Style Arc Trio (Fay, Nina & Ann)

I bought this gorgeous printed jersey recently at Spotlight. The colours are so vibrant, and I had the Style Arc Fay Skirt in mind, as it is such a simple pattern...perfect to let the fabric shine. The skirt is self lined, which makes it much less clingy or revealing than a single layer would be and it has an elastic waist. This is my third version of the Fay Skirt. You can see the first one here and the second here.

I agonised over the print placement in this skirt. In fact, the fabric lay spread on my cutting table for several days while I dithered over the best area of the print to feature on the skirt.

I think it turned out alright in the end. I am wearing it here with my latest Style Arc Nina Cardigan in a black merino knit from The Fabric Store Online. This is my fourth Nina Cardigan and so it goes without saying that I love this pattern. 

The white top is another Style Arc pattern... the Ann T-Top which I previously blogged here. I am a little disappointed with this outfit after seeing these photos. The top is far too baggy and long. A shorter, more fitted top would have looked so much better with this skirt. Does anyone else find that photos reveal far more than just looking in the mirror?

Happy Sewing

Jean

Mosaic Print Fay Skirt

I have made another Style Arc Fay Skirt. You can see my first version here. 

For this one I used a scuba knit with a lovely mosaic print in navy and white. This is one of the lovely fabrics I purchased from Spotlight on my birthday. I hadn't ever sewed with scuba knit before so this was a new experience. It is quite thick and stable like a thick ponte knit, only it has a lovely smooth, almost silky surface.

The fay skirt is a double layer of fabric. There is only one pattern piece which is cut twice. The side seams are sewn creating a long tube which is then turned inside itself with the raw edges finishing at the waistline. Elastic is attached and turned over creating the waistband. There is no hem.

This double layer of scuba knit has certainly made this a nice warm skirt. This skirt is super quick and easy to make and it has a lovely shape.

The picture above is a close up of the beautiful mosaic print.
I have worn this several times already and it has been a favourite for date night, dressed up with this white RTW cardigan, high heels and pearls.

I have been a bit lazy lately, sewing very easy garments but I love the instant gratification. Better move onto something a little more challenging.


Happy Sewing

A Very Simple Skirt and Top

After seeing Sew, Stash, Sew's version of the Style Arc Fay Skirt, I was inspired to give it a go. It is such a simple design with only one pattern piece, yet it has lovely shaping built in. After sewing the side seams together, you simply turn the tube of fabric back in on itself, creating a fully lined skirt (no hem required), and is finished off with a simple elasticised waist. This is a very fast make and a great instant gratification project.

Fay Skirt

I made the size 10, based on my hip measurements, but this turned out a little snug. (No fault of the pattern, more likely the few extra pounds I have gained over winter). Here is my version:

Front

Side

Back

I used a silky jersey purchased online from The Remnant Warehouse. 

Elasticised waist

To do the waist elastic: I measured the required size and added a couple of cm's for the overlap. I joined the elastic ends by overlapping and stitching several times to make sure the join is secure. Then I divided up the elastic loop into quarters and did the same with the waistline on the skirt. I then pinned the elastic to the inside edge of the skirt, aligning the top edges and matching the quarter points. I then overlocked the elastic to the skirt, stretching the elastic to fit the skirt as I went. You then turn the top edge to the inside folding over the elastic and stitch down from the right side. I used a zigzag stitch to allow some stretch.

Fully lined skirt. Nothing to hem.

Even though this is quite a close fitting skirt, it doesn't cling due to the self lining, which I have found allows the skirt to hang nicely.

I had some left over jersey from my purple Style Arc Nina Cardigan which matched quite well with my Style Arc Fay Skirt so I made a top to wear with it from New Look 6150 View D. I love the simple style of this pattern, the boat neck and the general shape. I cut a size 14 in the shoulders, grading in to a 12 below the arm hole. 

Front

Back

Sleeve cap slightly gathered.

Woops! Action shot when I dropped the camera remote control.

A nice simple outfit, quick and easy to make. I think I will get a lot of wear out of this one. Great "date night" outfit for when my partner takes me out for dinner (usually once a week). Yes, I know, I am very fortunate.

Happy Sewing.