ;o)
LikeLike
I will email you the etsy shop I saw the mesh in!
LikeLike
This is fabulous! The color is gorgeous on you and the top fits you beautifully. It looks great as it is but I can see dropping the start of the peplum like you said. I’ve been going back and forth on whether to buy this pattern and you just convinced me.
LikeLike
Thanks! It was fun to put together. I don’t think you’ll regret getting it.
LikeLike
Sublimate!!!!!! I adore the choice of fabricsfor this realization.
I made the model ” Roxanne ” for my daughter, a few days ago,
you can see it here :
http://wild-hibiscus-fr.blogspot.fr/2012/08/roxanne.html
Good job š
LikeLike
It’s really gorgeous Mela. Really, really nice!!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Nice to see you back and with such a lovely top too! I hope you sewing drought is coming to an end…
LikeLike
Me too! Life can get a bit boring when I’m not sewing š
LikeLike
Baby, from what I’m seeing Ava loves you too! This is so sharp and I love your color choices! I need to get to taping my Ava pattern!
LikeLike
I look forward to seeing yours. I’m sure you will have another winning peplum blouse in your hands.
LikeLike
I’m scared of the sleeveless- I may have to add some caplets or something!
LikeLike
Me too! That’s why I am never without a cardigan. My guns are never showcased :). But caplets would look great!
LikeLike
I looove this, the orange jewel tone looks beautiful on you! Nice work with the slinky fabric, that can get tricky
LikeLike
Thank you. That fabric was a bit tricky so I am glad I showed it who was boss š
LikeLike
What a great version of the Ava! I love the colour combination.
LikeLike
So cute it hurts . š
LikeLike
lol. When I saw her at the station the first thing I noticed was the top.
LikeLike
Ha! Thanks Rachel!
LikeLike
Very cute.
LikeLike
Beautiful top, it looks really good on you.
LikeLike
Looks great!l
LikeLike
This is adorable. I love these two fabrics together. I’ve been in a bit of a sewing drought myself but this makes me feel reinspired!
LikeLike
So cute! XXOO
LikeLike
Adorable! I seriously want to steal it from you! And that mesh, I’ve been looking for something similar for ages!
LikeLike
Thank you! I found some awesome mesh fabrics in Etsy when I searched “polka dot lace”. Hopefully you can find something there.
LikeLike
This is absolutely gorgeous! I LOVE it! Great job, girl!
LikeLike
Very very lovely, you look wonderful in it and I LOVE the colour. The fit is great too, really flattering. X
LikeLike
That fabric is not only wonderful but absolutely perfect against your beautiful caramel skin! Hooray for Ava and rewarding, finished projects. You look fab x
LikeLike
Thank you very much.
LikeLike
Beautiful top! I love the mesh. Worth the struggle, I think.
You could make another with different fabric. Nice variation.
The mustard looks great on you.
LikeLike
Thank you. I think it can definitely look like a different top with different fabrics and some sleeves added.
LikeLike
So cute! These saturated colors look so good on you. I really love the close-up of your bindings too š
LikeLike
Thank you! Those bindings drove me batty so I figured they deserved a spotlight! š
LikeLike
It’s gorgeous! I’ve always admired this pattern. And I love the mustard! The fabric combo is excellent.
LikeLike
Spectacular colour on you! The mesh is intriguing…you’re braver than me!
LikeLike
I think I am quite stubborn when it comes to sewing. I wouldn’t let that mesh have the better of me š
LikeLike
I love Ava, too! This has great colors to take you into fall.
LikeLike
I love it!!!! The fit is incredible, well done! The two fabrics are adorable, and it turns out a very versatil garment, with the right accessories it can be casual or elegant.
LikeLike
So true! I was considering making a pencil skirt to go along with it for fancy evenings š
LikeLike
Goegeous! That colour looks absolutely amazing on you and the fit is great. Love it!
LikeLike
Thank you! It looked bright on the bolt but I took the chance. Glad I did.
