This dress was a late wardrobe addition for our USA trip. I wanted something that was casual and warm yet a bit dressier than jeans to wear to Christmas dinner (it ended up that there were 30 of us enjoying Chinese banquet in Denver). I had admired Anna’s version for a long time and decided that an animal print version would work for me.

The fabric is a wool blend knit, bought online from Drapers Fabrics. I had originally been thinking a lightweight ponte, but this is more a jersey. I sewed size 12.

The pattern is the Style Arc Venice Knit Dress. As per the website: Refresh your wardrobe with this sophisticated dress of the moment. The asymmetrical lines create a soft cocoon shape and the optional slit pockets are a great design feature which sets this mid length, long sleeved dress apart. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Knit, jersey, knit cashmere or any knit fabric with drape.

I chose not to include the slit pockets; I figured that as the fabric was fairly lightweight the skirt would get distorted if I put anything in them. I also shortened the dress an inch (maybe two?) by taking a horizontal fold through both of the skirt pieces then re-drawing the side seamlines accordingly. Once the dress was made the sleeves were way too long – I had done a one inch hem, so just turned it over another inch and rehemmed them.

As it happens, this dress was washed and tumble dried while we were away and the sleeves seem much shorter now! I am going to unpick the second lot of stitching to lengthen them a little bit. The skirt length is still okay.

Construction was all on my overlocker, and it was a very fast sew. I turned the leftovers into a moebius style scarf/loop/cowl thing to add a little warmth.

I plan on sewing this dress again at some stage, possibly in a solid. It’s a good shape for me and would be a good canvas for fun winter scarves, coats, stockings and boots.