My Latest Make - the Belle Dress by Style Arc - September 2023
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ย. 2024
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This week I'm sharing an absolute gem of a sewing pattern, the Belle dress by Style Arc. It is absolutely packed with gorgeous sewing details, is brilliantly drafted, easy to fit and has the perfect balance between fitting and hugging in all the right places with being floaty and comfortable to wear. I sewed it up in a viscose challis fabric, which is a lovely weight and has plenty of drape. It isn't a flimsy viscose at all and hangs and moves beautifully as a result. Everything I mentioned, including tutorials is linked below.
The dress has a Vneck with shoulder yoke and under bust gathers, a cummerbund, gathered midi length skirt, shirred panel across the back bodice joining the cummerbund at the front, gathers under the back yoke and above the back waist and full, long sleeves finished with an elasticated casing with the option for a shirred panel halfway down the sleeve.
The drafting was excellent for my body, I was concerned about how low cut it would be with the buttons only starting on the cummerbund, but the bodice hugs the neckline and bust perfectly so there is no gaping. I also loved the way the shirred panel joined the cummerbund, this made it super easy to fit and was fun to sew.
I made a size 8 (34" bust, 27.5" waist, 36.5" hip) even though my waist is a 29" I knew the shirring would give me the fit I needed, although I did add a little extra width to the cummerbund to be sure.
Another great thing about Style Arc patterns is that they are very size inclusive and run from a size 18 to a size 30 (size 30 is a 58.25" bust, 50.5" waist, 61" hip).
The construction also gave a very clean finish with the bodice pieces being sandwiched between the cummerbund and the front and back being sewn first then joined at the side seams.
I love how the dress feels and it will be the perfect day dress for cooler summer or sunny autumn days. I am considering shortening the sleeves because I think this ditsy fabric might work a little better with a short sleeve, let me know in the comments what you think.
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The dress looks beautiful with the longer sleeves. They aren’t too much because they stop above the wrist. I’d leave it alone and make another next year with short sleeves. The sleeves are a real show stopper🎉
Ah thank you so much
I love the dress as is, but when you pushed the sleeves up, I found myself loving it even more. You can't go wrong either way. 😍 Beautiful fabric, beautiful dress!
Thank you Tammy
make another dr4ess with short sleeves don't touch this one its beautiful and you look lovely in it
Yes, I agree, it is lovely just as it is right now.
I second this ❤
I totally agree.
I agree, it's lovely ❤
The sleeves are perfect as they are, in my humble opinion. The fabric is dreamy. And the dress altogether is totally gorgeous! 🤩
Thank you so much, that's lovely of you to say.
Gorgeous dress on you. I’d keep as it is and make another with short sleeves.
Thanks Alison
I like the short sleeve version with this print, long sleeve with plain would look great.
I know what you mean, thanks for sharing
I'm not a dress woman, but that is such a pretty dress!
The dress looks beautiful as is. The short sleeve takes it to a casual look.
Thank you for sharing, I will bear it in mind.
This dress is EVERYTHING! You look uber stylish in it, and it is beautifully made by you. And that fabric… perfection.
The short sleeves… make a second dress and do this. This dress is perfect as is. Short sleeves will be so, so nice. If one version of this dress is great, then two versions is even better!
I agree with your decision to shorten the sleeves. You see the waist details much better.
thank you i'm leaning that way i think
I have a vote in both camps. It looks beautiful as it is, but it equally looks good with short sleeves.
haha me too at this stage i reckon it is 50-50 on the comments so far...
Shorter sleeve is quite flattering and shows your fabulous figure of more 😊
Ah thank you that's really nice of you to say
The belle dress by Style Arc is stunning I love the full sleeves just what I love I’m not very tall any more but it’s a lovely design I look forward to having a go at this as I have ten metres of navy crepe with small patt on yes I think this cauld be the one for me , I love doing all the little details. Luv Teresa
Beautiful! I think it looks perfect with the sleeves as they are. I had a dress in the late 70s that looked very similar - busy, ditsy floral, full, floaty skirt, and precisely the same sleeves, and I just loved it!
