adult's clothing, sewing

Style Arc Blaire dress

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.

Style Arc Blaire dress in fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics

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!

Style Arc Blaire dress in fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics

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.

Style Arc Blaire dress in fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics

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.

Style Arc Blaire dress in fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics

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.

blair-shirt-dress

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.

Style Arc Blaire dress in fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics

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!

Style Arc Blaire dress in fabric from Darn Cheap Fabrics