I’ve made this top before – I think this could be my fourth version.  It’s a great shape for me.

The Style Arc Sunny has a terrific cocoon shape, with that volume balanced by fitted sleeves. Like the Tessuti Mandy boat tee, fabric choice is extremely important. Because those sleeves are fitted, and there is a dropped shoulder seam around the bicep, you really do need a knit with four way stretch. If it is only two-way you’ll need to make alterations to make the sleeves fit comfortably. In a four-way stretch there are no issues at all.

The fabric is a fabulous printed knit that I picked up at Restash last year. I cut it from the scraps left over after sewing a dress (as yet unphotographed and unblogged) and didn’t have quite enough for the lower back piece, so I just used the same contrast fabric I was using for the neckband and called it a design feature. The printed knit has sparkly teal dots all over it – this top really glitters in the sunlight!

From the Style Arc website: This is a new shape for a knit top. The oversized look becomes very flattering because of pattern drafting and the cocoon shape which is the new on trend look. Try it, you will love it!!

Maybe you remember the Hot Patterns Swingy Sweatshirt I blogged a month or so ago?  It was really a wearable muslin for this Hot Patterns Swingy Sweaterdress.

I was always more attracted to the semi-V neckline option of this pattern, and thought that it would work well with this bold chevron printed knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics. Because the print it so full on, I decided to keep the rest of the dress simple and chose the cuff-less sleeve option and left off the pockets.

I had bought the fabric before deciding to use this pattern, so had a little creative pattern cutting to do. I’m pretty impressed at how well I have managed to match the stripes across the centre back seam.

The sleeves are actually faced and then the facing secured by twin needle stitching. As with the sweatshirt, the wide sleeves can get in the way a little bit, and it’s hard to fit a coat over the top. Fortunately I have a cape that works!

This was very easy to sew. I did however have a problem when taping the pdf together. The pieces that are used to lengthen the sweater into a dress did not line up properly with the size lines of the main pattern pieces, so I needed to make some corrections to keep the width correct while adding the length. It wasn’t a big deal, but is something to be aware of.

Construction was on the overlocker, but I used the twin needle alongside the front seams to highlight them. I also twin needled the neckline facing in place. As with the sweater, I trimmed off the point at the armhole shoulder seam, which made the sleeve sit much more nicely.  I sewed size 10, which seems to work for me in Hot Patterns knits (I measure at size 14).

I’ve been wearing this with a cowl that was sewn from the scraps, but really, a print like this doesn’t need much accessorising!

From the Hot Patterns website: Get the laid-back cool and classic comfort of a sweatshirt or sweater dress, with a dressy, modern twist. Top and dress are designed for knit fabrics with a little body and stretch, like velour or stretch velvet, ponte or double knits, French terry, lightweight fleece, sweatshirt, T-shirt, or sweater knits. Pull-on A-line sweatshirt or sweater dress has a center back seam, angled side seams & bust darts for a neat fit. Mix up the details for the perfect look: choose a long flared sleeve or add a turn-back cuff; make the optional cut-in pockets or not; pick a boat-neck or a shapely semi-V neck. Make it your best length too, either a thigh-length tunic or a knee length dress. Sleeve and body hems and necklines are finished with deep stitched facings. These are the perfect throw-on-&-go pieces-try skinny or bootcut pants under the sweatshirt, pull on your favorite boots with the dress, maybe add a scarf and you’re d-o-n-e done…

I have an extensive fabric stash.  Much of the fabric in it could maybe be described as vintage – it dates back to the 1980s.  And no, I haven’t been hoarding it since then – lots has been given to me by people destashing (especially friends’ mothers when downsizing their living arrangements).  This piece of permanently pleated knit has been in my stash for a very long time, and I think it probably does date back to the 1980s.  Who else remembers tube skirts and jackets made from this stuff?

When I came across the Style Arc Maxine maxi dress I knew that I finally had found the right pattern for the length of fabric. From their website: Simplest of dresses that can be made in an afternoon this Maxi dress with its extended shoulders and a gorgeous “V” neck is a must have.Note this pattern is made for a crinkle pleated fabric which stretches out by 30%. If making it in a normal jersey we suggest you go up a size.   Fabric suggestion: Knit jersey, pleated crinkle.

I actually sewed this dress up last year, so the pattern may be a year or so old by now.  And yes, it’s about as simple as it gets.  One pattern piece for the front, one for the back, raw edges on the neckline and armholes.  Shouldn’t that be a super fast and simple garment to sew?

Well yes, it should. But in this fabric? NO IT WASN’T. I have no idea what the composition of this (ancient) fabric was but it was a complete bastard to sew. No matter what needle I used the stitches skipped and missed and overall it was completely unenjoyable. I ended up having to sew each seam with a straight stitch on the machine three times each to make sure that it was secure enough given how much stitch skipping had taken place. Good grief.

