I don't think I have the words to express how much I love this pattern. This is the first Style Arc pattern I have sewn up and it is wonderful! It is actually drafted true to the size/measurements it claims to be for. Wow!
The only change I had to make is adding some width at the waist and hip to account for my pear shape. I simply checked the size chart for my size (size 14) and figured out what I would need to add to bring the waist and hip measurements in line with mine. Divided by four and added that to each side seam (pivoting out the side seams). I shortened it by 1 1/2" since I am not that tall. And.... it fits beautifully! I am officially a Style Arc convert! (enough exclamation points for you today?)
The instructions were perfectly adequate for me, though I can see them being a bit terse for a beginner. I'll report back more on the quality of their instruction when I have sewn a Style Arc pattern that is a bit more complex.
I "muslined" this top first. You can see it in this blog post.
I used this cool snakeskin print from Gorgeous Fabrics (she still has some left).
Here's a link to the pattern (just in case you've been living under a rock).
I bought this particular pattern because I liked the style and feel that it flatters me and it does. I actually have bought a few tops with this type of neckline in the past couple of years so when I wore this top last Friday (I sewed it on Thursday night) my kids who had seen the fabric in my stash didn't comment. When I mentioned it to my 11 year old her answer was. "I didn't realize... you wear that type of style a lot... I think all your tops look like that?"
I can sew these up in about an hour including cutting! My Mother complimented it (thinking I had bought it lol) and I sewed her two of them in fabrics of her choice as a gift. (Only a small token of the appreciation I have for her. I owe her so much, she helps out tons) Sorry no pictures of those as I immediately gifted them to her. She was delighted!
I have two more of these planned for myself. One in a gray knit and one in a teal/black/silver burnout stretch velvet.
More pictures: (I had to restrain myself from posting another 50 pictures... I really love this top!)
I styled the top the way I wore it, with a 3/4 sleeve layering shell and necklace.
Oh, oh, oh! Can I post this tomorrow- it is adorable! Welcome to Jungle January!
ReplyDeleteSure :-)
ReplyDeleteI am a StyleArc girl too (so much so that I put a badge on my blog saying so and I am completing the Artisan's square SWAP in all StyleArc patterns) Cate is one of my favourites. I love your version and that fabric rocks. Great job.
ReplyDeleteIt's great! I loved the muslin too. This is what I love about Style Arc, the fit is so consistent. I measure myself, add that amount at hips and waist, and it fits. I have read that sometimes the wovens have too little ease for some people - usually the ease is posted on the pattern page now so you can see if you want to add to it. I've only sewn knits and bengaline pants and now that I've got the right shoulder size everything has fitted with minimal (and consistent) changes. I haven't bought this one as it seemed so simple, but your version is so good I think I'll reconsider. Enjoy!
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