Pattern Description:
Simple but sophisticated, this dress has an elasticised waist for easy wear, extended shoulders and a fashionable front skirt over lay which falls beautifully.
As an option the front skirt overlay can be deleted if a plain front dress is preferred, so easy make it in an afternoon.
Pattern Sizing:
Single size - choose from Australian sizes 6 to 30.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes! Though I am wider than the illustration, hahaha!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
They were brief, but not confusing. It made sense to me, but then I've sewed similar patterns before. They're probably not detailed enough for absolute beginners (not many diagrams either) - but I bet StyleArc or the Pattern Review forums could help if you were struggling.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Likes:
- it looks like the illustration
- it is a great style
- easy and quick to sew
- pattern comes on proper paper
- single size means I save time tracing
- pattern comes in an A4 pocket, meaning it can go in a binder
- comes with swatches of suggested fabrics
- can be made in a knit or light woven
Dislikes:
- none!!!
Fabric Used:
I thought it was cotton, but I've decided it's probably got some polyester - it's sort of a rough cheesecloth texture... basically, I've got no idea what it is or where it came from!
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any this time - I wanted to get a feel for StyleArc's shape and size. That's also why I sewed this in a woven.
I made this in a straight 14, which matches my hip size. The bust size is somewhere between my high bust and full bust. In future, I'd probably give myself a couple of extra inches at the bust (but this is to be expected, given my size). Other than that, it's very true to the measurements on the website.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
If I want/need another dress of this style, I won't hesitate to come back to this pattern. I'd definitely recommend it to others!
I know some people hesitate at the price... AU$15 plus the postage (when combined with two other patterns I ordered) comes to around US$22 for me. If I buy a Vogue pattern in-store in NZ, it costs around US$25 plus petrol. If I order online from a US store on sale, it will still cost me around US$15 (and takes weeks to arrive).
I then have to trace it, and I find the Big 4 pattern sizing and ease to be wildly inconsistent. On the other hand, this pattern fits the measurements for the single size, and I save time by just cutting it out. The paper is also much more robust than tissue.
Everyone will have their own opinion, but I think these patterns are worth the price you pay 
Conclusion:
This will be a good summer dress - it can be casual or more formal, depending on the fabric selection. Versatile, comfortable, and flattering. |
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Lovely to see this dress made up, it looks stylish, cool and comfortable. Thanks for the review and extra details on your blog.
12/7/12 2:17 AM
Did someone mention "wildly inconsistent" (with the Big 4)? That definitely made me smile in agreement. As for this lovely little Style Arc dress, it's just perfect, and you look so chic and yet comfortable in it. :o)
12/7/12 2:49 AM
Dilliander - I'm glad you found the review helpful! Annette - hahahaha, I don't know if you saw my recent review of Simplicity 2860 (there were nearly tears). It's wonderful to just be able to sew something and it works! And thank you both for your compliments :-)
12/7/12 3:01 AM
Looks super on you! This pattern is definitely a winner for you...
12/7/12 4:43 AM
Nice dress! It's great to see this pattern made up so thanks for the review.
12/7/12 7:55 AM
So pretty on you! I've never tried Style Arc patterns, but your review makes me want to!
12/7/12 8:26 AM
Lovely dress--it looks great on you!
12/7/12 1:09 PM
The dress looks great on you. I am so glad you posted this review as I had my eyes on this pattern as soon as it hit the StyleArc site.
12/7/12 9:39 PM
Thanks for the detailed review. Your dress looks great and as a 'no alterations' pattern test it fits you very well.
12/7/12 9:47 PM
Thank you all! JenleeC, you've hit the nail on the head - it's brilliant to have a pattern which is wearable without alterations. To the ladies thinking about this pattern (or styleARC in general) - do it! You won't regret it :-)
12/8/12 4:36 AM
Very stylish dress, and I like those sleeves!
12/8/12 12:18 PM
Very pretty. Is the center front at bust level pinned or stitched? It looks fastened but I couln't be sure.
12/9/12 7:22 AM
JEF - it's pinned temporarily, while I decide where to put a little snap.
12/9/12 3:21 PM
Thanks for the review. My pattern arrived today, I cannot find written anywhere the width of elastic for the shoulder and waist areas, nor the length required in each area. Did you have this problem and how did you resolve it? Thanks for help.
12/11/12 6:27 AM
sewpelican - I just used what I had, which was 6mm (1/4 inch) elastic. I used the triple zig-zag stitch to attach it. You could use slightly wider elastic, but if it's too wide it would be bulky. Hope that helps :-)
12/12/12 1:44 PM
Oh, and the elastic length - around your waist, long enough to be somewhat stretched at your natural waist height. The pattern includes cutting guides for the shoulder elastic, I think.
12/12/12 1:45 PM
Love this look. I've just made up a muslin in this pattern and it seems a bit short in the waist for me. It looks like the elastic sits on your waistline. I might lengthen the bodice a bit for me. I've also left a comment on your blog. Cheers, Susan
12/26/12 5:27 AM