Written by Julie B.

July 2022

Something I love about sewing as a hobby and skill is that there’s always room for growth and improvement. Since I’m always up for a challenge, I thought for my next collaboration with Bolt Fabric Boutique I’d tackle the Style Arc Belle Woven Dress.

I used the 18-30 size range, which has max sizes of 58 1/4in bust and 61in hip.

I love the pattern’s v-neckline with delicate gathers, fitted front waistband, and shirred back for extra comfort. What really made this project a dream was the lovely rayon linen slub I picked out from Bolt Fabric Boutique in a lovely magenta color. The fabric is a 70% Rayon and 30% linen blend, which makes it soft and silky, while also handling machine washing well. I made this dress to wear to a best friend’s wedding and the fabric stood up to hours of dancing and didn’t show any sweat. I also found the perfect buttons at Bolt that matched the magenta fabric.

Style Arc ranks the Belle Woven Dress as Medium and Challenging in experience level. I’m not going to lie…I felt that while making this. The biggest difference with Style Arc patterns is that not every step is illustrated, so I ran into a few confusing instances that pushed my comprehension overall. So, don’t be like me and heed this warning: Style Arc patterns are probably a step above the level they rank themselves (at least for your first pattern with them).

Trying to be a better sewist, I knew I should tackle a toile of the bodice first. I ended up making two to get the fit right. I struggled at first with only having the finished measurements provided in the pattern. Again, don’t be like me and instead of guessing your ease, check Style Arc’s website which has their size chart. After the first toile (made with a size 18 at the bust graded to size 24 at the hips) was too small, I switched to a straight size 24. This ended up being a little too large at the bust, so I took that in an 1.5in overall, so probably landed on something between a 20/22 at the bust graded to a size 24 at the hips.

One thing that was nice about making toiles first is that I got very familiar with the bodice instructions, so it felt easy getting to them for the 3rd time with the fashion fabric. First up in the pattern instructions was the shirred back panel. I really enjoyed learning tips from Martha (@BuriedDiamond) on shirring, she makes so many lovely garments that have shirring. The biggest takeaway I learned was to go slow! I love that shirred panels are kinda having a moment and replacing more restrictive finishes like zippers. It’s a great way to extend the life of a homemade garment that can flex/change with your body. I’ll be looking for more garments I can add a shirred back panel to in my future summer makes.

This pattern also has lots of gathers, which makes it feel super romantic. I enjoy using Leila’s (@Leila_Sews) tips on gathers every time I encounter them in a pattern. To help keep the gathers in a section, after gathering to your notches, place a pin at a start and end point of the gathers and wrap the ends of the gathering thread around the pin. You don’t need to do it a ton, but a few times helps secure the thread so you can evenly distribute the gathers without them loosening.

While Style Arc’s instructions were a challenge, the overall finish is beautiful. All of the front bodice gathers are sandwiched between the front waist or back yoke, making the insides super clean and pretty. The front buttons really elevate the dress and I think fabric choice will help dress it up or down. The only other modification I did on the dress was shorten the sleeves to an elbow length. Original inspo makes from Emily (@Notinator) and Ele (@SewnByEle) helped cinch the decision especially for a summer wedding.

Overall, I enjoyed the process of this project and can’t wait to make more magenta garments. I hope you find something to challenge yourself this summer or at least make an outfit you can dance all night in.

Also wearing:

Earrings - Target

Sunglasses - Target

Clutch - Anthropologie

Shoes - FitFlop (a gal in her 30s needs a cute shoe to boogie in and this is it)

Pattern Review: Stunning Style Arc Belle Woven Dress