Style Arc Alisha dress photos

I won some tickets to a show at the QPAC (Queensland Performing Arts Complex) - Wizard of the Keys where piano virtuoso Behzod Abduraimov played Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 3 - he is only 24 and was sensational - not that I'm any specialist, but he did get three standing ovations! So, as I don't get the opportunity to get out to special events often I took the opportunity to wear the Style Arc Alisha dress I made for the wedding in early May. I didn't manage to get a single photo of the dress on that night so I took the opportunity to get some photos. My friend took them with her phone and they are a bit washed out but really nice photos.

I wore it with my Burda coat I made (actually for the photo taking friend's wedding in April 2009).
Below without the coat showing off the lovely fabric. The lining, which I know you can't see, is a synthetic but superb quality (a Daniel Lightfoot - Brisbane designer of long ago who made/makes beautiful gowns etc) and feels lovely on.

The back of the dress... I love the way the back stays open and the collar stands up - although mine isn't standing on one side here. Here you can see how much my right shoulder has dropped after some injuries and I really should have adjusted that. You can notice the seams in this overexposed photo but in real life you can't see it and it is more gun metal grey than blue grey like it appears on my laptop.

Wearing the dress again has made me think it out more. I didn't put sleeves on and I think I should have cut the armscye in a bit more. I also think that the bust line is high on Style Arc patterns (and I have 50 year old boobs) and I found this on the Rosie top too. I think in the comments Gabrielle of Up Sew Late mentioned that the bust line should be lowered and I didn't ~~take any notice~~ change it and now it looks high. It's hard to see the seam line across the bust in these photos but being a bit high and needing new bras makes it look bad. However, it is still a lovely dress to wear and we had a lot of fun...and as two tired Mums, we didn't even fall asleep!

Trying a vintage togs pattern.

Hello, it's been a while again. Not as long as some bloggers who have recently returned to blogging...up to 7 years, but I'm glad people are coming back. I never joined Instagram as I'm not that fussed on 'social media' and more with people who write about their sewing. So back to sewing. I picked up this vintage McCalls togs pattern. It's quite a good value pattern as there are three very different and interesting swimsuits included. That's pretty rare. It's a size 16. I decided to make view B. All of the patterns have pieces for the bra cups too which is really great. Photographed with it is a Burda beach wrap. I can't find the magazine number right now, but it's at least 10 years old. Basically it's a large square of fabric with arm holes cut out. The fabric is genuine 70s towelling. I know because Mum bought it to cover our 'fantastic plastic' vinyl couch. Vinyl was preferred back then...

Kwik Sew

So recently Spotlight had Kwik Sew patterns - 3 for the price of 1. I don't really need any patterns as I have plenty but some took my fancy and I'm keen to sew some up. I have been really liking the waterfall jackets... I have a Butterick pattern (not mentioned yet but brought over from the US with a friend... that's another post though), a New Look cut out and I liked the length of this Kwik Sew one too. I was seduced by Kristy's beautiful version of the jacket on the right. Don't expect to see it fitting me so perfectly but it looks nice and easy and it's a bit different and a bit timeless too. I was thinking of sailor type pants but when I saw this shorts pattern, I thought I could make them up and see if they suit and I may be able to lengthen the legs and not have to trace out a Burda one. Not sure how KS patterns fit me as I've only made a dress a while ago now. I have these cut out from a leftover piece that was not enough for anyth...

Island night... PNG cruise

Well hello again. I've just come back from a cruise to Papua New Guinea and I made a dress for Island night. Island night or any theme night is just a suggestion... there is no organised event, meals, activities; just a dress code suggestion. As soon as I read that, I searched for this vintage surfie fabric I bought years ago at an op shop. I was thrilled to use it. I needed an easy pattern that I could make 2 days before the cruise departure and one that I would wear again. I used this Style 2911 pattern that I only bought online a few months ago. Style are my favourite patterns. I cut out a size 16 but had to reduce it to the 12. It's a great simple but elegant pattern and it went together perfectly. My machines liked it too... they cooperate when they like what I'm making and it was a breeze. I cannot believe that we didn't get one photo of it on. I was thrilled with it and even tho there is some ink staining you can't really see it as it's so busy. I had ...

Sew Darn Tired

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