Thank you so much, yes I love a bit of 70s fashion, all of it in fact, my favourite fashion era!
@@SewEssential My favorite, too. But, in your case, it’s “retro” or “vintage,” whereas I’m reliving my youth. 😄🩷
Me too, and it’s not a million miles from my wedding dress in ‘73 my mom made that, and I made similar bridesmaids dresses.
I’ve made this pattern but made it as a longish top - it is really lovely. Very pleased with it. Will make the dress version soon. Easy to sew, fit and wear.
Ooooh what a good idea, sounds lovely and agree so easy to sew, fit and wear!
The sleeves look great as an autumn/cross season item. The short sleeves, kept full from the sleeve head but not gathered into the arm would be perfect as a summer version of this dress. Love this dress.
it isbeautiful and the sleeves make it more special. Good job you!
thank you
It looks great with either short- or long sleeves👗👗👗😍😍😍
thank you
Sleaves as they are give such elegance. Short not as much.
Beautiful dress, Lucy. I prefer it with the longer sleeves, especially if you're looking for a more dressy style. That fabric is amazing!
Thank you so much, yes the fabric is so pretty, I love the colour and the print
❤ This a great pattern for my odd-sized body-helps hide the flaws. 😂 I love the sleeves as is for you. I would like to make one with a short sleeve for warm weather and bishop sleeves for colder. Thanks so much for sharing. ❤
Great review Lucy! I have this pattern and some dark fabric with floral design and am looking forward to making it also. It is so beautiful on you though! I never thought about short sleeves, but you’re right, on the next version they’d look great!
I agree with you Lucy, i think the fussier the fabric the plainer the pattern should be, as you can see the design details better😊 and vice versa, a printed fabric looks better on a plainer pattern
thanks for sharing Lisa
Beautiful dress definitely looks better withshort sleeves for me as I'm only 5.00 ft.
thanks for sharing, yes we definitely all have our preferences and get to know what we like for our bodies don't we?
Oooo it looks even better in the vlog Lucy - stunning
Absolutely love the short sleeves. (Australia)
Wonderful dress love it as it is. Hopefully one day ill have those skills.👍
You definitely will, just keep on going and enjoy the journey
Thanks I will and appreciate all your inspiration x
This is so beautiful. Not exactly my style but gorgeous on you. Seeing it put together and construction details. Very helpful.
The dress is gorgeous. The fabric is gorgeous too. It fits perfectly! I like the long sleeves.
I love the dress with the long sleeves😊
Stunning, beautiful! I‘ve had this pattern on my want to make list for a while but was undecided on fabric. Yours is perfection! I think the sleeves are perfect as they are, though the shorter look is cute too!
I love this blue floral dress!!
I would ask long/short sleeves-whichever is most comfortable for your climate. Both are cute!
Lovely dress. Yes, shortening the sleeves gives it more zing.
Thank you
It's a beautiful dress and I love the sleeves as they are xx
I too like the sleeves the way they are now. It’s such a lovely dress.
I love this dress and the short sleeve looks so nice! 😍
I love the short and longer sleeves the same, but I think the short sleeved version is more slimming
thank you it definitely highlights the waist more a few people have said that and the waistband is one of the stand out features
A butterfly sleeve would look lovely, I think they call them something else. It’s a beautiful dress as it is too. It’s personal choice I think. 💕
Love dress n yes agree short sleeves are better
But great make as usual
Keep up good work
Caroline
Thanks caroline, I'll try, currently making a shirt to share next month
I use stylearch a lot, just completed 3 Norma skirts for summer - so very happy with them too, also theYvette dress, stunning and so many compliments. I will be making up your version of the Belle dress for Christmas- love your long sleeves very much, congratulations
Lovely dress and review! I completed my Belle dress last night, and I absolutely love it. The drafting is perfect, and is is comfortable and elegant. I am an experienced sewist (15 years), and I had a hard time with the instructions, the YT sew-a-long was a lifesaver! I made two toiles, and went with the smaller size, as the smocking and gathered bits help refine the fit. I'm definitely making another, it's just so good!
