StyleArc: Layla Dress (Layla Dress) - Type:Dresses  | | Viewed 383 times
| | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 10 people | | Reviewed by: | clothingengineer | 
 | About clothingengineer | | CT USA | | Member since: 5/7/10 | | Reviews written: 130 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 51 people | | patterns reviewed: 121 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 1/21/13 10:51 PM | | Last Updated: | 1/21/13 10:52 PM | | Pattern Size: | Plus-Sized Regular | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: | 
StyleArc Pattern Info | | Pattern Rating: | Highly Recommend | | Tip: Confused about your shoulder point? | | | Related Links | Click on  to add a link |
| Pattern Description: This beautifully drafted classic lined dress features a cap sleeve and sweetheart neckline.
This is a sleek fitting dress with a back kick pleat that can be made with or without lining.
Based on size 10 pattern measurements:
Bust circumference 94cm
Centre back length 98cm or 39"
Hip circumference 98cm or 38"
Hem circumference 97cm or 38"
Pattern Sizing:6-30. I made an 8.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I ended up using only the bodice from this pattern. I would say the neckline is not as dramatic and angular as the pattern photo shows, but I prefer it this way!
Were the instructions easy to follow? Didn't use them
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the sweetheart neckline and how the ease makes sense. StyleArc is fantastic at striking perfect ease balance, IMO - enough room for moving without looking sloppy. I was very careful to staystitch the neckline of this dress using a walking foot, and was careful when attaching and understitching the facings/lining, and as a result it doesn't gape at all. Actually I constructed most of this dress using my walking foot, and I have to say it makes things sooo much easier!
I didn't like the skirt (too slim cut for me) so I substituted my Sewaholic Cambie A-line skirt, which has the added bonus of pockets included!
Fabric Used: Wool mini houndstooth suiting (Dec 2012 Julie's Picks from Fabric Mart), fully lined in ivory acetate (also from Dec 2012 Julie's Picks)
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't use the included sleeves.
I find that StyleArc skirts and bottoms in general are not very pear-friendly, so instead of altering the included skirt I used my A-line skirt pattern from the Sewaholic Cambie and altered the darts on the StyleArc bodice to line up with the skirt darts. The included skirt has about 0.5" of ease, not comfortable for sitting all day long!
I also lengthened the bodice 1.5", did a 1/2" broad back alteration in length/width, and narrowed the front chest by 1/4" on each side. I tweaked the armholes a bit, doing a 1/4" sloped shoulder adjustment and filling in the bottom of the armholes 1/2". Since I have prominent shoulder blades I also added a 3/4" dart in the center of the back shoulder seam. I found I needed to reshape the front darts - they are straight lines and I needed to curve them outward 1/4" for a more flattering fit under the bust.
I highly recommend doing the full lining. Judging from my muslin, neckline facings alone will drive you crazy because they will threaten to pop out all day long if you do not attach them to a full lining.
I originally was going to add 3/4 sleeves from the Burda Classics 2012 sheath dress, but I didn't like how it looked - too overwhelming with the houndstooth suiting. So I took them out and ended up finishing off the armholes by adding some bias strips and topstitching in place. It is a little bit of a cheat, but with the houndstooth pattern it is difficult to notice the topstitching. I'm mostly going to wear this with cardigans or jackets anyway.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would definitely use this bodice again. I'm going to experiment with adding sleeves next time. I definitely recommend that others try this dress if they like sweetheart necklines.
Conclusion: I recommend this pattern if you like the Sewaholic Cambie but are looking for something a little less sweet and want the ability to easily add sleeves. |
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 Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
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9 Comments
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Great dress and helpful review. Thanks! You're on a roll with the Style Arc patterns.
1/21/13 11:38 PM
Fantastic dress. Lovely on you.
1/22/13 5:14 AM
This dress is so flattering on you! Great job and great review!
1/22/13 6:35 AM
Super cute! Wow, what a perfect fit. i like it with the boots, and you will also be able to wear this into spring!
1/22/13 7:16 AM
Really lovely dress. I like Everything about it! Great work!!
1/22/13 8:32 AM
I always love your reviews and your garments!
1/22/13 9:16 AM
Beautiful dress on you. I would just LOVE to order some Style Arc patterns, but shipping to Canada is almost prohibitive unfortunately
1/22/13 9:19 AM
betty bushwacker - unfortunately shipping from AU to the US is insane as well. I usually just wait until I have enough patterns on my list to make it worthwhile. Still, when I take in account the shipping cost along with the actual pattern cost they are about the same price as many of the other independent patterns out there.
1/22/13 9:40 AM
Just beautiful on you and a wonderfully helpful review as usual! Perhaps Style Arc will consider offering their patterns as downloads. I ordered my first four on Dec 20th and finally received them this past Saturday. Not only are they very expensive, I'm way too impatient for that!
1/22/13 1:28 PM