Pattern Description: From the StyleArc Website – “CRUISE CLUB KIM DRESS: Fabulous all occasion dress – an easy comfortable shapes that doesn’t cling to our lumps. Pop on a necklace and heals and you are ready for dinner or a pair of flats and you will be looking good for a day’s sightseeing.”
Adding my own to the description, this is a slightly A-line, knit tank dress with bound neckline and armholes.
Sizing: 6-26. Each size comes separately. I made a size 10.
Fabric Used: For once I used two fabrics that I still have in stock! The main body of the dress is Soft and Elegant Rayon Jersey in Bright Turquoise Blue. The bindings are Abstract Animal-y Rayon Print Jersey.
Needle/Notions Used: 75/11 Stretch needles, scraps of Pro-Tricot interfacing, thread.
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes
How were the instructions? Minimal. This is a very easy pattern, and it practically sews itself, so you really don’t need instructions. But for beginners, the instructions might be a little confusing. For instance, they tell you to apply bindings, but they don’t say how. You can use one of (at least) two methods, either Bound Edges, or the one I used (see construction notes).
Construction Notes: As I said, this pattern goes together beautifully. I serged all both the seams. I fused scraps of Pro-Tricot interfacing to the back shoulders before sewing them. I decided to use This Method to Apply the Bindings. I used my regular sewing machine to do the hem.
Any changes? None.
Likes/Dislikes: I like the ease of this dress. I like the drafting of the pattern – hand drafted! Full pattern pieces! Yay! I also really like that the pattern came with a sample of fabric so you can see the weight and stretch that they recommend. There is one issue that I found, and it’s pretty minor. There is an extra pattern piece that isn’t accounted for in the drawings or instructions. It’s called “Raw Nk Trim”. It’s not obvious what it’s for, and the instructions never mention it. Just use the neck binding instead.
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Oh yes! This is a great pattern that goes together in under an hour. Definitely a keeper.
Conclusion: It’s chilly today or I would be wearing it. It will be perfect for summer. It’s the kind of dress that you can style lots of ways, up or down. I can see this dressed up with a black belt and sandals, or just by itself on hot days. Here are some pictures on Shelley:
Front
Back
Close up of the neck/armhole bindings
Next up is the Creative Cate top, in the same blue fabric.
Happy Sewing!
Okay, I am confused by the line drawing for this pattern — it looks like there is a little bulge or “hiccup” in the side seams just above the waist, but I don’t see that bulge on your pretty blue dress?? Is this to make it blouse a little and camouflage the tummy area, or am I missing something? I love your contrast bindings, by the way.
I think that’s just an illustrator’s way to show the movement of the dress. While it does taper into the waist from the armholes, then back out again to make a slight A-line, there isn’t any bump like you see on the drawing.
Did you say ‘chilly’?? It’s June 4 and here in the south the temps are pushing 100!! I’ll swap some of your chilly weather for some of our warmth.
It’s a nice dress but your printed binding is what really makes the dress! I can see how this would be a great summer basic to have…in a load of different colors and short in some lace as a bathing suit cover-up. Great dress!
J’dore! It’s an adorable dress that you’ll wear a lot this summer. I like the print bindings against the solid; it elevates the dress into something special.
How cute . . . what’s NOT to love about a dress like that! I’m encouraged by your review . . . I think I’ll cut out the Creative Cate top tonight and see how I like it.
Wow! Great dress…love the style and the colors…beautiful!
Beautiful dress! I love the colors. It looks like a good Florida dress.
Great dress- I love the fabric combo!
I take it you didn’t need to do an FBA???
I didn’t, Carol!
Glad to see reviews of the StyleArc patterns. I have a blouse but haven’t made it up as yet. Your dress is lovely – love the colours!
Love the style and the fabric you used
This really is the perfect summer dress. I love the print binding; why is it I never think of clever things like that?
Very pretty. The contrast binding is perfect! I can imagine how comfy this dress must be, but oh so stylish!
I was also thinking about buying this pattern, so thanks for the review. Yours is very cute!!
I love the patterns you are using from Australia. I live in Canada and want to order some of them, but the shipping will cost more than the patterns! Is there a supplier in US or Canada that sells these patterns??
THx in advance,
Carol
I just ordered a pattern from StyleArc and reasoned that the nearly $15 in shipping was worth a trip to Australia!
It’s a small price to pay for a well drafted pattern that hopefully, I’ll be able to use again and again. I’m not affiliated with them … I’m just sharing my thoughts as I forked over my debit card number.
Cute dress – the binding is really lovely!
Maybe YOU should become the US distributor, Ann.