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StyleArc Eileen dress pattern review by Silknvintagetc

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Silknvintagetc starstar
WKO New Zealand
Member since 11/22/21
95 Reviews (patterns: 95)
Skill: Intermediate
Favored by 23 people
Type: Dresses
Fabric: Rayon  [See other projects in this fabric]
Fit: Boxy or Loose (lots of ease)
StyleArc Eileen dress available on PR for $12.55 Pattern Details
Categories: Dresses  
Pattern Description:
Loose fitting dress with waistline which drops at the back, gathered at side waistline, shirring at sleeves, bodice piece has front back and sleeve as one pattern piece x2cut, can be made in woven or knit fabric

b>Pattern Sizing:
I cut size 16 as I needed to make sure it fit my daughter as it is her birthday gift, but it is very oversized and I think you could easily go down 2 sizes.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Style arc patterns are not for the inexperienced sewist but it would be a great pattern for a beginner with someone to guide them minus the pockets, There are more detailed instructions on their website but I still found them lacking, especially the neck bias treatment.

Any experienced sewist would not need the instructions at all.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

👍 likes
- there are only 4 pattern pieces - front and back skirt is the same, front and back bodice is the same, pocket and neck binding, it is so simple to cut out.

- I like the shaping with the dropped waist at the back and gathers only at the sides.

- you sew 2 rows of shirring on 3/4 of the sleeve so that it lies flat against your body for a comfy feeling. It gives a cute ruffle effect on the top.

- no shoulder seams

- is suitable for both woven and knit fabrics

👎 dislikes
- you go to extra trouble to make the slit at the back of the neck, make and attach a rouleau loop and button to find it pulls over your head easily. Arghh

- if you make it in busy fabric it is hard to see the seam lines, so could look like a sack, ties could be added for more waist definition if wanted.

- you cut the bodice cross grain and skirt straight grain which works well if you have a non directional print or a stripe you want play with. It does not work on a directional print unless you want to cut out single layer and waste fabric. It doesn’t tell you about this.

- the instructions are lacking e.g. it says sew 2 rows of shirring with no instructions on how to do it

Fabric Used:
Rayon challis

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

📍added 2 bows to the front made with bias binding

📍used pre made bias binding to save on fabric and work. It’s much easier than trying to make bias binding out of shifty rayon.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

As this is for my daughter I am definitely making one for myself straight away in a stripe.

I’ve been wanting to make a dress in merino knit so this could be the pattern.

If you want a comfy dress this could fit the bill.


Conclusion:

Super quick to make and sew, loose fitting dress.
StyleArc Eileen dress available on PR for $12.55 Pattern Details
Categories: Dresses  
Discovery Fabrics
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Elliott Berman Textiles
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6 Comments
QuiltSewSewSue said...(1/20/25 6:52 PM ET)   
Great fabric for this dress. Suits you very well. I assume your daughter is similar colouring. :)
  
LoveLilacs said...(1/19/25 3:54 PM ET)   
Such a pretty and comfortable looking dress.
  
Dee2 said...(1/19/25 3:29 PM ET)   
Your dress is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your pattern modifications and sewing experience.
  
Nannerl said...(1/19/25 11:44 AM ET)   
This looks like a nice & easy dress to wear with a lovely print fabric. Even though the neck opening is not actually necessary, it adds a nice design detail; I especially like your use of the stripe bias tape, nice touch!
  
Melissa1030 said...(1/19/25 8:25 AM ET)   
Lovely dress and great review.
  
Catherine Goetz said...(1/18/25 8:16 PM ET)   
The fabric print is wonderful and the dress turned out beautifully.
  
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