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Sewing is therapy for me. I hoard fabric, patterns, notions, and spend more time shopping for fabric than I care to admit...

Sunday, April 24, 2016

A new StyleArc dress and the challenge of a windy day

Fitted panelled dress with extended shoulder
From StyleArc's site: This simple unlined panelled dress is a gorgeous fit. The design lines skim over the body creating a flattering line that continues down into a slight “A” line hem. The extended shoulder line covers the shoulders giving a cap sleeve effect. Make this beautiful dress in an afternoon, teamed with the Sienna jacket this would make a great outfit.

First of all, please note the wind!  Such a blustery day!  


Those design lines!  Aren't they just so cool?  This dress fits just as described...the design skims over the top half of the body and then creates and a-line hemline, that is very, very slightly flared, at least when compared to the top half. 


Even though I made this dress a few weeks ago (I am so behind on blogging!) I still remember how much fun this was to cut out and put together.  And yes, I said this once before, but just look at those design lines!  For some reason, I simply love sewing convex and concave pieces together.  Maybe it is the challenge I think is fun?  


The fit on this dress is really awesome, although it doesn't quite match the line drawing.  To me, the line drawing appears much more fitted in the waist and hips, but this isn't.  It literally starts flaring from just below the bust, a bit above the waistline, and then just continues with that path. 

For my normal alterations, I make a swayback adjustment and sloping shoulder adjustment.  I made both of those and I also took this in at the waistline and hipline.  I am still considering taking it in more at the hips and waist, but DH really likes the dress as is, so I might end up leaving it. 

The manner in which the facing is attached is one of the best things about this pattern.  You construct the dress but leave the shoulder seams unsewn, but the rest of the dress is constructed.  After attaching the facings, you turn them to the inside of the garment and then stitch the shoulder seams.  It seems complicated at first, but once you think about it, the method is entirely genius!


What I like most about my dress is twofold: the fabric of course!  It is a stretch woven from fabric mart and I love how vivid the colors are.  2.  I love how 'invisible' my hot pink zipper is.  check it out!  


This was a fun little dress to put together.  I will probably make another is a wool for next fall as the fit is lovely and it looks really cute under jackets of all sorts.  



Thanks for reading!  How about you, do you love the challenge of an invisible zipper?  
Sue  

12 comments:

  1. This is so lovely. Beautiful fabric and very flattering. And yes, your invisible zip is top notch. :)
    To answer your question - I haven't tried invisible zippers. I do love how they look. I mostly do hand picked zippers these days.

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    1. Hi Bernice,
      Thanks so much for the lovely comment! I do also love hand-picked zips as well. :)

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  2. Another Style Arc winner - love your fabric choice too.
    Sewing in invisible zippers became so easy when I invested in a specialist foot - the finish I get with it is very satisfying!

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    1. Oh I so agree Paola! An invisible zip foot is essential to a great result!

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  3. A very pretty dress for Spring. Those facings sound interesting and you have achieved a lovely fit.

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    1. Hi Jean, you will have to try this pattern, the facings are worth it!

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  4. Love this version on you ! I've not yet tried a Style Arc pattern. Have heard directions can be confusing but this dress might make me take the plunge !
    Thx

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    1. Hi MaryEllen, Yes StyleArc directions are not the best but the drafting and the styling is just so much fun! I hope you'll take the plunge!

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  5. Perfectly invisible zipper and the fabric is gorgeous!

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  6. Wow! beautiful and flattering. Love the colors and the lines! Just did that kind of convex/concave sewing this morning! Funny you mentioned it!

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    1. Thank you Julie! Fun seaming is always an interesting but neat experience!

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