You’ve already seen the first Style Arc Joan top that I sewed last year.  It actually didn’t take me all that long to sew up the pattern again. And this time I also sewed the coordinating Darby pants.

I’ll start with the top. Because I’d already sewn a wearable muslin I knew to retain the slightly shortened body length and to do a forward shoulder alteration. Check my previous blog post for more detailed information on the top.

Isn’t that fabric divine! It’s printed linen from The Cloth Shop. Linen really is a great fabric to work with and wear, once you get over the fact that no matter what you do, it will wrinkle. I always iron it after washing (and often before wearing as well) but know that it will relax into wearing folds. That’s just the nature of the fibre.

Fit wise I’m happy with this size 12 with my alterations. It still has plenty of ease, and the wide facings keep everything sitting beautifully. Remember that Style Arc do have a tutorial on their website to help with getting the front neckline V nice and sharp. So, to the pants.

Style Arc’s pattern page describes the Darby pants as follows:
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
7/8th length leg
Wide leg
Elastic waist
Patch pocket with side opening
Deep hem facing.
Semi fitted hip
FABRIC SUGGESTION
Washed linen, tencel, crepe, rayon

Mine are in linen, also from The Cloth Shop. I shortened the leg length an inch or so and the 7/8 length is still full length on my 158cm height.

Well, those are hoiked up on one side of my waist, but that’s the photo that I have! When the waistband is level that big fold at the back of the right leg vanishes. I actually think that these fit quite well over my relatively flat bum. And of course, an elastic waist is my friend.

The pockets are interesting – they’re a patch pocket, but they open at the side seam. Just follow those instructions VERY carefully! My verdict on the pants is that although they are nice enough, the vintage McCalls 2699 wide leg pants are a more comfortable fit for me. They have a higher rise, which really encompasses my tummy and seems to require less adjustment during wear.

My overall verdict is a very positive one – how can you go wrong with linen in loose simple shapes in the hot Australian summer!