StyleArc February Patterns

I know there are fellow StyleArc groupies out there that hold their breath for the first day of the month. Here are the Autumn inspired February offerings. 

I really like the look of the Marie jacket. Not being a vest wearing kinda gal, I cannot see the Lizzie wrap in my wardrobe, but I look forward to what others create with this pattern.

Of course, the free pattern of the month is the Lynne skirt, cute!

Capsicum & egg

I am pretty sure that it would be hard for anyone to name one favourite food. What we feel like eating depends on so many factors, but, I reckon I could get fairly close by claiming eggs to be just about the one at the top of my list. I adore eggs in all forms.

My latest craving has been this gorgeous dish of eggs with capsicum. Slow cook a sliced onion and two sliced red capsicums until they have collapsed and lost all signs of crunch. Add a minced clove of garlic, then 6 beaten eggs. Stir until the egg is almost cooked. They keep cooking for a while after you take them off the heat. Season well and dig in. Oh...heaven...

I had to add this picture because these gorgeous eggplants are too beautiful to not share.

Did you always want children?

I was in the car this morning listening to my favourite radio station, ABC radio national. Life Matters with Natasha Mitchell was on and the topic was 'childless by choice'.

Now I have to admit that I always knew in my waters ( my Gran always said that) that I would go forth and procreate. I never gave it any thought, I just took it for granted that I would be a mother.What was I thinking! As blessed that I am and for all that I am thankful for, I am a mother. I have also known that there are women who don't share my feelings.
Now if we put on our thinking caps, of course this is obvious.  Of all the women on the planet, the diverse backgrounds, experiences, personalities, dreams , DNA ( you get my drift) there are some that are maternal bound and some not.

What I found interesting when we got to the meat of the program was how many women have had to explain their decision not to have a baby. How many of you out there that are Mama's have had to explain why you are a mother? I have never been presented with this question. Some of the women on the program have even resorted to lying and just pronounce they are unable to have kids. Shuts em up real quick apparently. I found that shocking.
I have three daughters. Two of them I know am fairly certain will become mothers. The other has told me from approximately mid puberty that she does not think she will have babies. This has never fazed me. In fact, in my endeavour to raise my three perfect feminists  I am all for owning your life. I have never said to her while one of these conversations was happening that 'she might feel differently later' or 'your missing out' or any of those phrased that are thrown at women who make this announcement. But , as a kind friend pointed out, maybe I am cool with this because my opportunity to become a grandparent is pretty much secured from my brood of 5. I think she does have a point but I do not want to admit to that so I am sticking with the feminist vibe. I am far to young to contemplate being a grandmother at 40 and saying I am a feminist sounds much cooler.

Note to self, remover that board on pinterest that has the cutest baby clothes that I might possibly one day sew for said Grandchildren.

Surely we are comfortable with ourselves enough to not pressure women about conforming to something else yet again. We have moved on from preconceived gender roles, haven't we? I know in the next 20 years we will experience more and more women who embrace this decision and are free to be themselves. Don't you just love progress?

                                  this                   versus                this

OR

Some of this?

Or maybe you will end up like that lonely lady in the park with no grand kids only animals as friends , usually cats, but sometimes pigeons.

 OR you might end up old, fab and really, really cool and not give a damn!

New StyleArc Patterns for July.

You know life is getting ridiculous slightly off track when you are waiting for the 1st of the month for the StyleArc pattern releases. Everything in moderation - even moderation, so no apologies here. I am loving the denim trend with this July bounty.  Don't forget your free pattern with every order.

Tori Crop Pant

This pattern is the freeby on offer for the month of June at StyleArc. I got it on my daughters size as I had ordered her another pattern and she has been wanting some patterned pants for a while now. Perfect opportunity.

Pattern Description: A wardrobe must have pair of stretch woven, elastic waist crop pants with a side leg opening design feature.

Pattern Sizing:6-30. I sewed the 12

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Slightly different as I made some changes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Loved everything.

