Two Dresses You'll Love! 

I'm retired and returning to sewing; I made all my own clothes till I was about 30, but quit due to career demands. The internet has completely changed sewing, and I'm eager to dip my toes in. I've bought the Montana pattern with extension for sleeves and bodices. I like how you described the boxy shape - after retirement the last thing I want is tight clothes. Thank you for your comments about Style Arc; I'll be checking back on your channel for other tips, as well. Cheers from Oklahoma!!!

I love Style Arc patterns, but your pros and cons are spot-on. I’ve been sewing for many years, so coped with these patterns, but I agree, not for beginners. Kind regards from Wales, part of the UK. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

OMG I am like a child in a sweet shop now you have introduced me to Style Arc. Im loving their patterns and just cant make my mind up what to buy. I want so much

If I am having trouble with a pattern because I am not understanding what is requested of me I really love when there is a video demonstrating how it is done. I really wish more pattern companies would provide a video instruction in addition to the written one.

I have made many Style Arc patterns. I love their styles and the sizing suits me. I have always found their support to be fantastic. Their instructions are minimal...and for most patterns these are enough...but when I’ve been confused I have rung them and they have often sent me extra photos of their sample to illustrate a technique. I love them!

I have quite a collection of Style Arc patterns. Since I have been sewing for (it feels like) centuries, I don't have any difficulty following the very scant instructions. I always check the measurements of the patterns before I make them up for the first time as I have been caught out especially with the Olivia dress. Their pants patterns are just amazingly good. Thrilled to find a channel where an Australian sewist discusses sewing.

I've made one Style Arc pattern so far and it worked out very well. What I love most about Style Arc is that they are Australian and I just love to see Australians being globally successful!

Hi there Kristin! I am enjoying your RU-vid channel. I have been sewing Style Arc patterns for a number of years now, and have met the designers quite a few times. They are professional patternmakers, with huge industry experience (which is why their drafting is always spot on). Their instructions have improved enormously over the years. Personally I don't generally have any issue with the instructions (but I've been sewing for a long time) and actually appreciate that they are an order of construction rather than pages and pages of techniques and instructions aimed at beginners. They do however have tutorials on their blog for any tricky bits, and there is always the internet and reference books when needed. I wouldn't be surprised if now that you've started using their patterns, you'll be hooked!

Hi Kristin, love both dresses you look lovely in them. I have just made 2 Armidale shirtdresses by Style Arc and agree the instructions are minimal, more an order chart of what to complete but no info how!!! I love the Armidale shirt dress and learnt big thing, the first was in woven viscose and fitted well. The second was with viscose crepe which i didnt realise has a little stretch in it so was looser fitting, but with tee shirt under its fine for cold weather in UK!!! I love watching your vlogs you are always so jolly and upbeat it's a pleasure to watch and I adore listening to all the different birds singing and seeing the sunshine. You bring a ray of sunshine into all our lives keep up the good work. Best wishes Jo😁

I agree. The lack of instructions has stumped me in the past.

Thank you so much for sharing your invaluable knowledge on sewing. I love all the reviews as I am a consider myself a beginner sewist. I haven’t sewn in over 30 years! Reviews help a lot. The patterns look easy enough to work with (no zippers, linings, buttons, princess seams, and elastics. However, if instructions are not detailed, I will have to avoid it. Thanks so so much for aaving me the headache, frustration, and most especially the “$”. This looks like one of those projects that would have to go in the unfinished or dump pile for beginners. Also love how you put links on all the clothes you make. I live all the clothes you make. Thank you so much for sharing. You’ve really inspired me to sew.

Thank you Kristin. I purchased the Montana dress pattern and totally agree with you in regard to their lack of instructions. I find myself confused on how to finish the bodice shoulders. I wish I had used the burrito method, but I didn’t so now I have to try and figure out how to finish it.

Both dresses are adorable. I would sew either, knowing I would also wear them. I love your channel. Thank you for sharing!

Hi Kirsten!! You look absolutely fabulous in both of the dresses.. Great review of both dresses.... 💜💜🧵🧵

The bodice on your peach dress is a lovely fit. I have the Nova tiered dress style arc pattern. I always have to do an FBA as am narrow shouldered and backed. I have also struggled with a lack of instructions and the small sized print and hope they take your comments onboard.

Love those 2 Style Arc dresses. I've been eyeing the Lacey dress for a while but I'm not confident enough to deal with their (lack of) instructions yet. Maybe Style Arc could consider having more detailed beginner instructions on their website.

Lifesaver! Came across this video after having bombed on the motana, I butchered the bodice and can now complete it as you gave me the key term to search: burrito bodice! Luckily I decided to do a mock up in calico first 😊

Oh Kristin I LOVE both dresses, especially the Montana dress. And you look great in them. 👍

Great video thanks

Love both of these dresses. Haven't tried Style Arc yet...maybe this will be the first!