LikeLike
Wowzeroony! That looks amazing on you! Dare I use the word “fierce”?! You look FIERCE! š
LikeLike
Thank you! I like fierce. I’ll take it.
LikeLike
It looks awesome! Well done.
LikeLike
Quite rightfully smug! This is a seriously cute rendition of Ava; love the colour and the polka dot mesh. I’ve had the pattern a little while and am itching to make one (or three, I like the dress versions too) up š
LikeLike
Thanks! The dress versions are quite lovely too, especially with the added pleated details.
LikeLike
What inspired fabric combos,even if it did come about through a bit of fear;-)
really looks fab on you and well done conquering the mesh…it’s worth it. Now you’re all confident to make the liberty version š
LikeLike
So pretty! Lovely job on this! š
LikeLike
I LOVEEEEEEE the fabrics you chose and the color combo is so perfect.
LikeLike
Thank you š
LikeLike
I’m glad you finished it, because this is absolutely STUNNING! The colour is fabulous on you, and I really love the black mesh yoke. You did a superb job!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!
LikeLike
Gah! This is Becks on a Boat fabulous! You look so pretty š The colour is fabulous on you. What a way to end a sewing drought xxx
LikeLike
You must copyright that quote, “Becks on a Boat fabulous!” I love it! And thank you!
LikeLike
This is a beautiful way to start your sewing wet again! The color is perfect on you, and also fit. I’m glad you started again with your sewing projects.
LikeLike
This top looks so cute on you! I haven’t paid much attention to the Victory Patterns line until now because I could never imagine that their shapes would work out that well on a curvier figure than shown in the models and line drawings, but your example certainly opens up some possibilities there.
LikeLike
Thank you. I’ve also made the Madeleine pattern and can recommend that one too. I’m about to take on Roxanne so the verdict is out on that one. I can end up looking chic or like I’m wearing a tent. Here’s hoping it’s not the last one š
LikeLike
STUNNING! I love the mesh paired with the mustard – you look stunning in it!
LikeLike
So pretty! I love it š I love the look of this pattern š
LikeLike
Melizza, this is delizza!! Awesome color, and the yoke is a dream. I like your idea of pairing it with a pencil skirt too. Really versatile and beautiful.
LikeLike
I just bought a Victory pattern and found you through their flickr group. š I tweeted the link to this post because I love your shirt and your beautiful smile, and it sparked a discussion on how pretty you are. I just thought I would tell you. š GREAT job on this shirt. I love the colors.
LikeLike
Oh wow! Thank you. I am very flattered. I will have an extra bounce in my step today š I hope you love your Victory make as much as I do!
LikeLike
OMG!!! It’s STUNNING!!! I’m so pleased you found the resolve within to get it done, it soooo lovely. xxx
LikeLike
Thank you Zoe!
LikeLike
This is truly adorable, as are you. Now I must go buy the Ava!
LikeLike
Many thanks Angie!
LikeLike
I just found your blog and I love it! This top is fabulous. Thanks for introducing me to a pattern that I wouldn’t have given a second look based on their website.
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by. It’s a great blouse and looking forward to making the dress version. Maybe for next spring since the temps are already changing here in London.
LikeLike
Gorgeous colours, great for summer and autumn, and this looks hot on you! Like lots of other people your version is making me see the pattern in a whole new way.
LikeLike
HOLY CRAPOLA – this is just sooo gorgeous. You got that fabric for 2 pound a meter? I can scarcely believe it. The top looks a million bucks, the mustard is uber-flattering on you and the sheer mesh polka dots sublime. I couldn’t compliment this top enough if I tried! I’d been secretly eye-balling the Ava pattern… now I see I’m just going to have to openly declare my intentions (to make it). You look stunning!
LikeLike
Thank you very much. That fabric was definitely cheap as chips. I’ve washed it once and no piling. Fingers crossed it stays that way with future washes.
LikeLike