Fabric Used: Stretch cotton sateen.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made the legs 7cm longer than the pattern as my daughter wanted the legs a little longer because she wants to wear them straight without the tabs for the patterned fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I highly recommend this pattern. We are planning two more versions of this and already went shopping for the fabric. Both stretch cotton sateen, one printed the other plain. I think for the plain version I will sew the leg tabs.

Conclusion: Very easy pattern to follow and sew. They fit perfectly! This was a free pattern for the month of June.

January Patterns from StyleArc



Just loving StyleArc and their patterns. Here is the new line up for the new month and new year!

ANNIE'S TOP: Fabulous woven camisole that can be worn by itself or under your favourite shirt as a layering piece. Great fit and easy to wear.

SACHA SHIRT: This is the up to the moment shirt shape, long line and flattering ,beautiful over the Annie Cami and worn with the Peta Pant, a fabulous 3 piece outfit!

PETA PANT: This elastic waist pant is a great new staple – make it with or without drawstring bottoms, its easy to wear and you will find it a great young fit that is still comfortable. Make it an outfit with Sacha Shirt and Annie’s Cami.

Creative Cate Top

StyleArc Creative Cate Top

Pattern Description:

This is such a great versitile top that can be worn in lots of different ways - just leave it up to your creative imagination. Simple to make and simple to wear!) from the StyleArc website.

 

Pattern Sizing:

6 - 8 - 10 - 12 - 14 - 16 - 18 - 20 - 22 - 24, I sewed the 16.

 

FABRIC ESTIMATE:

160cm of 150 cm width fabric.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, although the drawing has clips to show different ways to wear the top, I have not used them.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

These were very easy to follow. It is rated easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the way the cowl neck drapes really well. The pattern is also drafted with no gaposis under the arm and I loving that.

Fabric Used:

A gorgeous purple rayon lightweight jersey.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I don't own a coverstitch machine so I hand sewed the hems. I also bound the back neck by hand too. I used my overlocker for all other seams. I do think I could have shaved some more width off the side seams to make it more fitting.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I did sew this in a patterned knit too.

 

Conclusion:

I am really enjoying sewing my way through the StyleArc catalogue. I love the way this top looks although the pic doesn't do it justice ( my son took a quick pic with the iphone) It was a very easy top to make, I made the two of them in one afternoon.

December Pattern Release

STYLE ARC

StyleArc have just released their new patterns for December. This is just another feature I love about this Australian pattern company, new patterns each month. I must say that the designs are getting better and better too. I don't mean the earlier ones were not good, they are perfect basic pieces that I have covetted and in fact replaced some of the big four patterns that had previously been my tried and true go toos.  The thing is, StyleArc draft their patterns based on ready-to-wear. This seems to be working a treat, not just for me but for the many reviews I have been reading too.

Lucy Knit Dress



A simple but stylish knit dress with double layer circular frills at the neck use self fabric or use a contrast woven silk georgette to turn it into a special party dress or slip this dress on to wear to a BBQ.  LOVE THIS! It is now on my wish list.

Greta Cape

Make this cape in faux fur or a wonderful heavy wool for a fabulous addition to your wardrobe. Through it on over your favourite dress or give your jeans a dressed up look.Centre back length appros 15” or 38cm. I am already planning what fabric for this one.

Annetta Skirt

The up to the moment styling of this skirt with asymmetrical hemline is easy to sew and wear, 2 button or stud closure this skirt can be made with or without lining. Centre back length 70cm or 27 ½”. This is an interesting design, I am liking it, a lot. I can see it looking great in wool for the cooler months.  This pattern is also the free pattern for the month. StyleArc have a certain pattern each month that they give you free with every order.

Butterick 4919

My 16 year old daughter had her Presentation Ball on Saturday night.  This is a special ball the school has for the girls to be officially presented as seniors for the following year.  It has all the pomp and drama that a formal has. 

B4919

Pattern Sizing: AA 6 - 12 I cut the 10. View B

Fabric:  Of course the colour is not a true representation in the pic, it is a steel grey bluish colour.  I am not sure of the actual fabric make up as I had metres of this in my stash.  

