06 Feb Style Arc Head to Toe!
This week of sewing has been all play and no work 😉 I simply love sewing with no agenda, deadlines, hardcore plans, and all of the other issues that can pile on the pressure.
I have been beyond eager to sew a cold-shoulder top. I see them everywhere, and after one attempt and mediocre result last spring I’m at it again. Fortunately, the pattern companies now offer many more selections, and I had a better vision.
For this top I selected the Style Arc Cold Shoulder Knit Top. I have no affiliation with Style Arc Patterns, but now that I can buy them with Amazon one-click I’ll be sewing more of these great fitting patterns! This pattern is designed for a close fit, which fit almost perfectly without any adjustments. My fabric is a ponte knit from Mood Fabrics and I’m linking to the entire collection of pontes due to Mood’s large selection of these functional fabrics! The stable knit paired nicely with this pattern providing structure, shape and just enough stretch for a good fit.
What I really like about this pattern design is the higher neckline which keeps the focus on the shoulders.
As with all Style Arc patterns the directions are sparse. I followed Claire Schaeffer’s instructions for stabilizing a knit hem by serging a 1″ strip of interfacing to the hem and folding before machine stitching the hem. (book: High-Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World’s Best Designers) My all-black fabric, interfacing and thread made for terrible photos – sorry, but I will show on my next project. I hope to make more!
In the pattern illustration, the top is shown at a shorter length, but I preferred a longer length. Being 5’2″ the original pattern length worked well.
Mood’s Black and Beige Geometric Squares Stretch Cotton Woven immediately caught my eye and went straight to the cart!
I think the description of ‘Black and Beige’ is way too tame for this lively print sure to punctuate any wardrobe with the cheerful pops of pink, orange, red and turquoise! In my opinion, this lightweight cotton with ample stretch is one of those must have fabrics which would make any garment proud!
The pants are sewn from Style Arc’s Willow pattern which I have sewn twice before both times with fabric from Mood.
Mood Fabrics, DVF Brocade, Style Arc Willow
Mood Fabrics, Brocade, Style Arc Willow www.goodbyevalentino.com
The pattern is designed for woven fabrics, and the higher waist with a side zipper is perfect for wearing with pullover tops. I removed 1 inch from the width of the back legs since I was sewing a fabric with stretch to avoid bagginess and am pleased with the result.
With this pair I omitted the split at the hem because there was too much going on with the pattern, shoes and top 😉
One of my measures of successful sewing is ‘Will I wear it?’ This time the answer is a great big yes, and with this project I feel like I’m headed into Spring regardless of what weather lies ahead.
Best wishes to all for a wonderful week, hopefully a wonderful week of sewing ~ may it be both relaxed and productive!
Until soon 🙂
Susanne H. Keller
Posted at 06:16h, 06 FebruaryDear Sarah
One of your best among all the great looks you have created. The proportions are perfect, the style is very special, the overall impression is just wow, so elegant, so put-together, yet so relaxed! You should create your own line of clothing: leisure wear, home wear, cocktail, wedding, and so on, for every occasion in life. Maybe an idea for your next book?
all the best and thanks for your so inspiring work!
susanne in Zürich
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:49h, 06 FebruaryWow, Susanne! I so appreciate your most flattering comment 🙂 🙂 Some outfits come together better than others but I too. like the proportions and upscale but casual nature of the outfit. Many thanks!
Julie Starr
Posted at 07:07h, 06 FebruaryI agree with Susanne! This outfit is pure perfection and you’ve never looked better 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:50h, 06 FebruaryAhh…… how nice Julie! You may see me in this one a lot 😉
Almeda
Posted at 07:24h, 06 FebruaryNow this is a ” touchdown”!!!!! The whole outfit is perfect. You look amazing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:52h, 06 FebruaryLOL – I did wear the top to a Super Bowl party last night 🙂 Many thanks, Almeda!
