Iris Dress by StyleArc

[@patj.4801]

Thanks for this. I also completed the Iris. Like you say, several instructions are unclear. I knew they would be sparse, that’s ok, but you can be sparse and clear at same time! Not so with this my first style arc pattern. AndI had to adjust the size (it was too big), so glad I made a sample first. The size of the neckband in the pattern worked for me. Really like the finished dress and will make another.

[@annej88]

I've noticed that some of the Australian pattern companies like to use a tear-away stabilizer around neck and armhole edges before they are finished. I think this is just to keep them from getting stretched out while handling the fabric. You could either use a fusible interfacing or staystitch these areas if you're worried about this issue. Style Arc seems to use garment industry terms that are more typically British than American. Since as home sewers we don't usually learn industry terms, the fact that you have these terms plus needing to "translate" between British/Australian terminology and American, makes them a little more challenging. I rarely follow pattern instructions, so I'm usually fine with the Style Arc ones. It's just when I encounter something I'm not sure about that I have to put my thinking cap on. They're not beginner-friendly. I usually approach these types of situations by asking myself what I want to do rather than what do they (the designer) want me to do. This gives me the freedom to think of alternative approaches to get the result I want. Many people recommend the Vogue sewing book. It's worth checking out to see if it will help you muddle your way through. I've made a few Style Arc garments but not many. I'm put off by needing to make a number of adjustments to fit my figure. Once I get those issues resolved, I'm usually happy with the finished product.

[@pollysews]

I'll be interested to see how the dress turns out! I actually really like StyleArc patterns but have run into a problem or two with them; but nothing too severe that I couldn't fix.

[@joycethorn2313]

The neck facing clearly shows cut on bias, which should therefore stretch out around the neckline. Did you also stay stitch the neckine to stop it from stretching out of shape straight after you cut it?

[@barbaralies]

This was not a knit. The band was cut on the bias, but not meant to be stretched like you would a knit. The neckline of the front and back had stabilizer ironed on it as opposed to stay-stitching.

[@vivmomsews4962]

I don’t have any insight for StyleArc Patterns, but I applaud your efforts to conquer them. Honestly I know how mad one of their patterns would make me, so I avoid. They have cute styles but their lack of clear instructions is almost legendary, lol. Why in the world wouldn’t they just call for interfacing instead of this mysterious “stabilizer?” I’ve done those kind of pockets on a Kwik Sew dress and they do require precision sewing, and, like you say, they make it pretty impossible to take in the sides once sewn. Your fabric is really cute!

[@barbaralies]

Thanks, VivMom. You are so right. I will have a follow-up to this video.