Description: Retro Butterick Misses' Dress, Evening.  This is a retro 1950's pattern and my daughter fell in love with it months ago.  It looks like a halter neck but actually had a full back. The skirt is full ( hemming all 6 metres of it required a whole movie)

 

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Absolutely.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes they were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I did find it a bit annoying the way the sash that wraps around the finished gown is designed. The front and back bodice pieces are separate and the sash brings it together once tied. So when the dress is on the hanger, where the sash is attached to the gown it is a abit messy in my opinion.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: On the pattern, the sash is a single layer of fabric that requires a narrow hem. In our trial dress this looked very cheap as when you wrap the sash there was the risk of this showing. Especially as we tied a knot at the back and the two ends formed a bow like finish. I cut two pieces, flipped inside out and pressed like mad to get a crisp edge. This looked much better when wrapped around the waist. I also added a waist stay and an invisible zipper instead of a dress zip. The bodice needed some fabric taken out, similar to a SBA but not really as my daughter is amply endowed.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would not sew it again as it will not be worn again. I do highly recommend it though as it is a beautiful dress.

 

The Kennedys

So we have finally got this controversial Mini series here in Australia. I had been following production albiet loosly, when hearing of this series first being made. I had some concerns mostly about Katie Holmes being cast as Jackie. Really? 

But I have to admit, she does pull it off reasonably well. The first installment aired here last Sunday night and I watched with baited breath. I have always been an admirer of Jackie, and even more so when I really started sewing seriously and refined my eye towards style. Jackie was one hell of a stylish woman, I know style icon is thrown around rather liberally but she really did set the pace. I have several books that follow her fashion story and a great one that covers the years she was First lady.  I watched an interesting clip on the ABC1 website that goes through the re-creation of the wardrobe Jackie wore, and the other Kennedys, the make-up, even explaining the way the line of Katie's face had to be structured with make-up in such a manner to more resemble Jackie. All in all, I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next part tonight. I do think Katie over acts slightly, the way she holds herself and her face are a tad too obvious, but I am enjoying the show too much to let it get in the way. Oh, and Greg Kinnear is fabulous as Jack.

Follow the link here to watch several clips that explain the characters and the costume design.

New Pattern Company

I am very happy to have stumbled across this pattern company; and especially so as they are Australian! StyleArc is headed by Chloe Parker and she has  created some classic patterns that are updated each month with fashion forward choices. I bought the Safari Sam overshirt as I wanted a few of these in basic colours as I have seen Donna Hay wearing them on her new cooking show and they look so chic. I started sewing the shirt on the weekend and it is all coming together nicely. I must stress that the instructions are very limited and you do need to have sewing experience to put it all together. I would not suggest this pattern for a beginner. What I also liked was the paper that the pattern is made from. White paper patterns are printed on 49gsm paper (* this is a heavy white paper used in the ragtrade industry - not tissue) and require you to cut them out. Brown paper patterns are printed on to a heavier card 170gsm which is pre cut in our studio and delivered to you on a metal hook industry style.

Safari Sam Overshirt

I went for the white paper and am very happy. I didn't want to commit to heavy card in case of alterations(which I did have to make)

Chloe is very friendly and helpful. I had emailed her after receiving my free pattern that comes along with any orders for the month of May, and she was very quick to respond and help me out.

I will post and review  the finished shirt as soon as it done.

New Look 6843

Pattern: New Look 6843 View E

Pattern Sizing: A 8 - 18 I cut the 16

Fabric:  Khaki cotton sateen, White slub stretch denim, cotton print. All linings are cotton.

All fabric came from Spotlight.

Description: Misses 1 hour skirts.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Kinda, I have had this pattern for a very long time and to be honest I don't actually use it anymore. I have drafted my own from it. I eliminated the darts and put the zipper on the side.

