pattern tester roundup
Nova Top and Dress Pattern Tester Roundup Part 1
Good day my sewing friends. I hope that you are well and happy. And welcome to Day 1 of the Nova Top and Dress Pattern Testers Roundups.
Our Nova Top and Dress is very on trend shape. Featuring a side panel that allows for the front panel to be twisted into it which results in a front detail that creates a flattering drape that enhances your natural curves.
Its defining front knot and twist is the MUST HAVE FEATURE of your Nova Top or Dress.
When we were nearing completion of the Nova I knew that a dress would look AMAZING.
I thought that I could just add a bit onto the bottom of the top pattern pieces but knew that if we all wanted a quality pattern to be sewn then the dress would need its own standalone pattern pieces.
And VOILA !! We have the Nova Dress along with the Nova Top.
I hope you enjoy reading about each of our pattern testers journey when making their Nova. Each and every one are just stunning.
They would like to share with you the following:
1. Your name and where you live?
2. What fabric combinations did you choose and where did you purchase.
3. What sewing tips can you share when sewing the Nova?
4. What was your style choice for the Nova?
5. What fit alterations did you have to make to the Nova?
6. Have you worn your Nova yet and what compliments did you receive.
7. Any plans for future combinations of the Nova?
And the finer details; (AU/UK) 6 – 30 (US) 2 – 26 (EU) 34 – 58
On Sale for a limited time only – $9.85
Very Confident Advanced Beginner and Above Sewing level.
Hi Iam Annet Lugtenburg from the Netherlands. I have made 2 nova tops and 1 nova dress. The second nova dress is already cut. This pattern is fabulous and it is flattering every figure and it fits so good. Its verry comfortable to wear. I have used a lycra jersey and a jacquard jersey for my tops and a cotton jersey for my dress. I have get a lot of compliments of my new outfits. I wear the tops with my two london pants. Do you want to see more of me? Welcome to my instagram www.instagram.com/josewbo_creaties_
Hi, I’m Beck from Melbourne, and I sewed up a Nova dress in double brushed poly from Lush Fabrics (Australia) . I made the 3/4 sleeve dress with the DD cup and graded up for my tummy and arms. I just love this dress because the twist does magical things for my figure, but I still feel so comfortable and covered for cooler weather.
Hi all, I’m Brenda from the Netherlands.
The Nova pattern started out as a top pattern, I’ve made 4 of them already, and than Ann transformed it into a dress pattern as well. I’ve made myself a dress as well. As you can read, I love this new pattern. I’ve used a variation of options of the pattern on my pieces and for all of them I used Cotton Lycra. For the dress I wanted a split, and while this is not part of the pattern it is really easy to do. If you are curious check my instagram for sewing related posts: https://www.instagram.com/fabricfairybrenda/
Love Brenda
Hi! I’m Grace from Singapore! I used a cotton jersey that was a designer deadstock that bought from Taobao and I think it really suits the Nova dress! My tips for making the Nova: follow the steps in order for the Nova and don’t skip steps! I thought I knew better and had to unpick! It’s actually a really easy pattern to make and the knot detail is beautiful! I’ve worn it out and received many compliments! I’m so going to make more!
You can see more of my sews at https://www.instagram.com/sewnby.grace
Hi I’m Hannah from Winchester, UK. I made my Nova in a spun polyester with great drape from Knighton Fabrics in a sale a way back. Its really soft and perfect for the Nova. I pair it with my London Pants in black for a new look for the office. Both are so comfortable for spring days in the UK weathering the hail, sunshine, rain and wind of an hour in English April I made sure to use new stretch needles in 80/12 and adjust my overlocker settings particularly the differential feed for this fine fabric. I needed to grade out from a 5 bust to a 9 waist to 5 hips which was a little challenging but I did it & achieved a great fit. I’ve worn it to work a couple of times and been complimented which is always thrilling in a me made …. I particularly love mixing up the office monochrome with a scarlet accent I cannot wait to try a round neck version of the dress – it looks stunning! https://www.instagram.com/house_of_burke?igsh=MW9odGZnZnB2a2xqNQ==
Hi, my name is Ksenija and I live in New York city. Or as sewing people know me I’m A girl with an accent https://www.instagram.com/a_girlwithanaccent
For my version of Nova twist top I used a cotton rib knit from a local Astoria fabric store. I love it! I made a turtleneck version with 3/4 sleeves and it is a perfection! If you want to make one yourself just know that even though it seems complicated, it isn’t! Just follow the instructions without thinking
I had to blend between sizes to get my perfect fit but other than that no changes to original pattern.
This is such an elevated turtleneck that everyone asks where I got it.
I definitely want to make a dress version, currently looking for a perfect fabric!
INSTAGRAM.COM Ksenija – lingerie sewist (@a_girlwithanaccent) • Instagram photos and videos
Hey, I’m Girl in Uniform Lieve from Ghent, Belgium. I made a Nova shirt and a dress, using fabrics from Framalo and Driessen Stoffen. When I first had to make the knot in the front panel, I was a bit confused. I decided to pin the pattern pieces in advance the way they should end up, and then I saw better what I had to do. I chose a long-sleeved shirt version and a summer short-sleeved dress, and I didn’t have to change anything at all at the pattern. Both garments are lovely to wear, I am completely in love. Want to know more about me and my sewing? www.girlsinuniformblog.com or www.instagram.com/girlsinuniformblog
Hi, I’m Luana, and I live in Raleigh, NC, in the US.