I keep hearing about Style Arc pattern instructions needing improvement, so I guess it must be true. But I have to say that I've never had a problem with their instructions. I find them clear and simple - much more so than most other patterns. So I would say, don't be put off by this; I love Style Arc 😊

I have sewn the Style Arc Adeline dress. It is a VERY simple cocoon style dress. I get so many compliments on that one. I made it out of a pretty turquoise linen. I didn't struggle with the instructions at all except that I didn't read ahead, and made an assumption about the finish of the pockets which was wrong. I don't consider myself to be an advanced sewist at all. I do have a few more SA patterns that I haven't yet sewn up, including that Lacey Dress you have in your video. I think it's such a cute pattern. I'm sure I can figure it out even with sparse instructions. Your dresses are so cute and they look perfect for warm weather. I will need to keep those in mind this summer. Happy sewing!

I agree Style Arc had minimal instructions, and I was glad I was familiar with sewing and actually appreciated not having to read through the hand holding instructions I see in some of the indie patterns. They definitely assume you know how to sew already.

The Montana dress was the first style arc pattern that I made up. I also got it free. I made a 16 and it was so big it looked like a tent so I ended up stitching some elastic onto the front to bring it in. I am going to make it again but I'm thinking of doing a 12 out of cotton jersey. The pattern was well drafted and luckily it didn't put me off style arc. Totally agree with you about the instructions xx

Haya. Both your dresses look good on you & lovely fabrics you have chosen. Thanku for sharing. x

Hi Kristen, beautiful dresses, you look sensational in both. I am a style arc fan , and agree re the instructions. I have several of their old single size patterns and have had to do a FBA as they are too tight across the bust if they fit my shoulders , which was a PITA, Karen R

Beautiful dresses on you and very informative thank you

Hi Kristen. I'm in NSW. I saw the colab you did with Alisa Shay, so I looked for your channel, and I love it. Also love the colab on the Shelby. I've been following Kealy's channel for a while. I also follow Vivmom, and Whitney on TomKat stitchery. I used so sew a lot years ago, then life got busy so haven't really done a lot recently. Two weeks ago I went to a craft group and made heaps of pouches for our injured wildlife, but I think now it's time for some sew clothes that "actually fit". Thanks for all the info you've been sharing.

Great review Kristen! The dresses look fab on you 😍😍❤️ Absolutely agree with you re the Style Arc Pattern’s! I’ve got a lot of Style Arc patterns and I love the styles - I’ve just made the Brooklyn sweater and really want to make the Sydney dress when the weather warms up! However.... the instructions are minimal at best and perhaps not for a new sewist! There are lots of assumptions as to how much the sewer knows as you say, such as the Burrito method. I get my patterns printed out by a copy shop and the instructions come printed on the A0 copy. They are in a much bigger print and more legible. That being said, they are great patterns and I love them❤️❤️

I'm just starting the Montana dress, my first Style Arc pattern. I'm trying to trace off the size 22, though I think I'll need the 20. I agree totally with your pros and cons!! And your dresses are so lovely! I'll be looking for the Lacy dress. Thanks for sharing this info.

I just bought my first Style Arc pattern in December and got the free Montana as well! I've heard alot of ppl talking about the poor instructions and I am terrified because the pattern I bought is the Astoria and it looks like the tie/twist front could be difficult. I love how your dresses came out! The fabric for the lacey is gorgeous on you!

Thanks Kristin. I have had a couple of wins but more loses with Style Arc. This was early days when you could only get one size printed pattern but I love the variety of their designs and their generosity in providing a free pattern of the month. Also agree with the size of the font. Usually I increase it on the office printer.

Love it!

I recently bought the Montana dress so was interested to see how that worked out for you - love it! I will be making mine very soon. Agree about the instructions for beginners. You didn’t mention that you get the 2 sizes each side of your chosen size when your buy just 1 size. Also, I like the fact that you can order the paper pattern with reasonable postage here in Australia.

lovely dress and fabric that you are wearing xx

I find Style Arc patterns interesting lots of variety. I made up 2 patterns one with very narrow sleeves on the Hedi oversized cardigan, sleeveless top only to be worn underheath .If you followed their simple instructions you would not been happy with the finish on the lined hood but the style was great. Tapered pants ended up flares because of how their grading is done from size 6 to 32.

Hi, I think I bought the same fabric in that dress behind you from spotlight! I m making a top out of it but I really like that dress too.

