I was keen on the pattern for the Style Arc Blaire dress as soon as I saw it.  It quickly became apparent that I wasn’t the only one, as there are heaps of them around the sewing blogosphere now.

Unfortunately most of my photos were taken after I’d been sitting in a car for an hour and half, so please try to imagine this dress without the sitting and seatbelt wrinkles and crinkles!

I sewed this in size 12 without alteration, in a striped orange/grey mystery woven fabric from the Darn Cheap Fabrics $2 table (they still have a couple of bolts). I am rather thrilled with how this dress turned out. The straight silhouette is right up my alley, and there are numerous details that make it fun to sew and to wear.

I used snaps instead of buttons as a closure (thanks to Karen for the use of her snap machine). Most construction was done on the sewing machine. I enjoyed playing with the stripe direction, running my stripes the opposite way to those in Style Arc’s illustration.

From their website: BLAIRE SHIRT & DRESS: This is a two in one pattern; they both share the same bodice with a gorgeous small shirt collar and cute turn back cuffs. The Blair shirt has an interesting overlay which falls from the bodice. The Blaire dress has lovely shirt tails with a very clever in seam pocket which becomes a modesty underlay so as when the sides of the shirt tails open the leg is hidden. You will love it! FABRIC SUGGESTION: Washed Linen, Crepe, Chambray, Voile or any soft woven fabric.

Hmm, reading the descriptions those cuffs are meant to be turned back! Next time I wear it, maybe. I really like the curved hemline and the side in seam pocket. Very clever design.

So, the final verdict – great pattern and a dress that I know I’ll get heaps of wear out once we’re out of winter. Which will be a while away, given that winter has only just started. Oh well, that gives me plenty of time to decide on another fabric to re-make it in!