StyleARC’s Kirsten Dress
StyleARC’s Kirsten Dress arrived in the mail last week. How do these things happen?
I made a quick toile from some cheap cotton with three things in mind:
- The position of the bust darts. This seems to always be an issue for me.
- The length of the dress. I was aiming for the shorter version, but wanted to make sure it wasn’t too obscene!
- The zip. Could I get the dress over my head without it?
Good news all around. The darts placement was perfect, the shorter length of the dress was wearable and (most importantly) I could do away with the zip and replace the facings with binding. Win, win, win!
Even though I toiled this dress in cotton, my fabric of choice was ponti. I’m having a fabric crush on ponti at the moment!
The fit of the ponti version of the dress was of course (and I say ‘of course’ after that wonderful thing called retrospect) different to my toile. I therefore had to make some quick ‘on the fly’ changes (outlined below) during construction to fine tune the fit.
Pattern: StyleARC’s Kirsten Dress
Size: 12
Fabric: Dark grey ponti from GJs Discount Fabric
Alterations:
- I made the shorter version of the dress with short sleeves
- I left off the pockets
- I eliminated the zip and cut the back piece of the fold along the stitch line
- I ignored the suggested facings (because I eliminated the zip) and used binding to finish the neckline
- I lengthened the bust darts by 1 inch
- I set in the sleeves using a 5/8 inch seam allowance rather than the suggested 3/8 inch
I can see myself making some cotton versions of this dress for summer! Do you see this dress in your future?
Thanks to the lovely Sharon for being my photographer today. Here’s an out-of-focus out-take for your amusement…
Another lovely make, very wearable which is a must. I’m always impressed with your sewing and live vicariously through your productivity! Even more so with your great photographs and time to write about your projects!
Thanks Sarah Jo. I’m very touched by your comment. Productivity has been up recently as it’s the school holidays here in Melbourne (winter break) and my girls are refusing to leave the house (they are happy playing at home) which means more sewing time for me!
Great photos! That looks so comfortable and perfect for layering. Did you get any other style arc patterns at the same time?
I also ordered the Billie Top which is very similar to a drape drape top which I made (not blogged) and although I loved the design the largest size was far too clingy for me. These patterns were ordered in late June so the ‘free’ pattern was the Dee Knit Top.
ooh, very mod! And that short version was a wise choice, show off those pins!
Pins in tights are allowed out, but those lily while legs will be covered up a bit more in the warmer weather!
Oh I love your top. It is quite flattering. I just discovered Style Arc patterns and I love them! I’m used to figuring things out on my own so the brief instructions from them are fine with me…THanks for the review.
Thanks Nothy. I’ve jumped on the StyleARC bandwagon too. I’ve just noticed that they have tutorial onlines here – http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=43&Itemid=52
[…] been wearing this top under my Kirsten Dress (see below) and with these Antia Ponti […]
Nice little tunic. Great for layering as you’ve shown. Great job.
Thanks Joanne. Is now a good time to confess I’ve ordered some chartreuse ponti for my next version?
Looks great Anna. Interested that you also have the Billie and Dee patterns – two that I was eyeing off myself! Great minds (or apple shapes) think alike, clearly! I think that you will get loads of wear from this dress.
So many things to make Lara and so little time! My Kirsten dress is already on high rotation. I think it will get another outing tomorrow… I’m not going to use the Dee pattern, so consider it yours!