Lately, I’ve been more focused on sewing and not so much on sharing on social media or on my blog and as a result, I have four projects sewn up but not yet shared. The first of those is my burnt orange linen Style Arc Indigo maxi skirt, so it’s time to start showing you all my makes!
First off, I want to mention this lovely pure linen. I had a bit of a fabric haul for my birthday (lucky me 🙂 ) at the start of May and this was part of that haul. It’s from Lamazi Fabrics and is a really lovely quality. I adore the muted burnt orange tone of it.
Rediscovering Style Arc Patterns
Next up, let’s chat about the pattern…I may have sewn just one Style Arc pattern several years back but lately, I’ve become inspired by their designs so I bought a couple of them to try out. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Style Arc sells both printed and PDF patterns and you can either buy a multi-sized one or single-sized versions. What I like about the single size option is that you also get the two closest sizes to it so that means you can easily grade up or down if you need to.
The instructions are written only (no illustrations or photos at all). They are a bit brief as well (think Burda but a bit easier to grasp) so I think you may need to be familiar with many basic sewing techniques before tackling a Style Arc design. Having said all that this is a nicely drafted skirt with some good construction methods and I would say it’s true to size I ordered a size 10 and it was perfect for me. The finished garment measurements are always listed which is very helpful in deciding whether you need to grade etc.
This was such a lovely pattern to sew and my fabric was an absolute dream to stitch. My only little fit adjustment was to take in two small wedges in the front waistband in line with the pockets because the straight band didn’t seem to hug my rounded tummy. A little bit of contouring was needed.
The method for creating the mock button front is really great on the Indigo skirt and I adore those large patch pockets and comfy elasticated waistband too…actually, can you tell how much I love this skirt? It has such an easy casual vibe and I’m sure I’ll wear it lots.
As I said before I bought two Style Arc patterns but I’m sure there will be more to come than that because I saw many other designs worth trying. However, coming up next on my blog is a nice little collab with a designer that I’ve worked with before and I’ve used more linen too so look out for that on Friday.
In the meantime apart from sewing a lot lately, I’ve actually been gardening quite a bit too and I think it’s rapidly becoming my second main hobby. We had some landscaping work done last November and I’ve finally been able to start stocking the new garden borders as well as replenishing the old ones with lots of new plants…it’s no wonder that I’ve had no time to blog!
Anyhoo, I’ll catch you on Friday with my next post and be sure to let me know in the comments if you’re a fan of Style Arc patterns, and also, do you love to do gardening too?
See you soon!
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Love your skirt! I have made a lot of Stylearc patterns and all have worked out well. The sizing is great too as my measurements are exactly the same as their size 8. I love gardening too (well maybe not the work but the results 😁).
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Oh, thanks, Vicki! I’m so pleased with my skirt and adore the colour.
Ah yes, with gardening the end result is so worth it bout it’s bloomin’ hard work!
Great looking skirt, and in a favorite color! I’ve not used StyleArc – I am trying to use patterns I own! Gardening is a favorite here too – good because I have garden repair coming up after a bit of window replacement! I am just finishing sewing the second pair of Closet Core Pietra summer pants.
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Thank you! Ah yes, great that you’re using your pattern stash. I’ve whittled mine right down because it actually comprised patterns for other people from my time when I sewed for others, so I own very few for myself.
Nice to know that you do gardening too 🙂 And I love the seam lines on the CC Pietra!
Lovely skirt, terrific color, and top-notch sewing (perfect hem). Your sandals look great with the skirt, Diane!
I need to try a midi skirt, but generally prefer the flared crop/split skirt/culotte to skirt, because I think they keep their tidy look better (odd, I know, but wrinkles are less apparent aX the backside, I *think*).
I haven’t sewn Style Arc, but have come very close to purchasing several (as I prefer to purchase printed when possible, it requires advance planning on my part ;-}
I garden quite a bit, and at this time of year, it really demands my time (weeds, planting window before too hot), so that I sew less!
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Thanks for your kind words as always, Joan 🙂 Bet you look fab in your split skirt/culottes.
And I’ve come to realise, like yourself, just how much time the garden takes up at this time of year…we’ve been getting showers and the weeds unfortunately love it!