StyleARC Jessica
Most people reading my blog know that I like to mix things up a little bit when I am sewing. So while the Lekala jacket was slowly progressing, I put aside a little time to whip up a quick knit dress.
This is the Jessica dress, by StyleARC. They describe it as a “Great easy to wear pull on knit jersey dress with up to the minute twist front feature that is flattering and eye catching. This dress can be worn to the office then add a piece of your favourite jewellery then you’re ready to party!”
I sewed this in a straight size 12, with no alterations. It is possibly a little roomy on me, which was surprising – often size 12 StyleARC can be fairly fitted on me. However, I think that the style is extremely flattering. The back view is broken with a horizontal seam, that also provides the style with a little more structure.
And that plunging neckline and twist feature are fantastic! Having Ada to pin the dress front to as I figured out the twist really helped me to make sure that I had it all right. The pleats really help the dress to flatter, because there is no pulling across my belly.
I highly recommend this pattern if you are looking for a knit dress that has some special touches. It is quite fast to construct, with only five pattern pieces (including the back neck binding piece). The front folds back to finish the neckline with self-facing pieces that are sewn into the shoulder seams, giving a lovely clean finish. I used Vliesofix tape and a twin needle to secure the skirt and sleeve hems.
And although the neckline does plunge, it doesn’t really expose all that much as it isn’t too wide. It would be simple to secure it with a few judiciously placed stitches if need be. The fabric is from a newly discovered bargain fabric shop, Super Cheap Fabrics in Sydney Rd, Brunswick, where Italian wool coatings were $10 per metre and everything else in the shop $3 per metre….
I’ll definitely be giving this pattern another whirl! I think that you could do some really interesting things with colour blocking the top and skirt too.
Another great dress!
Oh I like this! I need more styearc patterns!
Looks fab. Love it on you.
I love this dress- the twist front bodice is really nice! So flattering- looks great on you!
I love the fabric! I could see myself wearing it exactly as you have made it! It looks really lovely on you.
Looks great, the front twist is so flattering.
The new fabric shop sounds great (I just can’t resist cheap fabric!), I’m putting it on my list to visit next time we come to Melbourne!
I love this dress. Ahhh. Nicely done!
I have just ordered this pattern today as I loved the look and description. I really like your dress and this fabric is lovely and I am sure you will wear this heaps.
Love that dress – the fabric is fab
This looks fantastic on you. Great pattern and fabric choice 🙂
Lovely dress, the colour is really vibrant on you. The pattern illustration gives the impression of the twist sitting higher, almost an empire line dress but your finished version sits quite a bit lower. Do you think that’s because the size is a little big?
Good comments Kristy. I am quite short waisted, and do generally shorten things above the waist but didn’t in this wearable muslin. My friend Karen has made this dress in the same size. She is much taller than my 158cm, and on her it does sit more like the illustration. I am going to take another look at the pattern pieces for the top part with the aim on shortening them through the body, but the front piece isn’t a conventional shape so might take me a little more thought than usual. A topic for a future blog post!
I’d heard that Brunswick Fabrics had closed – looks like they’ve rebranded themselves!
383 Sydney Road, for those that feel like a tram ride 🙂
I’ve only been there a couple of times, but I’ve never come away empty handed. I live in the Hills, so it’s not like I can drop by any time.
Good to know – is Anne’s Discount Fabrics still there? There was a small cluster of fabric shops either side of the intersection.
There are still a few little fabric shops in that area, and I think that Anne’s was one of them!
Likey likey!
Lovely dress and that fabric looks gorgeous too. Thanks for the tip for the new fabric shop as I will be in Melbourne for a few days from Saturday. Could I suggest that your dress be a little shorter – I think it is more flattering on or just below the knee. I love, love, love the neckline and twist.
Hi Sofie – I was going to make it shorter actually – but my husband liked it this length and (for once) I thought that I would humour him! Next time I make it it will be shorter though – I like it on the knee too. Thanks for your comment!
This looks so very “you”. I admire that you have such a strong sense of personal style.
Beautiful fabric and that’s the perfect pattern for it.
Stunning, you are one very groovy lady!
This looks fabulous Lara – it’s such a great style – don’t you just love those ‘concealing’ front pleats!!
Good on you. This is a great style and your fabric is super.
Just found your blog and this post while looking for Style Arc Jessica. This dress looks so good on you!! I think about a slightly warmer version of knit fabric than jersey for a more winterly dress. Would you recommend that or is this probably difficult in the twist area? Thanks for any advice!
Hi Moni – you could switch up the fibre type to something warmer such as a wool blend, but I wouldn’t choose a fabric that was very thick.
Great, that’s good to know! Thanks very much for your really quick and helpful reply.