Pattern Description:
StyleArc say: "This easy fit stylish cowl dress with interesting twist effect at the waist has a high back collar that hugs the neck and falls into a soft cowl at the front. The twist pleat at the waist makes this dress a fashion garment."
Pattern Sizing:
6-30. I made a size 14 (I am usually a Burda 42) and the fit is excellent.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
There are no photos, but the dress looks very close to the tech drawing. (Photos)
It actually reminds me quite a bit of the Rick Owens top we tried to replicate a while back.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
There are very short instructions and two diagrams, one for the shoulder seam was needlessly complicated. What they were trying to say is to fold the facing back around over the back at the shoulder seam, so that when you flip it right side out, the seam is encased, but if I wasn't familiar with this technique already, I would've found their diagram totally baffling. Funny, but I actually did a post with step-by-step photos of this exact finish a while back!
The other diagram was how to create the tuck which creates the distinctive draping, and happily that was extremely clear!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The pattern front claims you can make it in one hour, and it really is ridiculously fast to sew! I don't feel right showing the pattern pieces as I feel that's giving away their design, and I really think this is ingenious. The finished dress looks really complicated, but in reality it's just a basic knit dress with one dart and one tuck. That's it. (Drapery photos)
I absolutely love the fit of this! I also really like the high back neck, which brings the cowl in and doesn't risk it slipping off your shoulders or down too far.
Fabric Used:
I bought some wonderful some brick orange (or "rust") viscose-lycra jersey from Tissu and knew it'd have the perfect drapiness and recovery for this design. Coincidentally, it's also the same fabric I made the Donna Karan skirt set in - I just love this stuff and you cannot beat the price (£3.50/m)!
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any alterations at all - even the length is as intended in the pattern. That's how nice this pattern is!
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely, I'm a big, big fan of Style Arc now just from this one pattern, and I totally want to sew this again, maybe in short sleeves and maybe shortened as a top!
Conclusion:
This dress really is as fabulous as it gets - ridiculously easy to make, comfortable to wear, and very stylish! A total winner.
For more photos including some detail shots of the draping, head over to FehrTrade.com! |
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Very nice!!!
2/18/13 5:24 PM
Absolutely love this dress, thanks for your helpful review and the photos showing how to finish off the neckline.
2/18/13 6:20 PM
A Style Arc Marni ponte knit jacket would be just the thing to go with that GORGEOUS knit dress... ;) Beautiful on you, and beautifully sewn! Welcome to the Style Arc Fan Club, lol!
2/18/13 6:47 PM
Love your dress. It really looks great on you. My only regret with Style Arc, is that I didn't join their loyalty club before I'd bought a dozen patterns...
2/18/13 6:53 PM
Great dress. It didn't occur to me that this pattern was like the Rick Owens top but you are right. Thanks for pointing this out.
2/18/13 8:38 PM
That looks impecable!
2/19/13 1:36 AM
You're so pretty! That is a wonderful color on you. Love your dress
2/19/13 4:31 AM
Beautiful ! LOVE the colour and drape. I have this one too and am excited to sew it up now :}
2/19/13 11:21 AM
Very pretty. I guess I'm late to the party. I've not tried StyleArc patterns yet but this has really piqued my interest. These will be next.
2/19/13 7:52 PM
Gorgeous dress!
2/19/13 11:49 PM
Lovely, lovely dress! I am very tempted by the Style Arc patterns.
2/20/13 3:09 PM
Fabulous dress! Thanks for the review, I was considering the pattern and you have given me a push.
2/21/13 3:37 PM
Gorgeous!!
2/21/13 5:08 PM
Thanks for the great review. your dress look very stylish and I lvoe the colour on you.
2/21/13 7:36 PM