Review of the Aivilo Shirred Top Sundress and Maxi

Hello! I was recently given the opportunity to review the Shirred top, Sundress, and Maxi dress pattern by Aivilo Charlotte Designs. I was really excited for this opportunity to review both for the designer and for my favorite blog, Pattern Revolution. Unfortunately, due to some HORRIBLE weather, getting sick, lots of phone tag, busy schedules, and an uncooperative sewing machine, I wasn't able to get professional pics taken or "finish" the dress (All done minus the straps, so it could be a strapless!)  Plus this review is VERY late. Despite this, I am determined to write a review and throw in at least one pic of the dress :)

So here it is! It is a size 12 months. 

 I consider myself an intermediate to possibly advanced sewer and own my own boutique, "Little Sweet Treats". (Currently only selling at our local farmer's market because I can't keep up with life and my etsy shop!)


Onto the review. I would consider the pattern itself to be a beginner to intermediate level depending on the person. The only reason I would consider it to be "intermediate" is because of the shirring; shirring can be very simple *IF* your machine cooperates, but that is another story!

I made the dress out of a woven cotton, but you could make it out of a knit-this would look especially good if you did it in the maxi option.

The dress itself took me about two hours to make. I think it took me longer because I always have to fight with my machine when it comes to shirring, but there was a lot of hemming.

There were many things I liked about this pattern, the main thing being that it is a great pattern for learning how to shir. The directions are very helpful and clear, especially at explaining the process of shirring.
I also liked the large range of sizes (6 months-14) and the customizability of it- maxi, sundress, or shirt. All the options for the garment had clear instructions, so no matter what option you chose you would have an easy time putting it together.

Lastly, I LOVED that the designer made separate tables for the maxi/sundress and for the shirt as far as sizes went. I really dislike when designers put it all in one table because it gets hard to follow when tables are so big and easy to mix up one size with another when you are cutting.


There were only one thing I disliked. There was a part in the cutting directions that "cut over to taper skirt", this was confusing to me as it was not addressed until later in the pattern. I did read the pattern first, but it would have been helpful if there was an asterisk or something saying that this would be addressed later in the pattern. That may just be me, but I was confused by it!

Overall this was a great pattern and I was very pleased to review it and with the outcome. I would definitely buy more patterns from the designer.