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 07:50h, 06 FebruaryWhat a fantastic outfit, Sarah. I have this pattern and now feel a strong urge to copy you — AGAIN! I know you’re going to get lots of wear out of this!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:53h, 06 FebruaryYou will be dynamite in this top, Cissie! Look forward to seeing your version and many thanks 🙂
Connie Griffin
Posted at 08:07h, 06 FebruaryFantastic outfit! I agree with Susanne, couldn’t have said it better!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:55h, 06 FebruaryThank you so much, Connie! It was a fun make 😉
Mollie Bobo
Posted at 08:19h, 06 FebruaryVery nice! I’m still not sold on the cold shoulder for me. I love the geometric print pants! Your total look is awesome.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:58h, 06 FebruaryMany thanks, Mollie! Many have been on the fence about the cold shoulder but it sure is popular right now. I looked at many patterns and decided that simple and close fitting would work best for me as opposed to the ruffled look and flounce sleeves. Sometimes we never know until we try though. 😉
Eileen
Posted at 08:37h, 06 FebruaryYou are “rocking” it….from one Grandma to another—I love your style! Your sewing tips and references to helpful books and sources for sewing supplies are much appreciated!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:01h, 06 FebruaryLOL – thank you, Eileen! Glad to be rocking an outfit and not a chair 😉 You would like this book – it’s one of her first.
Loretta Somerville
Posted at 08:42h, 06 FebruaryHi Sarah,
Great ensemble once again! You look like a little French woman, classy and fun!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:02h, 06 FebruaryWhat a nice compliment, Loretta! Classy and fun are definitely worth pursuing 🙂
peggy leah
Posted at 08:58h, 06 FebruaryI really thought that I hated those tops, as you said, they are
everywhere;; however, your oufit is perfect. Absolutely
perfect. You look sophisticated. I might have thought the
pant fabric too bold, but not so!
You could have bought the outfit in a very expensive
boutique.. Bravo. Thanks for tip about the book. I NEED that
one! I am always delighted to get a post from you!
You do inspire me!
peggy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:06h, 06 FebruaryThank you so much for your lovely comment, Peggy! I thought the same about the pants but after looking at the Gretchen Scott website I thought the fabric would work…. and I recommend the book. It’s one of her first printed in 1997 so some things have changed!!
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:02h, 06 FebruaryTwo great looks Sarah !!! I have a couple of Style Arc patterns but you have encouraged me to just dive in !!! I’ve had that Mood geometric in my cart several times -I’d better do it know before it’s sold out !!
Great job 😍
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:07h, 06 FebruaryThank you, Maryellen! As I said, I highly recommend this wonderful fabric. 🙂 🙂
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:14h, 07 FebruaryI think I got the last 2 yes 😍😍😍
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:15h, 07 FebruaryLast 2 yards
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:07h, 07 FebruaryWay to go and enjoy!!
Carolyn
Posted at 09:06h, 06 FebruaryIt’s a great look Sarah and you look lovely in it. I’ve bought a few Style Arc patterns from Amazon too And so glad they are carrying them now!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:09h, 06 FebruaryThank you so much, Carolyn! Partnering with Amazon was a smart move for Style Arc. I quit buying their patterns due to the postage and lengthy wait on the mail service. I’m so glad they are easily accessible now 😉
Gerhild Turner
Posted at 09:10h, 06 FebruaryGreat outfit. I would not have selected this style for myself but now I’m rethinking. I love your style.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:12h, 06 FebruaryMany thanks, Gerhild! I think the modesty of this pattern is brilliant by keeping the eyes focused on the peek-a-boo shoulders 😉
Rianna Brown
Posted at 09:19h, 06 FebruaryI have been meaning to head off to my local fabric store for one of these patterns – seems now I don’t have to! What size did you choose? Just a pity that Style Arc do not give one the option to buy three sizes allowing one to cut a smaller size for shoulders and bust and grading down to a bigger size over waist and hips. But I suppose a moderate stretch knit pattern can easily be accommodated for in between sizes.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:14h, 06 FebruaryRianna, Great news! This pattern comes in multiple sizes ~ I cut a six and graded to an eight at the hips 🙂
Ann Boyd Briggs
Posted at 09:47h, 06 FebruaryLove the outfit! Do you think the cold shoulder top pattern could be elongated into a dress?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:15h, 06 FebruaryThank you, Ann, and I am wondering the same thing…… I might give it a try 🙂
Mary Stein
Posted at 09:48h, 06 FebruaryNot that you need to because you are very attractive in everything you show us – but that top in a solid black takes years off a person- very stylish and put together!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:16h, 06 FebruaryYou’re right Mary! There is nothing like a good black top or LBD. Many thanks for your comment 😉
Joan
Posted at 10:31h, 06 FebruaryGreat look, Sarah!