I left the side seams open from about the knee down, and did end up turning the seam allowances to the inside and using a zig-zag stitch to secure them. Don’t look too closely at the quality of that stitching either. I left the hem raw. No way was I mucking around with stitching across those tiny permanent pleats.

The neckline and armhole edges were left raw as well, thank goodness for that. The fabric doesn’t ravel at all, and the neckline shape is a really lovely V. So, my verdict on the final garment?

I actually really, really like it! It’s SO easy to wear. The (heinous) fabric just skims over all my bulges, and I think that the colour is very stylish. It actually washes very easily, then is just hung to dry on a hanger. Definitely no ironing required. I imagine that today’s technology has provided permanently pleated/crinkled fabric that is much more pleasant to sew than this was. If you have something like it in your stash, I definitely suggest giving this simple pattern a go! It does what simple should do – be exceptionally well drafted. There is nowhere to hide when you are working with simple shapes and minimal pattern pieces, and I think that Style Arc are masters of drafting these well.

This is a repeat – well, you knew that from the title of this blog post, didn’t you!  I think it’s the fourth time that I’ve sewn the Style Arc Nina cardigan.

The pattern description on the webpage isn’t especially forthcoming.  Fabulous waterfall front cardigan.  That’s all it says at the moment, but I notice that their website is in the process of a major makeover.  Maybe that’s all it ever said?

I sewed this one in orange ponte, I think from Darn Cheap Fabrics.  The pattern instructions suggest finishing the edges with a rolled edge (on the overlocker) finish.  I chose to turn a hem of around 1cm and use a zig-zag stitch to catch it in place.

I’ve been wearing this with the sleeves rolled up a bit, so clearly they need shortening! Next time I have bright orange thread in the sewing machine.

This is easy to sew, with most construction done on the overlocker. Yes, I have orange overlocker thread! I’ve sewn it in a few different types of knits now, and think that it works well in all of them. This is size 12 without any alterations.

Not much more to say about this one really. I like it, or else I wouldn’t have sewn it four times! I doubt that this pattern is ready for retirement yet either.

I’ve sewn a number of different Style Arc stretch woven pants patterns now.  It intrigues me how they manage to alter the draft for each one!  Many look similar, but there are slight differences in how they look, and in how they feel on.  I wear the Elle, Barb and Linda pants quite a lot, the Barb and Linda especially for work.  The leg width varies between each one.  The Beth pants add some further detailing.

Okay, a photo of black bengaline pants. You really can’t see anything much at all, can you! Here’s the pattern description and illustration from the Style Arc website:  Pull on woven stretch pant with wide waistband and the perfect leg shape.

It has become patently obvious to me that for my thick middle and pot belly, I really do need to utilise the stretch in a fabric like this stretch bengaline to get the fit and comfort that I prefer.  There is nothing quite like a pull-on pant with elastic inside the waist in a stretch fabric for me to feel flattered and comfortable.  I just cannot get a transition from waist/belly fit to fitting nicely around my thighs and hips any other way.

These photos were taken at the end of the work day, hence the wrinkles. They’re really not too bad all things considered.

As you all know, no-one else will ever see the tummy/waist area of my pants in day to day wear, so in many ways that pleather detail is useless. But I know it is there, and that alone pleases me!

These are the most comfortable pair of work pants that I’ve sewn. I really like the width of the waistband, which makes the rise that little bit higher. I’ve sewn size 10, which works for my legs and hips, even though my waist is around size 16. The stretch of the fabric takes care of the rest of the fit, and I cut the waist elastic length to suit me.

Style Arc’s stretch woven patterns make perfect work pants for me (here paired with a Cashmerette Appleton tunic). These are a new favourite – although I wonder whether the Sage pants pattern that I have cut out ready to sew will be a favourite as well?

I am trying really hard to catch up with blogging.  Although there are still quite a few things left to blog from last year, I’ve decided to try to get this year’s garments up here in preference.  If I can keep this rate of blogging up I might be up to date by the end of the year. The photos of this dress were taken back in February!

This is the Style Arc Alissa knit dress, in printed poly/spandex from Darn Cheap Fabrics. I just couldn’t resist all the colours in the print!

I sewed size 12, no alterations. The round neckline has a binding that is applied to the right side then turned to the inside and stitched in place. This gives a very neat finish.

I really like the overall silhouette – on the straight side, but not fitted. This was easy to sew. The only slightly tricky bit is the pocket – but honestly, it’s not hard, just read the instructions and diagram and you’ll be fine. It’s just not what most of us are used to doing (unless you sew a lot of patterns by Marcy Tilton or the ilk).

Style Arc describe this pattern as follows: Achieve a designer look with this simple dress. The asymmetrical drape pocket that is cleverly designed makes this style look complex but is an easy sew. The ¾ sleeves make this style versatile and suitable for any season. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Knit jersey or any knit fabric with drape.

This is an effective pattern that looks much more challenging to sew than it actually is.  It was quick to make (much of it on the overlocker) and it is comfortable to wear.  Recommended!