This is a fake wrap dress and it comes with the choice of a cap sleeve or a long sleeve, so it can be made to suit all seasons. It just slips on over your head and there are no closures which makes it nice and easy to sew.
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| Style Arc Slip-on Suzie |
I didn't follow Style Arc's instructions exactly, or should I say "order of construction". The neckline was finished off with a strip of binding cut from the same fabric. I didn't measure it, I just stretched it slightly as I sewed it to the neckline, to ensure a snug fit and it worked. It was then turned to the inside and secured with a twin needle. I did end up stitching the front crossover point with a few hand stitches, as it wanted to pull off centre, and this fixed that problem.
The sleeves are a double layer and so don't require hemming. Style Arc instruct you to set the sleeves into the armhole after sewing the bodice side seams. I thought I knew best and went ahead and sewed the sleeves in flat. Then I sewed the side seams of the dress and the sleeves in one continuous seam. This was a disaster in this slippery, slinky fabric and I am not very proud of the result. Next time I will follow Style Arc's directions for the sleeves.
I decided to wear a narrow belt with my Slip-on Suzie today, as it seamed a little loose and shapeless without the belt, despite me running in the side seams at the waist. As I am quite rectangular and thick around the waist, this was a bit surprising.
The belt also disguised the weird pulling at the side seam from the front wrap. I found the sleeves to be quite loose and floppy, but that may be due the the drape of this poly/spandex knit. The hem was turned up 3cm and stitched with a twin needle.
Despite all my gripes, I am quite happy with how this dress looks in the photos. I wore it to work today and it was very comfortable (like secret pyjamas, so they say). I will wear this a lot over the coming summer.
Happy Sewing
Your dress looks lovely. I made this last summer and wore it a lot. I also added a self fabric tie to pull it in a little at my non existent waist. As you say, secret pyjamas". I plan to make it again.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy. I went and had a look at your Slip-on Suzie. The self tie belt looks great and I love the modified sleeve length. Might have to try this out myself.
DeleteThat's a great dress, and the belt is a really good addition - it highlights your figure, and helps conceal those flaws that only you would notice! Nice work...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by Janice and your lovely comment. I get endless inspiration from your blog.
DeleteWhat a lovely and easy to wear dress. I have not used Style Arc patterns, but I just might give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great dress and I'm sure you would find it to be a great addition to your wardrobe Rhonda. It comes with the option for long sleeves too which would be more season appropriate for you at the moment. This pattern is available from the Style Arc Etsy store as a PDF too if you want to avoid postage.
DeleteThis, and you, look great. It's a shame about the fit as drafted, but you've solved that well with your changes and that belt.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sewingelle. It was only a minor fitting tweak. That's what I love about knit dresses...they are so easy to fit.
DeleteI really like it and agree with you, I like it better belted.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nakisha. After looking at the photos I am happier wearing it with a belt.
DeleteAnother great dress! You are building up a great collection.
ReplyDeleteThank you Manju. I am loving Style Arc patterns at the moment.
DeleteYour Stylearc collection is amazing. I really like this dress, the style is very flattering and elegant.
ReplyDeleteI just keep being drawn to Style Arc patterns because I have so much success with them, with little adjustment required. I could see you in this dress too Sue. Thanks for your lovely comment.
DeleteIt looks very flattering on. You are very lovely and have a great sense of styles that suit your body shape. Colors are also flattering. Enjoy your new dress!
ReplyDeleteAww thanks Nursebennett, you're making me blush. I am trying hard to find styles and colours that suit me, but it's a bit of a learning curve.
DeleteI didn't realise this was a false wrap dress - much better than a full wrap, as it can't come open. I think a slightly looser fit can be more flattering, especially on days the tum blows up. A belt adds nice definition to the waistline, in any case.
ReplyDeleteThis is an easy style to wear Sarah Liz, although I think I love my Style Arc Kate Wrap dress (which is a real wrap dress) more.
DeleteI love a good knit dress. The fabric is really pretty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea. I love the fact that a knit dress does not require ironing.
DeleteBeautiful dress! Love the fabric, the style and the belt. Have a lovely Sunday, Jean :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Hana. Hope you have had a lovely Sunday too.
DeleteI still find it hard to fathom that you sew summer dresses and we sew wool coats at the same time! Lovely dress and once again great fabric.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ruth. The internet has made the world a very small place and I too find it amazing that while we are planning our summer sewing, you are preparing for winter.
DeleteGorgeous colours in your dress and I really like it belted as it adds a bit of shape to the dress.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon. I was a bit worried the fabric looked a bit old fashioned before I cut it out, but I am pleased with the result, now it's made up.
DeleteI'm a beginner and I found the instructions for the pattern lacking. I could NOT work out how to do the sleeves and have messed it up. Very disappointed, I will not buy a Style Arc pattern again
ReplyDeleteI'm a beginner too and had exactly the same issue when it came to the sleeves (same with the neckband). It was only Jean's post here when she described them as double layered that the penny dropped. It is a lovely dress and I hope you got it finished.
DeleteHi, a bit late here but I am just about to start a winter version with long sleeves (northern hemisphere) ….did the pattern come with more than half a page of instruction? Is this normal for Style Arc or has something got lost!
ReplyDelete