Just ordered the Lacey pattern from SA and hoping the hard copy doesn’t take too long to travel to this side of the world 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (I hate sticking A4 PDF’s together !!). It’ll be a wee while yet before summer gets here so I should have plenty of time to make it. Thanks for the inspiration 💐💐💐

I’m put off by Style Arc because I’ve heard a few people complain about the instructions. And it is a shame because their patterns are very cute. We can get them on Amazon in the UK. I love the 2 dresses you’ve made xx

Great review Kristin and reply from jo.i m a new follower of your channel .cheers Moira I Nsw south coast Australia.🌻

Not only do you guys have INXS, Mel Gibson, Christine Caine and Hillsong, you have Style Arc!!! 😘😉❤️I love this company. Their drafting is great and styling spot on. Have only made pants. Last winter Sage Stretch Pant (Jeans) and for this coming summer season, the beautiful Genie style Ethel Designer Pant. Instructions scant but great drafting. Great video.

There are quite a few Style Arc pattern tutorials that can be useful.

I prefer multi-size patterns, because I am pear shaped. And I need to grade from size 12-14 for my bust to 16 waist and 18 hips.

Hi Kristin I commented on the wrong video! Oops, any way you have inspired me to have a look at Style Arc and have just bought the Harmony top and the Courtney top as the freebie! Thanks again and great to see an Aussie!

The Montana flower print dress just needs side slits. Looks perfect for super hot dress weather or make a short version for fun nightgown. pockets are a must in any good dress. The second dress can be super cute with some wild fabric prints.now I need o get a new printer so I can buy more pdf!

Great review. Just ordered 2 StyleArc patterns, the printed ones! I hate putting PDF patterns together!💜🇦🇺

I haven't read through all the comments so sorry if this point has been made already - I love SA designs and style but have two gripes. 1. I wish they would provide layouts - I've found on a couple of patterns I have nearly not had enough fabric and it's possibly because they haven't given any clues on how to lay out the pattern pieces in the most economical way. 2. I haven't yet made a pair of trousers that fit properly. Their bodice block fits me very well but their pants are much too short in the crutch for me and yet they end up really baggy in the back leg. They just don't fit my body shape at all. I've tried all sorts of trousers fitting techniques but a recent attempt at the Kew pants ended up as a skirt!

Hi Kristen .I hunted the internet to find instructions for the Naomi style arc dress pattern ..I’m having trouble knowing how to attach the top of the dress to the bottom skirt .how to do the casing ..for the draw string to go into …Hope you don’t mind me asking you .Thanks in advance for any help ..love all the style Arc patterns but usually we have to work out how to construct them ..love all your makes you are an inspiration ❤️xxxx

Perfection! 💕

Hi Kristen, your dresses look brill, great for summer. I've not made style Arc patterns before and have heard that the instructions are minimal but I do like there designs. I have done enough sewing to be able to do the dresses like these ones and I did see a great RU-vid video on how to do the bureto method. Only yesterday I was looking at the Victor woven Jean pattern but the only trousers I have made are the elasticated waist ones. It doesn't really put me off though as if it is something I really want to do I will have a go and RU-vid is so helpful. Have you seen this pattern? I think it's new.

Totally agree with everything said by both you and the comments. However, their pattern drafting is perfect - the pattern pieces/notches match together perfectly. I have made 5 of the Almy top and absolutely love it. The first one I made I had to email Style Arc because they didn't even tell you to join the collar pieces together on the back seam and I thought it was a split collar at the back - NO it isn't. Also made a couple of their other tops and the instructions are TERRIBLE.

I am quite an experienced seamstress and made my first Style Arc pattern just before Christmas. I wanted a pair of black velour slim fit trousers to wear with silky tops over the festive season. I bought my pattern from Amazon as I hate printing on A4 sheets. The instructions were almost non existent and printed on the same page as the layout guide and in tiny print , they also didn't follow any sequence and appeared to be dotted about. I like the numerous styles Style Arc produces but would never buy another Style Arc pattern unless they revise their instructions format.

Don’t forget that US customers can buy printed patterns on Amazon. There’s loads of their most popular and sometimes you can buy them at 25% off.

Hi Kristen, love how both of your SA dresses turned out, especially the Montana! Found your channel when looking for hints on how to finish the Montana bodice! I'm up to finishing the shoulders. Following the instructions, I don't think they have used the 'Burrito method' that you mentioned for making a lined bodice, so still scratching my head! Can you recommend any tutorials for this? I've searched, but perhaps I'm not searching the right terminology.

I have several of their patterns one on process and several to try. I contacted them to see what bust size and height of women they design for because I couldn’t find that info on their web site or on their patterns.They responded that they have different designers and each designs for different cup sizes and heights so there isn’t any consistency. So You really need to do measurements on the pattern and compare with your own before you cut the pattern and fabric out.

Great vlog and informative!! I bought the Montana dress pattern, but I don’t have acrobat reader, just downloaded it to my iPhone, seems to be ok?? It is necessary to download Acrobat Reader? Am I missing something??

Is the Lacey dress for a woven or knit fabric? I’m always nervous if they say both sorts and on style arc it says knit and then rayon. Or is there a knit rayon?

I really like their pattern but they give terrible instructions. I like a couple of sizes to pick from.

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