#SLPCOxSCMommyandMe - Ladies Ayda Pattern

I am really excited to share this post with you guys! I have been holding onto it until I was allowed to share it with you and the day has finally come!

I recently took part in my first experience with pattern testing. I tested a pattern for Caroline Hulse of Sew Caroline and I've had to keep it a secret while they finished their big project!

I am excited finally get to share with you the Ladies Ayda Dress & Top Pattern! If the name looks familiar to any of you, it's probably because you've purchased the Girl's Ayda Dress and Top from The Simple Life Pattern Company. Well, Caroline recently partnered with them to take 3 of their girl's patterns and create a matching women's pattern. They also took 3 of Caroline's current women's patterns and downsized them for girls! So now, there are SIX mommy and me looks you can create! You can check out their collaboration here (affiliate).


I love this top! They Ayda is a peplum style top with a low v-back. It's designed for woven fabrics and is perfect for Summer! You can use light woven cottons, rayon, or voile. I chose to use a light cotton from Pink Castle Fabrics. This is Art Gallery Fabrics Ethereal Fusion Millefiori in Ethereal.

The pattern offers several versions for you to make. I made the top version, sleeveless, with the circle skirt and the higher neck option.

Other options include:

• Top or Dress
• Sleeveless, Flutter Sleeve, or Cap Sleeve
• Circle Skirt or Gathered Skirt
• Two neckline options

This pattern offers so much variety you could easily fill your Summer capsule wardrobe with it! Think cute flowy dresses with the new Art Gallery Rayons!

I styled the top a few different ways so you can see how versatile it can be. The first is how I would wear it out with friends for dinner or coffee.

Change the hair, add a necklace and heels and I'm ready for date night!

Throw on a jacket and a pencil skirt and this is how I would style this top for work or church!

It's so versatile, I love it!

One of my favorite features about this pattern is the low v-back. It's such a fun detail for Spring/Summer.

A few other notes about the pattern and my experience with it:

The pattern calls for a hook and eye where the fabric crosses in the back to keep it from gaping, but I left it out of mine because I didn't have that issue with mine.

Aside from this hook & eye, there are no other closures (i.e. no zippers, buttons, etc) which make this a pretty quick sew.

The bodice is lined. I chose to line mine with the same fabric that I used for the main, but you could choose something plain or even another fun, contrasting print.

Choose your size off of your bust measurement. This will help when getting the top over your shoulders.

All in all, I really enjoyed sewing this pattern. It was fun to sew something for myself, and I really love the structure of the top. I'm already planning out a dress version, which will also be apart of my mommy and me set! If I'm lucky, I'll have it ready for mother's day!

Don't forget to grab a copy of the pattern for yourself!! You can use this link (affiliate) to get it or any of Caroline's other patterns. Make sure you get the girl's version too for some fun mommy and me looks!

**this post contains an affiliate link for the pattern - if you choose to purchase this pattern through my link I will receive a small commission - thank you for supporting Jaylyn Pace Handmade**