 

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing stands out, it was easy to follow and easy to sew.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Like I said, I moved the zip and added my own lining. I also added a centre front and back seam.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, this is a great pattern for a simple skirt. I tend to always make it A-line. I only use cotton for my linings as it is just to hot and at time humid here to try anything else.

I have mostly made my lining free hanging and approx 5 - 6cm shorter than the skirt. I am going to try a different lining technique next time and do it bagged.

Valentino Retrospective

Valentino | Evening gown | Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2003, Model 130 | Strapless evening gown with low-set draped pale crimson chiffon sleeves, a train with appliqué pleated crimson taffeta rosettes and red strass crystals in their centres, and pink and grey taffeta rosettes in its lining; fabric: Buche-Guillaud; embroidery: Marabitti | Collection: Valentino Archives | Photograph: Jean Tholance

On Saturday I took a trip into the city and went to the Valentino Retrospective past/present/future. My oh my, that was one gorgeous couple of hours. The exhibition encompasses haute couture from the first collection designed in 1959 by the house’s founder, Valentino Garavani, through to work from the Autumn/Winter 2009–10 creations by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli – appointed as creative directors for Valentino in 2008. 

Exquisite haute couture garments will reveal Valentino’s mastery of the elegant line, classic form and opulent detail. Particular themes will be explored uniting Valentino’s design approach over five decades: these include the recurrence of geometric patterns and graphic prints, the skilful use of fabric to create dramatic silhouettes and, of course, the distinctive palette of black, white and ‘Valentino red’. The future direction of this most esteemed fashion label is showcased through five creations by the house of Valentino’s new creative directors.

Designs from house of Valentino have been coveted and worn by European royalty, Hollywood celebrities and members of high society the world over. This magnificent exhibition included garments worn by stars such as Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and more.

Now, without sounding naive or even arrogant, and maybe someone can correct me if I am way out of line. I scrutinised these pieces in awe of the craftmenship that goes into each garment. But I did notice that many of the zippers were not looking that great, some were puckered, off line and uneven??? Anyway, I came home feeling completely untalented in a  good way and so thankful that people extremely talented and artistic such as Valentino have realised their creativity for all to see. The collection was simply breathtaking.



Valentino | Evening gown (detail) | Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2008, Model 184 | Strapless evening gown made of silk voile appliquéd with silk voile ruffles and corollas in graduated shades of pink; fabric: Clerici-Tessuto | Collection: Valentino Archives



Book Review

This arrived in the post yesterday and I sat with a good cup of tea and digested this book slowly. It has a short history of the LBD and then a few select styled to chose from, these being classic styles. The 'Audrey' dress, 'Greta' a chic wrap version, 'Marilyn' a strapless dress plus a jacket and hat too.

There is a good getting started section which explains equipment and techniques, these being basic and very well explained.

The making of the blocks as there is no paper pattern included. Simon explains the pattern making process and tackles fitting issues and body types. Even a very basic sewer should be able to follow this.

Then the dresses themselves, fabric, how much and what type, and finishes.

I am definately going to give 'Greta'  a serious looking into, and my teenager was trying to pry the book out of my hands to make her choice. Does she know she would also have to make it herself??

This book is a nice treat. Not only to flip through but also to make a dress. Great easy to follow instructions. I think this would be a good Xmas gift too.

Simplicity 2369

Pattern:  Simplicity 2369  Misses' Dress & Separates. View C

Pattern Sizing: U5 16 - 24, I cut the 18

Fabric: Grey stretch knit from Spotlight. 

This knit is a very lighweight knit that is very comfortable to wear. It hangs beautifully and is a nice shade of grey as it has the slightest sheen to it.

Description: Misses' knit dress in two lengths or tunic and pants sewing pattern.

Did it look like the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for the sleeve variation.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Nothing stands out, it was easy to follow and easy to sew.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I cut out the top, view C but used the sleeves from view A.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I do have some thoughts about making View C as is, in a print maybe? Very easy to sew, you could easily have this completed in one day.

The picture is horrible and my hand is pushing the front flap out of place. I took the photo in a rush and just thought, damn it, post anyway.