For my Nova top I used a DTY fabric from my stash.
The best advice that I can share while sewing the Nova is “read the instructions well and trust the process”, it’s actually not very difficult but it’s easy to overthink it.
I chose the sleeves top version and I love it!! The alteration I did on my size 3 A cup was my usual sway-back adjustment and I tapered at the top of the center back.
I already worn my Nova with my London Pants and received a lot of compliments!
I have to try the dress version next!
My Instagram https://instagram.com/lmfcrafts
Hi, I am Marieke from the Netherlands.
When I was making pictures from the London pants I was wearing my Nova twist top on it.
A couple of days later I wanted to make a couple of extra pics from my pants and was wearing something else on top.
First thing my husband said was: hey, why aren’t you wearing that white top?
Well, he ánd noticed what I was wearing ánd even remember it.
I don’t think I need more to say, lol.
Anyways, I too adore the top and maybe the dress even more! It is one design but both are looking so different and with all the options you can sew it through the year and also for any occasion: a dress for the bridal season, a top for the office or just a garment for daily use.
I don’t think I have any other things to write, except for: measure yourself correctly and have fun sewing this genius quick top/ dress!
You can always have a look at my Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jongdesign
Hello, I am Priscilla and I am thrilled that Spring is finally here because it means I get to wear my Nova top and dress more often!
I can’t wait for you all to see them in action. I have created both a top and dress version using this pattern, with some slight modifications to make each piece unique. For the top, I chose an elbow-length sleeve and used a custom double-brushed polyester in an elegant floral print for it. I paired it with my London Ponte Pants coz they go so well together .
While for the dress, short sleeve and 55cm skirt was what I went for in a stable knit -Ponte de Roma fabric to give structure yet still flow beautifully giving it its fitted appearance. I graded from size 6 bodice to 5 for the skirt here.
Though this pattern looks complicated, the detailed instructions and illustrations, actually make this an easy sew. Tips wise? choose wisely your fabrics according to the desired fit then measure twice and grade as needed before cutting the pattern.
If you like my Novas, check my IG and FB. Thank you.
Hi my name is Sonia and I live in SW Missouri in the United States.
For my Nova tops and dress, I have used ponte knit, bamboo and brushed poly and I love the results of all of these.
The Nova is a fairly easy, very satisfying sew. The twist portion takes a minute to click. I do have a video on my YouTube channel that will help explain this process.
I made the ¾ sleeve length for both top and dress. I do want to try the sleeveless version soon!
I am 5’1″ so for my usual alterations I have shortened the dress and top bodice by about 1¾” and also moved the bust dart up about an inch.
I like to wear my dresses past my knees so I lengthened the hem.
I definitely have plans to make a couple more dresses!
Find me on the web!
Youtube https://youtube.com/@sewsowforth
Facebook Www.facebook.com/sewonandsowforth
Hi everyone, I’m Tina from California. I wanted to share with you my lovely Nova makes. This pattern is a quick but fabulous sew and I made two so far with plans for many more! For my Nova Twist top I used a black Modal spandex I’ve had in my stash with the turtleneck option and elbow length sleeves. For my Nova Twist dress I used this beautiful ITY from Amanda’s Bundles regular neckline and elbow sleeves. I recommend taking your time to properly twist your top/dress. You don’t want to accidentally sew the wrong seams together like I did my first time! Lol After you get your twist done, the rest is a breeze! I’ve received so many compliments and I can’t wait to sew more.
Hi my name is Meredith and I’m from Sydney, Australia.
First off, I have to say this is one of my favourite patterns for both dress and top. I just LOVE it!! I made two during the testing, a top (sleeveless) and a dress (also sleeveless).
For my top, I used a poly bubble jersey from my stash. It was a thicker fabric so I was glad to see that even with the thickness it worked beautifully.
For my dress, I used a poly spandex. This was a thinner, very stretchy fabric. I added clear elastic to both the shoulder seams and the front waist for a bit more stability. But I just love how this softer fabric drapes
I graded both top and dress from size 3 bodice to size 5 over the hips. For the dress, I extended the length by approx 20cm to make the dress a midi length.
The Nova is a relatively easy and quick sew. My only comment would be to pay careful attention with the side twist. Read the instructions carefully and follow step by step. If you follow the instructions, it all comes together beautifully.
I have already worn my top. It’s a great staple for the wardrobe, and I plan to wear my dress to a concert tomorrow night.
Follow me on Instagram for more pics and hopefully some inspiration. Thanks for reading, Meredith ❤
Hi, my name is Karen from Belgium. I chose a bright green knit for my Nova twist to give it real spring vibes. Both the pattern and the color match perfectly with my London pants and are a wonderful combination to wear. Nova looks complicated with the button, but with the instructions it is not difficult at all anymore. I wore my nova many times and got a lot of compliments with it. Highly recommended!