I've been lurking the Style Arc pattern website for over a year now. I love a lot of their designs, but the one-size-per-pattern and high shipping costs made me hesitate to push "buy". But I finally went for it with some mad money I received for Christmas this year (thank you, Aunt Wendy!). And here's what I chose:
Clockwise from top right: Tracy Trench Coat, Emma Dress, Alisha Dress, Julia Jacket, Darla Stretch Woven Dress, Marni Ponti Jacket, Rosie Top (the free pattern for January).
Now what to make first? The two patterns that are calling to me Darla and Marni - they are the patterns I've had my eye on for longest AND I already have fabric for them. I've got a few possible combinations for the Darla.
1) I could do the back and sides with this magenta fabric (stretch cotton sateen) and the front middle panel with the purplish grey (also stretch cotton sateen but lighter weight - I'll probably underline it with itself).
But I'm wondering if I should do something to play up the seams - piping? slot seams? - or just let them be free and unencumbered by notion-ry?
2) Option #2 for this dress is some ponte knit from my stash, a black/magenta polka dot from girlcharlee.com (I have just enough to squeeze out the front center panel and maybe the back center panel).
And Darla option #3 is an abstract grey/black ponte knit from StoneFabrics.co.uk:
What gets your vote?
The second pattern that's up at the top of the list is the Marni Jacket, which I plan to make in - surprise - a magenta double knit I found a Field's Fabrics in Kalamazoo.
I've got enough of this fabric to also make a skirt, but that might be too much magenta for one outfit. "What?" you say, "Too much magenta?" Yes, dear readers, I do know there's a limit to the amount of magenta one gal's closet can take. But in reality I approach magenta like I approach chocolate - one more itty bitty piece couldn't hurt anyone, could it?
Clockwise from top right: Tracy Trench Coat, Emma Dress, Alisha Dress, Julia Jacket, Darla Stretch Woven Dress, Marni Ponti Jacket, Rosie Top (the free pattern for January).
Now what to make first? The two patterns that are calling to me Darla and Marni - they are the patterns I've had my eye on for longest AND I already have fabric for them. I've got a few possible combinations for the Darla.
1) I could do the back and sides with this magenta fabric (stretch cotton sateen) and the front middle panel with the purplish grey (also stretch cotton sateen but lighter weight - I'll probably underline it with itself).
But I'm wondering if I should do something to play up the seams - piping? slot seams? - or just let them be free and unencumbered by notion-ry?
2) Option #2 for this dress is some ponte knit from my stash, a black/magenta polka dot from girlcharlee.com (I have just enough to squeeze out the front center panel and maybe the back center panel).
And Darla option #3 is an abstract grey/black ponte knit from StoneFabrics.co.uk:
What gets your vote?
The second pattern that's up at the top of the list is the Marni Jacket, which I plan to make in - surprise - a magenta double knit I found a Field's Fabrics in Kalamazoo.
I've got enough of this fabric to also make a skirt, but that might be too much magenta for one outfit. "What?" you say, "Too much magenta?" Yes, dear readers, I do know there's a limit to the amount of magenta one gal's closet can take. But in reality I approach magenta like I approach chocolate - one more itty bitty piece couldn't hurt anyone, could it?
You are going to love Style Arc, and I like all your choices for fabrics. Looking forward to seeing everything made up!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carole - I look forward to giving these patterns a whirl!
DeleteYou have some great fabrics in your stash! All of them would look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma! I'm lucky in that I sometimes end up with fabric leftover from a client project (when I can only order in whole yards) that isn't enough for something on it's own but I can piece it into a color block pattern. Delicious frugality!
DeleteI like option 2 and 3 for the Darla dress. Those fabrics will be stunning for this pattern. I would make the magneta skirt as well as the Marni jacket and just wear them separately if it is too much. Maybe for an evening event with a lovely piece of bling you could wear both pieces. I hope you like the StyleArc patterns as much as I do. I have the Marni jacket pattern but am yet to make it which is something that bothers me. I must get sewing!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you like StyleArc patterns - I'm excited to give them a try. I like your advice for the magenta outfit - I'll have to seek out an evening event just to wear them! What fabric do you plan to use for your Marni?
DeleteYou have picked some great patterns! I vote for option 2......
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patty! And I think the ponte knit might be a bit warmer for this time of year . . .
DeleteI actually like the black with the graphic black and white, just because it's a little different for you! Though I like your take on magenta.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elaine! I'm starting to treat magenta like a "neutral" . . .
DeleteI have been lusting over the Darla dress so would love to see yours when finished! Please do post.
ReplyDelete