StyleARC Island Ali top
I haven’t done any sewing for a week! I am itching to finish off the bag that I started at last weekend’s class, and have a lovely pile of cut out items and pattern/fabric matched items developing to take to Sewjourn with me next weekend. I actually made this StyleARC Island Ali top right back at the beginning of October. That shows how behind my blogging is! You got a glimpse of it in the last post, worn with my Darcy pants.
The fabric is a stretch printed mesh from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 per metre table. I think it works beautifully with this pattern! There was a hitch, however. When I put the top on, it was MUCH tighter around my body than the line drawing had led me to believe. It’s not clearly apparent in these photos, but believe me, it was almost skin tight. But it seemed to fit well elsewhere, and I had made size 12, my usual StyleARC top size.
Then I had a little epiphany. I remembered that when I inserted the side panels, they had been higher on one end than the other. Also not in the instructions.
So I went back to the instructions. I had missed the most basic of things – cut two PAIRS of the side inserts. I had only cut one pair, so had essentially cheated myself of inches and inches in fabric around the body. I did some unpicking, found my fabric scraps, cut another pair, and resewed the side panels and side seams, and reattached the bottom panel and reinserted the elastic. It’s a good thing that I’m quite efficient at unpicking overlocking nowadays! So here is the top again, as per the pattern!
A much more relaxed fit through the body, still with definition because of the elastic through the waist seam.
I left the edges of the sleeve flounces and the bottom of the top raw. Stretch mesh is not all that amenable to being turned and hemmed. The neckline is a little wider than I’d like, and if I make this again – I probably will, it’s a style that flatters me and is comfortable to wear – I’ll bring it in slightly and make sure that it is stable. The sleeve flounces insert into the front and back princess seams either side of the underarm inserts – you can get a better idea in this photo of the “before” top.
Now I wish I’d bought more of this scaly fabric! When I bought it I really wondered what I would use it for, but it’s wonderful for this top and goes with a few of my bottoms. My husband really liked the print too!
StyleARC have just released November’s patterns – and I like all three of them! Ack! No wonder I find it difficult to restrain myself when there is so much pattern and fabric temptation around. I figure that there are worse addictions. And I figure that if you are reading my blog, you probably agree with me!
Love the top. I have the pattern and have been wanting to sew it but … so many patterns so little time. Great version.
I love that top and it looks great on you. The whole outfit looks amazing. Might have to add the pattern to my wishlist now.
Such a flattering outfit on you Lara. There must be a few versions of that top to come!
oh, how right you are that there are worse addictions. I mean, we need clothes, don’t we? And if we’re able to make our own, so much the better. If we enjoy making them? Absolutely a winner. And that top with that fabric is absolutely a winner, too. Lovely and just right for the warmer months ahead.
Perfect match with your trousers – now you have an outfit! I’m off to check out StyleARC – I don’t have any of their patterns and you Aussies are always raving about them…
I do like looking at your blog now that I have found it. The information you give on StyleArc patterns is invaluable and I appreciate all your comments on these patterns. I really like them too but you seem to sew them up faster that I do and I now look at your blog before buying.
I really like this top and it looks so nice on you.
Lovely to see this made up Lara. I think I will add it to my wish list, although maybe a little risky with my pear shaped figure.
You are the Style Arc queen – they should give you a discount for being such a great ambassador for their product! I love the entire outfit, the scaly fabric looks amazing with the pants
Your fabric choice is perfect! Love this top in this fabric and especially the cost of the fabric!
What a lovely fabric/pattern combination! …and I always seem to miss the really cool fabrics you unearth on that table at DCF! 😉
When I first started to read this post I thought, hmm, that’s weird, my top had quite a bit of ease…then I kept reading! Glad you were able to figure out the problem and now have a nice top to show for it.
I also have a Style Arc “problem”, as you know… 😉
Lucky save! Looks fantastic. (Hmm- I wonder if your fisherman husband like the print because it looks like fish scales!)
I’m in love with that fabric! And I agree with you on the November release – I ordered the biker jacket skirt and the jumpsuit and cardio wrap from last months release. Excited about the free pants too!
I love the fabric and the style. It looks lovely in you.
I meant to say on you! Darn predictive!