Style Arc Porter Woven Pack | Collab with

[@ZeldaSews]

I love Miss. StacyJ! You both are adorable and fun to listen to! This style art pattern looks like it's going to be a cool one and I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about it and to see the results.

[@ErinSews]

She’s so fun to “hang” out with! I love the drafting of Style Arc patterns and even the little things I complain about aren’t a big deal at all. I really like the vest I showed in this video, and I’m excited about our future makes.

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

Great video and pattern review… as always! Love your vest and great job on the pattern matching. Looks amazing on you, especially after you brought the sides in a little bit. Can’t wait to watch future videos on this pattern!

[@ErinSews]

I'm REALLY excited about the top and the dress. Deciding which sleeves to make for both is going to be a challenge in and of itself lol.

[@adriennefranklin5986]

I haven’t sewn too many Stylearc patterns but I’ve noticed that they do have body measurements on the website. Your vest turned out great and your pattern matching is perfect! Love your haircut and color.

[@ErinSews]

You’re right- they do! I should have mentioned that. I’m lazy and like my body measurements next to the finished measurements, but that’s just a nit picky complaint from me. Thank you! I’m bummed to mess up the impeccable pattern matching on the sides, but the improved fit is worth it. I’m still adjusting to the hair but I think I really like it too 🤗 I hope you have a great day!

[@mel_issa__]

Your hair looks SO cute, both the color and cut

[@ErinSews]

Thank you! I’m still adjusting to it but I think I really like it too!

[@debbiecarter6430]

Have a sleeved variation of this cut out and ready to sew at the weekend. I’ve cut the instruction pages out and stapled them together as a booklet, works well. Look forward to seeing further variations.

[@ErinSews]

Oh that's a great idea! I still feel like there would be a lot of flipping around through the booklet, but at least I wouldn't have to have a huge sheet spread out on my cutting table! Were you able to get yours sewn this weekend?

[@debbiecarter6430]

@@ErinSews Glad that’s helpful. Nearly finished. Just have to add the peplum to the bodice. I’m making a blouse with peplum rather than any of the variations on the pattern - just to make it as hard as possible! 😂 There have been some head scratching moments but I’m pleased so far. The fit is great.

[@ErinSews]

Pattern: offers 1,000 variations Debbie: Hmmmm nah I want a peplum The beauty of sewing your own clothes!

[@debbiecarter6430]

@@ErinSews 😁

[@michelle.z]

Hi Erin! You always give such thorough and thoughtful pattern reviews!! You include so many details - and I don’t think that’s nitpicking at all! I cringed when I saw how narrow the button loop tube was 😵‍💫 That wouldn’t be fun even WITH a loop turner! Your pattern matching was fabulous! I’m glad the video was helpful 🙂 You’re right - there definitely is a difference in fit between an intended “sleeveless top” versus a “top without the sleeves”! I do not like mega jump around instructions at all. The worst one of this style I have had personal experience with was a Simplicity “Pattern Hacking” pattern - and I was just trying to do the most basic version! 🙄 Love the purple! 💜

[@ErinSews]

Thank you! I worry that I'm either not getting my point across, or talking about little details that no one else cares about lol. It's good to know that the "pattern hacking" patterns are the same way. I've been intrigued by a couple of them. I just always feel like I must be missing something and end up quadruple checking where I'm at in the pattern when I'm using these. I love all the options but need a better system! Idk what that system is but I need it lol

[@angiemcconnell9070]

Loving the Purple!💜 so cute! Great job on making it fit you more the way you like! I ordered a tube turner set a few years ago, but it was one is those packages that never made it to my house….someone got a nice tube turner set😂. I have not gotten any style arc patterns so I have no experience there. I haven’t found anything that just yells buy me! They aren’t one of my go to pattern companies because I like good instructions. Maybe some day I will buy one on their patterns. Have a great rest is the week!

[@ErinSews]

If only your disappearing loop turner set had made it to my house! I’ll get one at some point, but I made this work and I can’t IMAGINE turning anything thinner than this was 😳 You definitely have enough sewing experience that you could figure out their patterns, so if the right pattern comes along you should go for it! They’re really well drafted so I’m willing to forgive the lack of instructions so far 😂 I hope you have an awesome weekend!

[@LaraSchiffbauer]

What a fun collaboration! Your pattern matching is next-level, top-tier perfect! I have heard some things about Style Arc pattern directions, which is one of the reasons I haven't made any yet. They have so many cute patterns, but I really haven't felt confident until recently in my abilities as a sewist to be able to kind of go freestyle. :D I appreciate the thorough review and look forward to future Style Arc makes! You might convert me yet! Have a great rest of your week!

[@ErinSews]

You can totally make a Style Arc pattern, at least the ones I've made. A lot of the detail that's "missing" is pretty easy to figure out (e.g. trimming the seam allowance). I can definitely see some of the styles looking amazing on you! Very much your style.

