Remaking a favorite fabric into a new dress

April 2025 I made this dress for Ava.

She chose the pattern because it was called 'Ava'.

It had an empire waist and button closure.

I lined the bodice with white batiste 

and made covered buttons from the teal fabric.

This summer when Ava wanted 

to wear the dress it didn't fit well. 

She had grown a few inches taller.

The style wasn't flattering.

I looked for leftover fabric from the main fabric 

but found very little of it.

I went to The Sewing House 

hoping there was still some in their shop.

The only thing I found was a cream print 

from the same fabric line but no teal.

Buying a yard I planned to make the top cream with a teal skirt.

Then I looked online and found a shop that had the teal.

I bought a yard and waited for it to be delivered.

The new dress is made from Violet Field Thread's Elowen pattern.

It is a very flattering pattern 

with several options for sleeves and length.

I used the cream fabric for the bodice, 

cap sleeve lining, and waist accent.

The back has a lovely V neckline and a zipper.

Ava prefers zippers to buttons.

This dress had to wait while I made another project - 

cloak for Ava's trip and one for little brother, too.

Then my favorite sewing machine stopped working. 

The back-up machine was not right for this pattern.

My new machine was great for sewing this dress.

As I made a dress for me and this dress 

I learned how to use many of the features of this Baby Lock Brilliant.

I even hemmed the dress with the blind hem stitch and attachment.

Very happy with this finish.

Now back to my Midnight Garden.

No more detours.

Get.It.Done.

Happy Sewing!