Great Autumn dress with the sleeves exactly as it is. Wish I had a small waist to wear this dress, as I love it.
Thank you so much.
Lovely dress on you! Do a short sleeve version in a solid color winter dress.
I definitely want more versions for sure, it is such great design
Love the long sleeves. Makes the dress more unique. Don’t change anything, I agree with earlier comment - make another if you want a short sleeve one. Beautiful dress.
the sleeves are great short but i think the dress is really special with the longer sleeve. beautiful.
Keep the sleeves as they are, I think they make the dress look lovely
The short sleeve looked really nice. Both versions of the sleeve look good though .
thanks for sharing
So very pretty and the fabric and fit are perfect Lucy❤😊. Excellent review, I think I’ll take a look at Belle😊
Really love it Lucy, the short sleeves look great, much more fun and whimsical x
Thank you, I reckon it's about half and half on the comments whether to shorten or not
I have two ready to wear maxi length dresses that are very similar to this (but the shirring is carried around to the front cummerbund) and they have suprisingly become my no.1 staple in my wardrobe. So easy to wear casually, also great for autumn, and easy to dress up for an evening. With the shirring, they saw me through a pregnancy too!
I love Style Arc for their drafting, they will always go together once you’ve figured everything out. Great dress! I like the shorter sleeves, but you can’t go wrong either way, both are lovely. I’ve had the same a Simflex expandable gauge for over 30 years…..😂
I love it on you. I had the same design in the 90s, but instead of the skirt it was pants.
Same fabric, sleeves, and fullness and length of the skirt.
I use to love ❤️ it so much.
You are bringing a great memory.
Beautiful dress! I do love the long sleeve, but I loved it just as much when you pushed up the sleeve. Two dresses, one pattern, can't go wrong.
I love the dress. The long and short sleeves look good. As we are heading to summer I would have short sleeves to be able to wear in warmer weather. Thank you for sharing.
Short sleeves transform an already beautiful dress!
That dress looks absolutely stunning on you and perfect. I love it on you with the sleeves how they are. Totally in love with that dress, colour and fabric 😍
Love this dress! I would not shorten the sleeves. It looks great just the way it is!
Thank you so much that's really kind of you
Beautiful dress Lucy. Lovely as is but I think shorter sleeves would look even better 😊
The jury is definitely out - such a split with the comments, but I love hearing all of your thoughts.
What a beautiful dress. I love the sleeves as they are and the fabric is a great choice....Grace
the dress looks beautiful on you. I like both sleeve length but the shorter one best, and the fabric is beautiful to
It looks lovely, going to order it now! 😊
Beautiful
So beautiful! Looks wonderful on you.
Lovely dress Lucy and both sleeves really work for you.I love Style Arc patterns but as I'm fairly new to sewing I know this pattern is beyond
my capabilities ! I have made a couple of their simpler patterns and have been glad of their online tutorials, forgot to mention that the fabric
you chose for this dress is perfect.
Thank you so much, don't worry you will get there, keep on going with the simple makes and the rest will come. Don't forget all of our helpful tutorials on our channel too, we will hold your hand along the way, enjoy the journey!
Yep, prefer the short sleeves 👍
I’ve not been tempted by Style Arc patterns before, but this one is a must-try for me! It looks beautifully on you, Lucy. 💞 I like both sleeve versions so I believe there are two versions in my future. The short sleeved will be easier to layer up in colder weather.
Thank you so much, this is my second Style Arc and I must admit I was so impressed both times. I definitely want to make more versions of this dress too, enjoy yours and don't forget to check the links below to find it on our site.
Lovely dress!!.. 3/4 sleeves gives dress somewhat s subtle elegance. Shorter sleeves would b my preference for spring/summer comfort 😊..
Yes I think to make the sleeves shorter would be ideal, even though I do like the longer sleeve also.
