Style Arc Lexley Blouse

11 Jun Style Arc Lexley Blouse

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” Richard and Karen Carpenter

Not really…………………

I have been out-of-town for nearly two weeks and came home inspired by the beautiful tunics I saw on women of all ages ……. on the beach, on the streets, in restaurants and concerts. Upon returning home, I headed directly to the sewing machine and finished this tunic just in time for heavy downpours on this dreary Monday afternoon. 

Earlier this spring I placed my second  order from Style Arc which included the Lexley Blouse and Dress.

I experienced a setback upon receiving the pattern when I realized the ruffles are intentionally frayed .  I didn’t want a sloppy or unfinished look and began looking for an appropriate fabric. Three weeks ago I ordered this cotton voile paisley from Mood Fabrics. It arrived the day before I was leaving!

Wanting to use some of the couture techniques I learned in my recent class, I traced the stitching lines on to every pattern piece using my new gigantic waxed tracing paper from Richard the Thread.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Tracing pattern markings has never been more fun, and this step made an enormous difference in my sewing, especially considering the Style Arc instructions are minimal with very few illustrations.

The stitching of the second and third rows of ruffles is concealed underneath the preceding layer. 

I’ve managed to avoid cuffs during the last 10 months until now. I don’t know what I was running from.

The Lexley Tunic was the perfect sewing project to follow the Couture Dress class. Now that I’ve had a chance to unwind, I’m eager to undertake another a challenging pattern once my sewing machine returns from the repair shop.

It’s great to be home and great to be sewing again.

 Here’s to productive rainy days and Mondays !

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
No Comments
  • Cissie Wellons
    Posted at 17:19h, 11 June Reply

    Tunic looks great on you! I have this pattern and will now have to pull it out! You are so right about SyleArc’s instructions — cut out, sew, iron, wear!
    Cissie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:35h, 12 June Reply

      Thank you, Cissie! I’m sure Chloe (at Style Arc) is happy to answer any construction questions, but I’d rather keep going than stop the sewing momentum. Ideally, I should ask her my questions before starting the project. 🙂

  • Pauline Droy
    Posted at 17:48h, 11 June Reply

    I agree the blouse looks wonderful on you – at least when it rains you don’t have to feel guilty about staying inside to sew.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:36h, 12 June Reply

      Many thanks, Pauline! You’re right – rainy days are a great excuse to sew 🙂

  • Lori
    Posted at 17:53h, 11 June Reply

    Your tunic looks wonderful on you. Great job.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:37h, 12 June Reply

      Thanks, Lori and congratulations again on winning the Pattern Review contest!

  • Cheryl
    Posted at 17:54h, 11 June Reply

    Love the blouse! The fabric choice was great, too. One quick question – how did you fray your edges on the ruffles? Did that turn out ‘neat’ enough for you? (I’m always thinking that looks a bit more like something our 20 something daughters would wear). Would love to hear your ‘take’ on that, as I’ve never done fraying before.

    Also – have you tried a simple sheath dress yet (other than the couture pattern you did so well). I’d love to try some in linen for summer. Does anyone have a pattern rec?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:40h, 12 June Reply

      Thank you, Cheryl. Since I had never frayed fabric before, I wasn’t sure what to do and watched a YouTube demonstration in which the edges were just snipped at close intervals.
      I’ve tried sheath patterns in the past and have had the best luck with those using Princess seams since you have more control over the fitting. Good luck!

  • AuntieAllyn
    Posted at 17:54h, 11 June Reply

    Bravo! Looks really wonderful on you. I’ve had 100% success with StyleArc patterns, glad to see that other sewists like them as well.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:41h, 12 June Reply

      Many thanks, AuntieAllyn! Style Arc definitely has a good thing going 🙂

  • poppykettle
    Posted at 18:16h, 11 June Reply

    I love those cuffs – very feminine! Having just ‘discovered’ Style Arc patterns, I’m dying to try them! This blouse is totally gorgeous 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:43h, 12 June Reply

      Thanks so much for writing! I’ve had good luck with Style Arc. Since you live in Australia you will be able to avoid the high postage I have to pay!

  • Louise
    Posted at 18:35h, 11 June Reply

    Looks fabulous on you! Inspiring me to make one too.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:44h, 12 June Reply

      Thank you, Louise! I truly recommend it. I forgot to mention I added two back darts since it was a little big in that area.

  • Sally
    Posted at 18:53h, 11 June Reply

    Very nice! Lovely print. Have you considered expanding your blog to include home decor? I just know you would have so many wonderful and inspiring ideas!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:45h, 12 June Reply

      Thank you for this nice comment, Sally! There are dozens of great home decor blogs…. I better stick with clothes at this point 🙂

  • prttynpnk
    Posted at 19:12h, 11 June Reply

    I love it- now I have 3 more companies to look up! Now if you like cuffs you can start buyin g fancy buttons!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:47h, 12 June Reply

      Beautiful buttons…….. I’ve seen them and fortunately haven’t become hooked yet, but I’m sure my day will come! Many thanks for writing. 🙂

  • Jan
    Posted at 19:22h, 11 June Reply

    Really cute tunic! I haven’t tried Style Arc patterns. Must go check them out right now!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:49h, 12 June Reply

      Hi Jan and thanks for writing! The only negative about Style Arc is the shipping cost from Australia 🙁

  • Meg@mood
    Posted at 19:44h, 11 June Reply

    Love this top on you! Thanks for sewing with our fabrics and making them look so good, Sarah.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:53h, 12 June Reply

      Thanks for writing, Meg! I don’t know how you are able to work in that wonderful store with the temptations you must face 🙂

  • Judy Roberson
    Posted at 19:44h, 11 June Reply

    Very pretty tunic.