Black really works for a cold-shoulder top and your black wedges are perfect to balance the black top.
Love that print for slacks: interesting, but not TOO bold nor scaled too large to be flattering.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:17h, 06 FebruaryMany thanks, Joan! I made the pants to go with the shoes and the top to go with the pants – LOL 😉 Somehow it all came together!
Joan
Posted at 10:32h, 06 Februaryp.s. AND super-slimming!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:18h, 06 FebruaryThank you, again!! I’ve actually dropped a few 🙂 🙂 🙂
Melissa
Posted at 13:25h, 06 FebruaryLove this outfit, especially the pant fabric!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:06h, 06 FebruaryThank you, Melissa!!
Lone Star Couture
Posted at 13:50h, 06 FebruaryThe whole outfit is really cute on you and I agree, they totally undersold that pant fabric! Love it.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:07h, 06 FebruaryMany thanks, Dorcas 🙂 I am eagerly awaiting photos of your current project !
catherine golden
Posted at 13:53h, 06 FebruarySarah!
Fantastic outfit, I want all of those fabric and patterns! I note that you said you took 1 inch off the “width of the back legs”. I thought you always had to take off evenly from the front and back. So that is not the case? Thanks!
Catherine
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:11h, 06 FebruaryThank you, Catherine!
The back leg is cut larger than the front leg – don’t know why. Early on in my sewing I sewed a pants from a similar fabric to disastrous results – there was much bagging in the back leg (different pattern) – In this pattern I trimmed off the excess from the back and it worked out well 😉
Alice Elliot
Posted at 14:34h, 06 FebruaryI love style arc patterns. So glad I discovered this company.
Have made Elle pants several times as well as tops and dresses. Everything fits just by using measurements.
You outfit is terrific.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:12h, 06 FebruaryMany thanks, Alice and I agree with you ! I too have made the Elle pants and love the pattern.
Kathy
Posted at 15:12h, 06 FebruaryI always get confused about ponte knits. They seem to come made with different threads like polyester, viscose, etc.. which are best to use? Thanks. Your outfit looks great.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:16h, 06 FebruaryKathy,
Ponte knit is a combination of rayon, polyester and spandex. I’m sure pontes come with different fabric combos and stretch capabilities, but the fabric is tightly woven and keeps its shape. I did not buy this fabric for this pattern but once I received it I knew it would work.
Many thanks for your comment 😉
Sew Jean Margaret
Posted at 15:25h, 06 FebruaryPerfectly stylish outfit. I am a huge Style Arc fan and find that their patterns fit very well with little if any alteration required.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:26h, 06 FebruaryThank you, Jean! I have admired the many Style Arc patterns you’ve sewn 🙂
Tomasa
Posted at 16:01h, 06 FebruaryBeautiful! Love both pieces. I agree that the higher neckline is a good design feature for this top.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 19:59h, 06 FebruaryThank you, Tomasa! I hope to be trying it again soon 🙂
mzjohansen
Posted at 18:13h, 06 FebruaryI a, not a fan of cold shoulder designs, but on you the look is fabulous. I think that for this design looks balanced. The close fit through the “cold” shoulder and sleeves and thenhigher neckline really work! Thanks for sharing such an inspiring cold shoulder look!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:04h, 06 FebruaryMany thanks for your comment! As I mentioned I tried another cold shoulder last year. Nothing seemed to work for me but this pattern as you said is balanced. 😉
Vanessa
Posted at 20:10h, 06 FebruaryI love this look on you! You are such an inspiration! I hope to be head to toe ME MADE one day as well!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:50h, 06 FebruaryThank you so much for this comment, Vanessa! Good luck with your me made journey 🙂
Barbara Anderson
Posted at 01:26h, 07 FebruaryYou look fabulous as always Sarah . I love Style Arc patterns , the fit is always perfect . I had so wanted a cold shoulder top and made Butterick 6425 , it turned out really baggy around the arms , but seeing your top I think I’ll just have to try that pattern now. I recently made the SA Marilyn dress with split sleeves , that came out gorgeous , I think you would like that one . Best Regards, Barbara
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:36h, 07 FebruaryThank you, Barbara. I made Butterick 6048 last year and had the same issue. I also have the Marilyn dress pattern which I bought because of the cute sleeves. Would you mind sending me a pic of your Marilyn dress? goodbyevalentino@gmail.com ….. I would love to see it!!
