I’ll just fess up right now. I’m a bad blogger lately. Not like I haven’t had legitimate reasons. First, we had a freaking snowstorm last weekend. 3 inches of heavy, wet snow, on trees that still were loaded with leaves. We lost many branches, including the entire top of a 60 foot oak that landed on the transformer that feeds the entire neighborhood, and another branch that took out a part of our new fence. FML, you know? But at least we were only (“only”) without power for 4 days. Our best man was without power for a week. We had to throw out almost all the contents of our fridge. I’m asking Santa for a whole-house generator for Christmas. As God is my witness, I’ll never go without Internet again!
So, how you been?
Oh yes, I did, once the power came back, finish my Paris Dress, so here’s the review:
Pattern Description: Hot on Trend little black dress with stylish square shoulders. Use lace base fabric for scallop hem edge
Sizing: 6-20. I made a size 10
Fabric Used: Super Stretch Heavy RPL – Black from Gorgeous Fabrics. (You know what’s coming, right?) Sold out, sorry!
Needle/Notions Used: Stretch 70/10 Needle. Pro-tricot interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply. Thread.
Tips Used during Construction: And Now a Word from the Pressinatrix.
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes
How were the instructions? I didn’t use them. This pattern is beautifully drafted, and it went together with no problems.
Construction Notes: Because I was using a super stretchy fabric, I decided against lining it. I drafted neckline facings from the pattern. The construction process was quite simple. The only thing I would note is that you may want to clip the curves in the sleeve heads. The curves are quite sharp, and even though the seam allowances are only 3/8 inches, they can benefit from clipping and careful pressing.
I did a FBA, after which I ended up adding some length to the darts. I debated about adding a front waistline dart, but I decided for now to forgo one. I may add one in later. I did a small swayback adjustment.
Likes/Dislikes: Love, love, LOVE the fact that these patterns are drafted with RTW standard (i.e. no extra) ease in the sleeve heads!!!! This pattern goes together beautifully.
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Yes and yes. I recommend it for intermediate-level stitchers.
Conclusion: I love the fit through the shoulders. I love the Karl Lagerfeld-ish lines. It is bound to become one of my go-to patterns! Here are pictures on Shelley.
Front
Back
It’s Not Always About Me
Other things have been happening around the home front, preventing me from sewing. DS the Eldest is Drum Major of the high school band, and he’s been conducting! Here’s a shot that DH took at the last game of him conducting “Georgia”
I'm So Proud of Him!
And this morning, DS the Younger had a dance competition. This time he’s competing at the Silver (intermediate) level. He did great – all first places!
Paso Doble!
(PS – there was some serious fug going on in the dresses and spray tans, but that’s for another post.)
And can I show you something fun? This is him last year at the same competition. He’s getting so grown up!
My how he's grown!
Next it’s onto Pippa. The gala is less than a month away and I have to start cutting the real fabric. More soon!
Happy sewing!
I was thinking of you, pressinatrix, yesterday as I was ironing darts. I don’t even recognize myself anymore.
Well done to both of your sons! It’s always inspiring to see kids applying practice and hard work to their natural talents to really excel at their interests.
Your dress looks ver nice too!
Yes, I totally understand about the internet situation! Isn’t it amazing how fast we’ve become so dependant upon it! The dress is very pretty. You are making some great things from the StyleArc patterns!
What, snow already? Crazy. (I’ll stop complaining about how hot it was in Texas this summer, then.) I love this dress–thank you for reviewing their patterns for us.
I love your photos of yours sons – it is so great when young people enthusiastically pursue their own interests and develop their talents – you must be very proud. Your dress is lovely – the style looks very chic and sharp!
You know, even before I saw the photo and comments, I thought your youngest had grown up quite a bit based on that first photo of him in competition. Both of your boys are growing into talented young men!
1. Your dress looks great on the mannequin. You should post a photo of the dress on YOU!
2. LOVED these pics of your boys. They look big to you because they are your babies, but to me it looks like, “Look at that young boy conducting the band! Look at that little boy, so sophisticated like a little Don Juan, dancing with a grown woman!” You must be so proud of them.
Great great dress – lovely photos of your boys – you should be proud!!
Ann, I must say that when I saw the first pic of your youngest son I thought to myself how grown up he looks. Then, with the second pic, my thought was confirmed!
Glad you got your power back in short order. I well remember the 14 days we went without power here in Houston after Hurricane Ike – it was horrible!!!
Love your LBD!
Great dress Ann ! I just bought a few Style Arc patterns based on your fab results with them. ..and thanks for posting pics of your boys…oh they really are growing up so fast!
Oh my, what a pain to be without electricity for 4 days. It sounds like a whole house generator would be a really good idea. Your dress looks fantastic. I do hope we get to see it on you as well! It’s amazing the difference in your youngest with just one year going by, but I am seeing the same changes in my oldest who is 12, especially with how much he is eating and how tall he is getting! Thanks for stopping by to comment on the fabrics. I’m pretty excited about the two that arrived from you. That orange and blue stripe has really got my wheels turning with ideas. It seems to be the favorite so far
Funny the first thing I thought when I saw the pic of your younger son was “wow, he’s really growing up”. Congrats to them both on their successes! no surprise given who their mom is.