It's kind of nice making a pattern for the second time: most of the adjustments have already been made! I often write all the changes I've made, when I'm first trying a pattern, onto an index card and slip it into the pattern envelope. It's very handy to see what I might have done that I haven't marked permanently onto the pattern pieces.
I was glad I had noted that the Lacey needed to be taken in by an inch at centre front and back -- I often do this for many patterns as it is a quick way to narrow my shoulder/chest area. I shift the pattern 1/2" off the fold at the neck and angle it so that the wedge is a few inches long. This isn't exactly kosher patternmaking/altering but it always works for me.
In any case, I was very happy to finally get to this project, which I've had in mind since last summer. This fabric was given to me a couple of years ago by a friend's mother -- it's quite old rayon and had some frayed holes along one edge of the selvage. Fortunately I was easily able to cut around the holes and get this amazing striped fabric to shine to full advantage in this pattern, which really highlights a good stripe.
I switched the pocket bags to my default pocket, as the drafted one is teeny. Because this fabric is so soft and drapy, I was able to avoid having to make any other size alterations. The Lacey is an easy make, no closures and a loose fit that looks good and will be very cool in the summer. But it's not too loose, so I don't feel sloppy in it.
I love the way this vibrant fabric looks with alternating stripe directions and a gathered skirt. It's a straightforward design, with minimal Style Arc directions, but then it isn't very difficult at all. The bodice design is clever and goes together quite nicely, with the front and back shoulder/sleeve all in one piece.
This Lacey dress gets a thumbs up from me -- I have a feeling I will be wearing it a lot this summer. This is one of my planned May projects done; two others are cut. I am feeling much more like sewing lately!
Love, love this Melanie. Another win in my books.
ReplyDeleteI am always envious of the way you pair pattern to fabric or vice versa. Something that I wish I was good at. Laura.
Thank you Laura!! Just practice, I think -- and the fact that I just love fabric so much and think about it all the time ;) Also, I haven't shared some of my daring experiments that have not worked because of unsuccessful fabric choice...
DeleteLove, love, love this dress! It is perfect on you in every way: cut/fit, fabric, color with your coloring, and the smile on your face of course!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I'm frightened by the only style Arc pattern I own: the Sadie blouse. (Couldn't pass it up, since we had a cleaning lady named Sadie when the song became super popular in the late 60s? She taught me how to properly iron a shirt as she was sure it was a skill I'd need in my life...right she was!) Now to why I'm scared of Style Arc patterns. What does "neaten edges" in the directions mean? And 3/8" seams and 1/4" "internal seams allowed. E.g. Neck". Say what?
Can you fill me in? I really like lots of their patterns, but...
Thanks!
Melody (Lodi)
This is the only Style Arc pattern I have really had success with so far! Their instructions do assume a lot of experience, I think. "Neaten edges" leaves the technique up to you -- so you can serge, zigzag or bind your seams, or as I nearly always do, pink them. You do have to watch the seam allowances though, as they are more individual to the pattern. Not the standardized 5/8" but more of what I understand is an industry standard of narrower seams.
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