Dot-ley Crue and Mis-Sew-Ni

I was inspired by our fellow PR sewists who experienced success with Style Arc patterns that I quickly hopped on the Style Arc bandwagon.

Pattern Description:
From the StyleArc.com website: "Fabulous versatile wrap dress, easy to wear, great for any occasion. Try it Royal Blue for that special occasion." These patterns are "real industry based patterns" as mentioned on the website.

Honestly, Style Arc's "Kate" dress is nicely drafted, but does not exactly replicate the much publicized blue Issa engagement dress worn by the Duchess.

FABRIC SUGGESTION DESCRIPTION: fine knit jersey, any soft knit fabric

Pattern Sizing:
SIZES: 6 -8 -10 -12 -14 -16 -18- 20 -22 -24 -26 -28 -30. Style Arc patterns do not come multi-sized. You specify a size for each style while ordering. I ordered a "12".

Fabric Used:
I used a somewhat thin rayon jersey (its photo looked nicer on the website) from fabric.com for my muslin.

Second version: "Mis-Sew-Ni", also in a rayon jersey from fabric.com

Here are my inspirations for my second version:

 a Missoni "puckered stripe" dress from SaksFifthAvenue.com, for $1,375.

The other a Diane Von Furstenberg vintage 1974  reproduction, a "New Julian" wrap dress in silk jersey, $345 at DVF.com.

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


Were the instructions easy to follow?
The directions are a numbered list of steps on one page and are sufficient if you have experience with sewing knit wrap dresses or dresses in general. Hence, the "medium" rating. There are no diagrams a la the well-known patterns (i.e. Simplicity, McCall's, Butterick, Vogue...).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
The pattern comes in paper instead of tissue.  Since it not as dense as the paper used by Hot Patterns, it is more manageable to work with. I give credit to StyleArc for its care in packing and packaging of the pattern. Each pattern, its set of instructions, and illustrated design were placed in a sheet protector for easy storage.

*I like the neckline depth: not too low or high, just "right".

* I like the pleating at the waist and at the sleeves, just above the wrists.

*The patterns are drafted with flattering side contours and in way that eliminates the need for me to make my usual petite adjustments at the upper back and waist.

* I am not too fond of the back ties. I prefer the ties to wrap from the back to the front and secured at the front. 
* The only setback is that the patterns do not come multi-sized which is useful for those as myself who use different sizes at the shoulders, bust and waist.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
* I took in the shoulder seam to approximate a "10" at the shoulders and kept the "12" at the waist.

*I did not use the narrow front and back facing. I folded a 3/8" hem at the front and back neckline and topstitched.

* I added 5" to each end of the tie belt to be able to wrap to the front.

* Finding the length to be longer than preferred, I removed approximately 8" from the lower hem.

* Instead of setting in the sleeves as instructed, I sewed them in flat.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely, yes! I already am planning to sew my second version of this dress in a sturdier knit with a nice drape. I recommend this pattern, especially if you are in search of a nicely drafted wrap dress with little or no adjustments.



Conclusion:
For my first experience with Style Arc patterns, I was impressed! My order (three patterns + a freebie) arrived quickly despite being shipped overseas from Australia. The patterns seem to be nicely drafted and straightforward to use.