Such a beautiful make! Love both sleeves ….but the shorter sleeve works a bit better with the style and silhouette of the dress. The shorter tapered sleeve adds better shape to the dress. The puffy, longer sleeve although lovely, might be just a tad over-whelming for the delicate flow and style of the dress!❤……Your skills truly shine with this and all of your makes!…hugs to you!❤️🧵✂️
Short sleeves make it more 40s. I'd definitely make it that way.
I absolutely love this dress, I personally love the length of the sleeves but I do understand what you're saying, I'm just a bit worried about the front neck line being too low
I liked it even more when you pushed the sleeves up, which surprised me
Prefer the longer sleeve! Puff sleeves look juvenile IMO.. the dress is gorgeous!!
Short sleeves look great
The dress looks just beautiful as it is, make another one with short sleeves then you have both styles
thank you I'm definitely making more I love it so much
I just finished my Belle dress and it turned out beautifully. But there were multiple times when I just ignored the instructions, because they were too confusing, and just guessed what to do.
I agree that the fit is magic. I didn't make a mock-up and my only alteration was to shorten the bodice and sleeves
Yes, do the short sleeves
The dress is beautiful - I see what you mean by pushing the sleeves up - but the current sleeves add a real wow factor. It just looks something special as it is. You look stunning
This suits you beautifully ❤. Thank you for sharing. I have only got one Style Arc pattern, I’ve even got the fabric but I am frightened to try as I don’t understand the pattern requirements. 😢
Try and check their website, they do a lot of sewalongs it might be covered there
I think it is lovely as it is don’t touch the sleeves ❤
I have this one and loved it straight away when it came out. But I’m concerned with the plunging neckline as I’m well endowed. I would like to see the shorter sleeves with stirred band or a band plain.
Beautiful dress!
Thanks Lucy. Looking stunning as ever in that dress. 😊 I think I’d go short sleeves with that print but think the longer ones would look stunning in something like a plain satin with plenty of drape. Presumably you could cross the front bodice pieces a little more if, like me, you’d want the neckline a little higher?
I am definitely planning more versions as you suggest, it is such a fab pattern. I think you would be able to work something out with the necklin e just bear in mind it joins to the waistband so would affect the overlap there. Otherwise you could add some extra on at the neckline on your pattern pieces perhaps just bear in mind the facing is created by folding it back on itself.
@@SewEssential brill, thanks for the advice 😊👍💖
Looks lovely.
Noooo....🫣...it looks gorgeous as it is! The dress really suits you - fabric, colour - everything. Next summer make another one with short sleeves.
Yes, short sleeves ❣
Looks beautiful
Very very pretty
My wedding dress
This is beautiful! Do you think I could raise the neckline for more coverage? X
Short sleeves will also be fine with trainers ❤❤
Gorgeous dress! Do you think this would be a good fit on a bigger bust, 36 DD?
Lucy, this dress was made for you! I have the pattern as well, but have not made it, because I'm built different. I'm shorter, and I have quite a bit of cleavage. The V-neck looks perfect on you, but it is so low. For my girls, I think it might look indecent, lol. For a busy print, I liked the short sleeves much better. They bring the eye back up to all the pretty design features at the waist. I agree, that with a solid fabric the long sleeves are perfection.
Thanks for your thoughts, I think someone else said they'd like a higher neckline and I do think you could adapt the pattern to achieve this. Thanks for sharing
How could the neckline be raised? 🙏
I think long sleeves are better
Don’t touch those sleeves! They’re gorgeous.
I bought this pattern quite a while ago because I love it. But I haven’t made it because I haven’t figured out how to raise that neckline. I need it up about 3 inches. The way the pattern goes, It’s just seem difficult so I’ve just put it aside. Any suggestions?
Since Lucy mentioned it crosses over, I wonder if you could raise the neckline by simply crossing it over further by an inch or two?
xXXX👍👍👍
Long sleeve! The short sleeve looks like a'house dress'...
Had anyone with big boobs made this? I wonder if it covers over the bra at the front? Love it but not sure if my bra would show.
I prefer the short sleeves, personal opinion I think though.