pattern tester roundup
Nova Top and Dress Pattern Tester Roundup Part 2
Hi everyone. And thankyou for joining us for Day 2 of the Nova Top and Dress Pattern Tester Roundups.
Our pattern test for the Nova was quite a popular one amongst the roadies and I am sure you can all see why.
Each of our roadies who made either the Nova Top or Dress have done an extraordinary job.
Whether using a solid or a print jersey for their make each Nova looks absolutely fabulous.
And the Nova is great for all figure shapes.
The gathered and twisted side knot feature adds interest to the asymmetric silhouette of this trim and sophisticated garment.
Our Nova is easy to wear, looks sensational and adds a fabulous point of difference.
So lets get into Part 2 of our Nova Top and Dress Pattern Tester Roundups.
Love to you all.
And of course, the finer details.
The Nova Top or Dress offer a choice of styling options:
1. Top or Dress length.
2. Long Sleeve
3. 3/4 Sleeve Length
4. Elbow Sleeve Length
5. Cap Sleeve Length
6. Sleeveless
7 Turtleneck
8. Scoop Neck
Cup Size Choices – A, B, C, D and DD (E)
All of the above styles are completed with:
1. Bound neckline or option of a scoop neck.
Without further ado your fabulous pattern testers 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.
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.
Hello I’m Ashley R from London
Today I’m here to talk about the new Nova pattern. I used a soft jersey from ABC Fabric to make mine so as you can tell this pattern is for knit fabrics.
I would always recommend you make a fit first in old fabric but the same weight for your final top, to see if you need to make any adjustments. I made the top style with scoop neck and long sleeves, but it does come in other lengths too. I’m only 5 foot so I found I needed to take some length off the bottom so the top would sit where it should and I also had to rise my dart a little but I do that on all Designer Stitch patterns. I’ve worn my Nova top a few times with jeans and it also pairs great with the London Ponte pants which is also a Designer Stitch pattern. Now the summer is coming I plan to make a sleeveless version.
Hi, I’m Barbara! I live in Northeast Mississippi, USA. For this Nova I used an ITY fabric purchased from Amazondotcom seller Texco Inc. The only alterations made for this Nova is the forward shoulder adjustment. I chose the Nova sleeveless version as it will be perfect for our hot Spring/Summer. My Nova is already in heavy rotation, and I have planned many more!
Hi. This is Christine from the Neatherlands. For my Nova’s I used different types of fabric. The silver fabric didn;t have the same stretch the lilac has. But I like them anyway. When I went fabricshopping I made sure the colour matched my London Pants. Both my Nova’s and my Londons didn’t need any alterations. I’ve been wearing them a lot lately and have already planned more Nova’s and Londons. Go have a look at my instagram for more of what I make https://www.instagram.com/stienmakes/
Hi, I’m Diane from the UK.
I used a lovely viscose jersey fabric which was perfect for the Nova top. The fabric drapes really well and was perfect for the twist design of this stylish top. I made my top in size 2 graded to 3 at the waist and hips and shortened the arm length by 1”.
The instructions are very clear and give various options. In order to get a really sharp point at the split hem I hand-basted the hem before stitching. I love the long sleeved version however did no sleeves for my toile and that is equally as nice, so it is a very versatile top. It goes superbly with the London trousers.
For my Nova dress I used a French terry fabric which was a different choice to my top. This also draped well and was easy to sew. I am looking forward to wearing the dress on my holiday. The design looks more difficult than it actually is and is a really quick sew. This dress is ideal for work or leisure and I think it looks very classy.
Hello everyone! I’m Huike from Singapore and I have made 2 amazing Novas with different fabrics! My Nova top is sewn using a very light rib knit lycra that is lovely and soft. Perfect for the hot weather we are experiencing now. In fact i love the sleeveless top with that beautiful front split paired with my London pants.
My nova dress was sewn using a lovely rayon spandex and this time i sewn the front split completely closed which made it perfect for work.
I absolutely adore my Novas and they have been worn frequently since they have been made!
Living in a hot climate, like Singapore is, I love to wear knit garments such as the nova because it is more comfortable and wicks away moisture easily. For the sew that is photographed here i chose the half sleeved option and top length. I do adore that there is a dress length option and that will definitely be next on my sewing list. In all honesty, the nova comes together in no time at all. I had it cut and sewn in an afternoon. The only fiddly bit was assembling the front panel of the top. But once that is out of the way, the rest of the seams just fall into place. I especially like the finishing on the neckline of the top.
