I am a latecomer to sewing up the Style Arc Pixie dress.  I’ve seen some really lovely versions on the interwebs.

The print is a remnant I think from Tessuti. It’s a bit smudged in places, so I thought it would be worth using it in a muslin. The fabric is a bit springy and spongy, like a crepe. Maybe it was a crepe; I don’t remember now and sewed this some months ago. I didn’t have enough fabric for the bottom flouce, so used a black jacquard that was in stash.

I sewed size 12; fortunately for me this design has plenty of ease through the mid-section. I took some short-cuts when constructing it that I now regret. I didn’t stabilise the V neckline before sewing the facing, and really wish that I had as it has stretched out while sewing (well duh, that’s why the instructions said to stabilise). It’s not too bad, but I could have done so much better. Impatience never pays off.

I used a narrow overlock stitch to finish off the edges of the flounces. I find that this gives a good finish while allow the bias of the flounce to hang properly, but in retrospect it would have been better with the proper rolled hem stitch. You can tell that I really was approaching this as a muslin!

From the pattern page: Slight “A” line shape, Easy fit shape, Bust darts, Short sleeve with flounce, Hem flounce, Loop & button back opening, “V” neck, Knee length. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Rayon, crepe, silk.

I didn’t include the loop and button centre back opening, and actually cut the back on the fold. I have a small head and it’s rare for me to need a back opening to get a top or dress over it. I possibly did a 1cm forward shoulder alteration, but can’t actually remember. The dress is at pattern length, so if you are taller than my 158cm you may wish to take that into account.

I was pleasantly surprised with how this muslin turned out, and think that it’s actually wearable! That said, as much as I like it on me in these photos, the print feels to high contrast for my liking. It’s still in my wardrobe so we’ll see if it gets an outing or gets passed on sooner rather than later. The pattern will definitely get another outing or two – I really like it! Maybe I should consider this in a fancy fabric for the family wedding we’re going to in Colorado (USA) in December! Decisions, decisions.