  • Jenny Reid
    Posted at 21:16h, 11 June Reply

    Love your blog and I signed up for the couture class. I am gathering supplies needed and I am confused with which paper to order on the Richard the Thread Class. Help!

  • Brenda
    Posted at 21:39h, 11 June Reply

    Love the tunic!
    (And I’m another who is loving working through Susan Khalje’s Couture Dress course on Craftsy!)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:57h, 12 June Reply

      Thanks, Brenda! Good luck with the dress class. I’d love to see your finished product 🙂

  • Renata Webster
    Posted at 22:01h, 11 June Reply

    Beautiful garment. I am starting to think you really like ruffles – lol. I totally agree with your comment about markings. Since I started doing that recently it has made a huge difference to my sewing as well. You continue being an inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:59h, 12 June Reply

      Hi Renata! Why on earth would think I like ruffles? 😉 I’m really trying to diversify my wardrobe but it’s hard to break away!! Many thanks for writing.

  • Irene
    Posted at 23:01h, 11 June Reply

    Gorgeous tunic!

  • Shams
    Posted at 00:25h, 12 June Reply

    That tunic is *so* cute on you!!

  • Myra
    Posted at 04:59h, 12 June Reply

    Very very nice! I just received my first order of Style Arc patterns. Can’t wait to work with them!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:01h, 12 June Reply

      Thank you, Myra! I can’t wait to see your Style Arc creations 🙂

  • Carol
    Posted at 11:00h, 12 June Reply

    Too cute! As always another home run for you. Don’t you just love that tracing paper??? I just used it to make a dress using the information from the Couture dress class and it does make all the difference in the world! I’m not finished with the dress project from the class nor have I finished all the lessons, but I sure am using some of the techniques from the lessons I have seen, on other projects. That class was so worth the $$. Oh and I love me some paisley!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:41h, 13 June Reply

      Many thanks for the nice comment, Carol! Yes, I adore the tracing paper – the class was worth the money just to find out about the paper! Can’t wait to see your finished dress 🙂

  • Javie
    Posted at 11:10h, 12 June Reply

    Lovely work! I also ordered some Style Arc patterns but have yet to try them. I like your tip about marking the seam lines. Will do this when I try the patterns.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:44h, 13 June Reply

      Thank you, Javie! Fortunately the 3/8″ seamlines are marked on the pattern pieces so all you have to do is trace! I bet you had a blast fabric shopping in Las Vegas – how fun!

      • Javie
        Posted at 12:48h, 13 June Reply

        Thanks for the heads up on the 3/8″ seamlines! I haven’t started the Style Arc yet so you saved me some potential heartache!

  • Beth (sunnygalstudio)
    Posted at 13:53h, 12 June Reply

    That fabric is the perfect choice, looks great.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:45h, 13 June Reply

      Many thanks, Beth 🙂
      PS….. those get togethers with the West Coast bloggers look like sooo much fun !

  • Phil
    Posted at 16:24h, 12 June Reply

    Great match of fabric and pattern! Looks great on you x

  • Karen
    Posted at 17:31h, 12 June Reply

    I, too, have been noticing tunics just about everywhere I go – and they seem flattering on almost everyone! Yours is fabulous – the fabric is beautiful, and I love the way the pattern made up. It’s perfect with the white pants.
    Hm-m-m . . . There is definitely a tunic in my near future!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:46h, 13 June Reply

      Thank you, Karen! I’ve noticed tunics in every fabric conceivable too 🙂

  • Calico Stretch
    Posted at 04:21h, 13 June Reply

    And queue the lovely tunic top. Perfect. Welcome home!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:49h, 13 June Reply

      Thank you! There’s no place like home… until the laundry piles up, and the dishes are dirty, and the refrigerator is empty….. I’m ready for another vacation 🙂

  • Ruth
    Posted at 16:37h, 13 June Reply

    You still look like you’re on holiday with that super cool tunic. Lovely top.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:04h, 13 June Reply

      Thank you, Ruth! Fortunately I have another week coming up soon and now I’ll have a tunic to wear too 🙂

  • Maggie Edger
    Posted at 14:25h, 14 June Reply

    It looks like you have another winner. You did inspire me to sew a cover-up. Thank you. A. Maggie

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:31h, 17 June Reply

      Thanks, Maggie! I hope you enjoyed your sewing experience. How did the cover-up turn out?

  • Irene
    Posted at 21:45h, 14 June Reply

    Thank-you for your comment! Yes, I just layered the lace over the silk, basted all around the edges (sort of like underlining) then treated each piece as a whole. Make sense?

  • Lexley-Brisbane Australia
    Posted at 02:37h, 16 June Reply

    Greetings from Australia! Yes, a sublime top which was inspired and named after me! Was that not the best couture dress making class by Susan Khalje..and to think she is so sought after and charges $1000 and we bought this course for a ‘song’. I have learnt so much from Susan K. and am now finally (after 4 toiles/muslins!) starting my Chanel jacket using her basic principles of couture construction/sewing……I love reading your blog too and seeing what you are up to! The beach in your photos, where exactly is this?
    Cheers
    Lexley

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:11h, 16 June Reply

      Hi Lexley – Thank you so much for writing and what a nice surprise! How flattering to be the inspiration of such a cute top!
      The Susan Khalje class was the best investment of time and money I’ve experienced in years. I’m so grateful to her and would love to take one of her classes one day!
      The beach in the photos is at Edisto Island, about 45 miles south of Charleston, SC.
      Good luck with your Chanel jacket!

      • Lexley-Brisbane Australia
        Posted at 22:17h, 16 June Reply

        You and me both! To take a couture course with Susan Khalje would be just amazing! Alas, I do not live in the USA so this is not going to happen for me anytime soon!

  • Tidbits | Goodbye Valentino
    Posted at 07:33h, 16 June Reply

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