Carnegie Woven Dress

2 reviews for Carnegie Woven Dress

1. 

   4 out of 5

   Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size

   k*******1 (verified owner) – September 6, 2021:

   I really love this dress. I made it for my daughter & it’s very flattering. However, as a fairly inexperienced sewer, I would’ve appreciated more comprehensive instructions. In particular, I really struggled with the all in one facing. (Finally got there, but it took quite a long time). Anyway, undaunted, I’m about to make another one. I’ll attempt a lining this time.

2. 

   3 out of 5

   Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size

   J************t (verified owner) – August 18, 2021:

   This was a lot of firsts for me, in addition to being the first dress I’d made in about 15 years. It was the first time I’d bought a pattern that wasn’t from one of the major pattern companies, the first time I’d bought a pdf pattern and printed it myself, and the first time I’d made up a garment that had other than 5/8″ or 1.5 cm seam allowance.

   I contacted StyleArc about back-waist length but didn’t really get an answer. However, it seems the patterns are drafted for the same wearer height as the major companies so I figured I’d need to make the same adjustments. However, when there is no provision for above-waist adjustments, Vogue, for example, says so. I had to guess where would be the best place to shorten the dress as I’m short and one of the reasons I prefer to sew my own clothing is because otherwise the waist shaping hits me on the hips and the result looks terrible.

   I really disliked the narrow seam allowances. They don’t give enough room for staystitching, on the curves or grading around the facing seams. Neither of which were mentioned in the instructions but, in my opinion, are necessary steps.

   Neither were there any instructions on how to handle the intersection of the seams at the bottom of the side inserts. In fact, the instructions were very poor and would not have received a good grade if I were still teaching.

   As for fit, I don’t usually have issues other than length. So I was surprised to find that the back neckline gaped really badly, so badly I would not wear it in public as it was. I mean the space between my neck and the dress was over an inch. I ended up removing the zipper and redoing the seam without the zipper as I didn’t need it to put on or remove the dress. I was also surprised that, for the first time ever, I had to make the hem bigger in the back so it would be more even from the floor. Clearly StyleArc patterns are not made to fit me.

   I’d add some photos except I don’t plan to post any on social media and I can’t add them directly here.

Choosing your pattern size is the most important step and we will help you determine this with these easy to follow steps.

1. When taking your measurements ensure that you take them against your skin and not over clothing. One can wear a comfortable bra and knickers whilst measuring, as this will provide you with the most accurate measurements.
2. Tape measure has to sit firmly around the points you are measuring. But be careful not to pull it too tight, as this will give you the incorrect size.
3. When measuring circumferences (B, C, D, E) it is important to note that the tape measure must remain parallel to the floor. It is sometimes best to take the measurements in front of a mirror; this will help you see the angle of the tape measure.
4. You will only require the basic body measurements to determine your pattern size which is indicated on our mannequin below:

A. Shoulder Breadth

Place the tape at the edge of the shoulder. Measure along the top of the shoulder blade/across the highest point of the shoulders to the other edge, following the natural slope and allow an extra finger for ease of any movement.

B. Upper Arm Girth

This point is taken as a circumference at your widest point of your upper arm.

C. Bust

This point is taken as a circumference parallel to the floor at the fullest part of your chest.

D. Waist

This point is taken as a circumference and taken at the smallest part of your waist.

E. Hip

This point is taken as a circumference parallel to the floor at the widest part of your hips.