With most of my Designer Stitch patterns, this one is set to be a firm favorite. Thanks Ann for having me on the team.
Hello, HOLA, my name is MACU, I am Spanish and my home town is located in the South East by the coast.
I love pattern testing for @designerstitch and I am thrilled to be in this wonderful group where I learn everyday.
The NOVA TWIST TOP was love at first sight ♥️ since I asymetrical garments and twists is something I just can’t resist.
This time, the fabric choice wasn’t difficult as I had this white rib knit brought recently in a Barcelona flea Market and I knew it was perfect for this project.
I have been wearing (and enjoying) it non-stop and people adore it and they just can’t believe it’s handmade!!.
I usually style it with pants, jeans and of course with my LONDON PANTS.
As I love it so much I made a second NOVA TWIST TOP, this time, short sleeve and no turtle neck in a silver rib fabric from my stash. I made it to match my second LONDON PANTS and I found the set is wonderful
The knit rib was really easy to handle, to sew with the overlocker and the result is fantastic, the pattern made me doubt at the beginig so my advise is to trust and follow the instrucctions.
As a knit garment, the fit is usually good, but this exclusive design with back and front darts result in an Amazing fit, don’t you agree?
My tips and recommendations:
TIP for making the squares perfects, I added some washaway doble-faced tape to press corners in place before sewing.
DON’T use overlocker (or at least DON’T set the blade on) when sewing next to the knot.
CHECK the % of elasticity of your fabric in both ways
DON’T BE AFRAID of sewing knits as they can become your best friend.
I still need to make a sleeveless version or even a dress hack for the coming North Summer.
You can find me in INSTAGRAM as @macusewinglove https://www.instagram.com/macusewinglove
Hi! Im Sandra from the Netherlands. I Made two Nova shirts and one Nova dress. For the shirts I used viscose tricot and for dress normal tricot. I wanted to make a nice shirt to wear to work. Combined with London pants, Its so beautiful. For the dress, I wanted to make a dress to wear to a wedding I have this summer. I only lenghted 2cm in bodice and arms.
Already received a lot of compliments. They dont ask me where I bought it, because they know I sew. It looks difficult to make, actually, Its really not!!
I think everybody need a Nova shirt or dress
If you want to see more of my makes:
Hi everyone, I’m Sarah from the UK
I used a floral ribbed jersey which I bought from ABC Fabric in the UK
I absolutely adore this top, the twist is such a fun feature. I’ve worn my top paired with my London ponte pants for work as well as with my skinny jeans for a family day out. I’m really looking forwards to making the dress version.
My top tips would be make sure you put your markings on so you can easily see them, and trust Anns instructions they really do work if you just follow them and don’t overthink.
Here’s my Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/bobbin_tails/
He everyone, I’m Shardee from the netherlands.
My nova top is made from a viscose jersey bought at megastoffen.nl
The nova looks very difficult to make, but don’t let it hold you back. It’s definitely a easy sew, I promise.
But beware , its a addictive pattern. You want to make more tops or definitely a dress version of it
If you like to see more of my work, follow my Instagram on www.instagram.com/Sewing_shar
Hello Sue here and happy spring if you live in the northern hemisphere!
I am excited to share my version of the Nova top. This is a quick and stylish make. For my first top, I used a double brushed poly that I just love!
Two things to consider when making this top:
The first is to choose your fabric wisely. I made one on jersey and it fits a bit differently due to the drape and stretch of the fabric.
Second is don’t think about the twist, just follow the instructions and it will turn out perfectly.
I made my tops with the regular neckline and sleeves. The sleeveless versions are so cute too, that that will be my next version.
Here’s the link to my IG account: https://www.instagram.com/sue_glasparrott…
My name is Synthia and I am from Central Ca, USA. While the Nova looks like a very difficult pattern to sew up, it is a very easy sew, as long as you use the right fabric. I made a total of 3 Novas, two tops and 1 dress, and love them all. For the tops, I sewed up a black print from jersey fabric, and the green plain top I used a lightweight Ponte de Roma fabric. For the dress I used a plain fabric and used a lightweight Ponte de Roma fabric, I wanted the knot to show. I really like how the Nova top fits me. The version sewed were long sleeve with turtleneck. I highly recommend sewing a muslin to obtain the proper fit, and reading the pattern step by step, no skipping steps, lol. A great staple garment to have in your wardrobe to use as tops or dresses. Great design Ann Grose. https://sewsynsewn.blogspot.com