Style Arc Hope

This is a pattern that has been sewn by many, many people. It's another one of Style Arc's easy to fit and easy to wear dresses. I've made it before, too...in a larger size and worse, a very crisp cotton. I never wore it. That fabric is probably going to become a jacket lining soon.

I'm happy with this version. It's made from a stable tencel poly knit, medium light-weight. Much better for me in a fabric like this with drape.

Changes from the basic pattern: went one size down on the bodice and sleeve. Kept my original size for the skirt - it just means there are slightly more gathers. Lengthened the skirt 1 inch by just adding on to the bottom. Topstitched the seams where the sleeves and skirt attach to the bodice, to give them more support. Instead of a facing, I did a bound neckline and think it looks right with the topstitched seams. Lastly, I made a wider casing for the sleeve elastic and think that looks nicer.

Down at the bottom is a bad photo of me wearing it. You can see how much taller I am than my dress form. I quit trying to adjust her height because she always ends up collapsing back down.

There's not a lot to say because this is such an easy pattern to sew up. Those huge sleeves do make it a fabric hog, but single layer cutting helps with that. 

topstitching and binding

3/4 inch elastic in the sleeves

ta-da!

It's nice to have a dress with longer sleeves and this is my only one. Hope is a very popular pattern and I do like it, but there are others I like more. It's possible I might make it again, but there are no immediate plans.