Barbara Hewitt
Posted at 02:14h, 07 FebruaryI used that same Arc cold shoulder pattern to make a knit top for our oldest granddaughter. I loved the way it turned out. I used cotton sweater knit from Emma One Sock. Our granddaughter is a senior in high school so I shortened the top to hit just an inch below the waist length.. You have a wonderful creative sense to put together fabrics, in this case your black top with your pants fabric.. A true artist. Thank you so much for encouraging us to stay fashion forward.
Thank you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:30h, 07 FebruaryMany thanks for your kind words Barbara 🙂 I was thinking about making another one in a sweater knit. If you have a photo of the one you made would it be possible to email to goodbyevalentino@gmail.com?
Elaine Sabin-Simpson
Posted at 05:02h, 07 FebruaryStunning outfit- I’m a huge StyleArc fan, and these look great. Willow is one of the patterns on my next-to-do pile, I think it needs moving up!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:28h, 07 FebruaryThank you, Elaine! If you’re a Style Arc fan then you’ll love Willow 😉 Good luck!
Eva Hoepelman
Posted at 08:40h, 07 FebruaryAs always your style and taste are flawless! This shirt would also be great with a nice black skirt to match. Wow, well done !!!
Your blog is such an inspiration thanks a lot. Love Eva from Amsterdam
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:08h, 07 FebruaryMany thanks for your nice comment, Eva! I agree – a black skirt would look great with this top. 😉
Kerry McNutt
Posted at 07:48h, 08 FebruaryWhen you mention you took an inch out of the back of the pants, did you fold out of the center or take 1/2″ off inside/outside side seams? Below the hips? knees? Thank you. Super striking look!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:02h, 08 FebruaryMany thanks, Kerry! Because the back was so much larger than the front I took the inch off of the side very easily. I’m sure the more orthodox method would be to fold out the center. I started at the lower hip and graded to two inches below the knee. In the two pairs I made with woven fabric I did not make the alteration.
Brenda Everett
Posted at 12:02h, 08 FebruaryHi Sarah! I recently made Butterick 6425 and it might have been my fabric choice but I found the sleeves to be very droopy. I was so excited to make it but it went in the “wadder” pile :(. I also found the finishes to be poorly done on this pattern. Perhaps I should try the Style Arc? I had no idea they were on Amazon. This could be dangerous….
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:05h, 08 FebruaryBrenda,
Last year I sewed a Butterick pattern with the cold shoulder and had the exact problem. This did not happen with the Style Arc. Everything about the fit was spot on. 😉
Alice Meyers PMP® CLP, CSI
Posted at 19:20h, 08 FebruaryHi Sarah, That top is beautiful. I had a similar issue with a cold shoulder pattern and would love to get one that is easy to do and flattering.
I have never used Style Arc, how does it work? Thanks Alice
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:29h, 09 FebruaryThank you, Alice! Style Arc patterns work like any other sewing pattern. The seam allowance is 3/8 ” rather than the standard 5/8″. Shipping can be $$$ since the company is located in Australia but Amazon sells many of the designs. The patterns fit beautifully but directions are sparse. I often refer to other sources when sewing SA, but this pattern is easy 🙂
Myra
Posted at 06:34h, 09 FebruarySarah, this outfit is absolutely stunning on you! This style arc top it’s one of my faves! But I love, love, love the way you paired it with these style arc pants! (Genius!) This is something I don’t have a lot of in my wardrobe (Print pants). However, you are a wonderful inspiration, because these are beautiful! Also, thank you for the kind comments on my style arc top & skirt! I am very positive it won’t be my last one either, LOL!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:13h, 10 FebruaryThank you, Myra! At first I thought you had modified your pattern by turning it into a dress ~ love your ensemble. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of each other in this pattern 🙂 🙂
Dawb WH
Posted at 12:53h, 10 FebruaryThis is one sure look of how to look smart, classy AND comfy all in one and you have nailed it! Love the entire ensemble
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:05h, 11 FebruaryThank you, Dawb! It is comfy for sure and for that reason alone I’ll be wearing it a lot 😉