[@StaceyJsStudio]

Professional … OH MY GOD shhhhh…..I have no idea what I am doing ….nooo I don’t …. Yes some of their instructions are crazy… with the bias you purchase it is starched to help with the process… and hold it in the fold… if you buy unfolded bias, it is softer… top without sleeves gaps… yes I heard once or twice gravity is a thing 😂😂😂….I can not wait to make the skirt… 😮😂😂. TOOT TOOOT… I LOVE THAT…… shaping the sides will remove the pattern matching because it won’t be straight is all … I prefer it fitted better because it shows your wee body….. oh I have sewn the porter 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. 🦩💖💕💖🦩🦩. I have already traced out the second one 🥰. Thanks hun for doing this with me

[@ErinSews]

Already traced out your second one?? Slow down slow down! I need to start thinking about mine too though. I’m excited for the blouse and the dress. Kind of meh about the skirt but maybe I’ll surprise myself 😂

[@StaceyJsStudio]

@@ErinSews They have just given you the bones, the creativity you have in your bones, so you will rise to the occasion 😜. 🦩🦩💖💖💕💕

[@lynngates1662]

I like how it's turned out! These will be fun to follow along with. 😁 Their instrux do need a little translation, haha. Regional differences, I suppose. Their Stay Stitching is what we call basting, etc. Yes, lots of translating. I think the tips before the instructions start are what all the commercial patterns call "General Sewing Instructions", where they place the seam allowance and meaning of life and everything. 😆 I've been using a hair pin to turn narrow loops. One thing I do wish they would change is the direction of their fly openings, but that's a whole different story..... 😜 Great job!

[@ErinSews]

I'm definitely pleased with the fit (after I brought the sides in a bit) but haven't decided what I'm going to do for the top. I think I might grade down to a 12 at the waist and see if that serves me better. Ugh, decisions! I do love their style and drafting and will 100% continue to buy and sew Style Arc patterns, even if they never put the seam allowance for each seam IN the instructions 🙄

[@Avotts]

thank you for sharing. letting you pick and choose a version, taxes your decision making skills. at first when you begin to sew, you need to be taught, prodded, led. but after a few garments you should gain enough confidence to step out and fly, little birdie. test yourself soon and sew a garment without instructions, just the picture and pattern. dont compare sizes or fabric suggestions. let your creative juices flow.

[@ErinSews]

I think there’s a lot of value to patterns that offer a lot of views but it can definitely be overwhelming to pick when they’re ALL good! Haha.

[@pjejjacques5185]

Love the vest. I cut off the information pages and instructions. Then I separate the pages and staple them into a book. Then I don’t have to keep the entire pattern out as I sew.

[@ErinSews]

That’s a great suggestion!

[@Avotts]

The vest is so cute and well made and matched. Instead of tapering the sides, maybe a few darts both front and back??? As tall as you are, consider making the vest an inch or so longer.

[@ErinSews]

I considered darts but I like the pattern intact across the front and back. I’m happy with the tapering. I wasn’t sure about the length at first, but after wearing it out I found it doesn’t bother me at all. A little stomach peeking out never killed anyone! The pattern is drafted for 5’ 6” and I’m an inch taller, so I considered adding half an inch per the normal rule of thumb for lengthening, but I’m glad I didn’t.

[@coal.sparks]

I’ve been working on choosing a pattern for a woven tank top/shell. I had originally looked at free ones and found a bunch with no darts or only side darts but no shaping- which I think would result in the weird hang that your top has.

[@ErinSews]

Yes, no darts or just side darts will definitely lead to the hang I got, unless the sides are well shaped. Even then, the best shaping would come from fish eye darts or princess seams. Good luck in your search! Jen from Today in Jen’s Sewing room made a few vests about a month or so back and those had good shaping from what I remember!

[@helenenel9212]

by the way, I love your hair 😊

[@ErinSews]

Thank you 💜

[@dianapower-qo8gy]

Hi there , I have just pushed the subcribe button, great Collab looking forward to seeing more of the makes, yes looks better taken in a bit shows your nice curves. I must admit I'm hit and miss on directions but agree it's important to know the seam allowance ive noticed on 2 big 4 patterns I've recently purchased they have the finished garment measurements on back of envelope and not the size ones, used to be on the pattern pieces which did annoy me having to take the whole darn thing out to check, enough ranting, looking forward to seeing all the rest of the Collab, regards Diana from NZ 🎉❤🎉

[@ErinSews]

Welcome welcome! I need Style Arc to just put it in the instructions so I don't have to triple check the pattern pieces every time I'm about to sew a seam 😂 It does seem like the big 4 is trying to put more useful finished garments measurements on the envelope so we don't have to go hunting on the pieces. It's like they realized that the back length isn't actually that big of a deal to us haha.

[@loribarton7480]

Hi Erin! I have tried buying a mystery bundle. But I only see a button bundle and a wool bundle. Ugh.

[@ErinSews]

I just checked and it says there are 8 in stock so they must have just bundled some more up! They might have been out of stock. www.fabricmartfabrics.com/CIA783.html

[@loribarton7480]

@@ErinSews thank- you so much for checking. I’ll check it out tonight.

[@loribarton7480]

I actually got 1 ordered. They had 7 left

[@ErinSews]

Yay! Please report back and let me know if you like what you got!

[@ChristineSewsALot]

Yes Style Arc - it is not that hard. My theory about their scant instructions is they have set up their formatting to the current layout and they don’t want to do the work of changing their layout. That hypothesis is solely based on my experience working on the high school yearbook in 9th grade.

[@ErinSews]

I think your theory is right! Some of the same 9th graders that put together the yearbook grow up to be the adults that refuse to change pattern instruction formatting 😂

[@carlabinnix8802]

I feel this overwhelm also when there are sooo many options and not labeled well. Pattern Emporium is similar but directions are very good. I write the seam allowance o. a small post it and stick it to my machine. It is irritating.

[@ErinSews]

I have the pattern emporium take a chance dress but haven’t made it up yet! I’ve heard that the instructions are great so I’ll have to give it a go. They definitely do seem to have a ton of options in their patterns. I like the sticky note idea!! That’s so easy. Then I can just stick it back on the pattern until the next time I need it.