Style Arc Sally Jean Skirt

Here’s a garment I made last summer. It’s the Style Arc Sally Jean Skirt pattern and it is really nice! I’m always a fan of denim skirts in the summer because they are so comfortable, easy to wear and can go with so many different things.

The Pattern

The pattern is described as being slightly A-line, which it is. That’s one of the things I like about it. A-line skirts tend to be flattering on just about every body.

This is available in both PDF and paper formats. And as you can see, it’s rated “Medium” for skill level (intermediate).

How I Made It

I used some leftover white denim fabric I had from this jean jacket project. Having had quite a lot of experience sewing my own jeans, I knew that that’s the approach I would take with the construction of this skirt.

I really like the results I got. But getting there was challenging.

Style Arc Sally Jean Skirt Pros & Cons

There are no cons in terms of the style, sewability or wearability of the pattern. I think the pattern is great for the style and I will definitely be making more. It’s a classic that is just MY style!

My cons all have to do with the pattern instructions. They are more than a little lacking in instruction. There are patten parts that are labeled differently than what’s mentioned in the instructions. There are some terms that are different, but I chock that up to the pattern company being located in Australia (I think). Those things are figureoutable.

Front view of woman wearing Style Arc Sally jean skirt

I used a regular jean construction method for making the fly front because I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what they were saying -LOL!

I did not use a twin needle for making the two rows of stitching (as they say in the instructions). Personally, I don’t recommend it because denim can be thick and there will be several layers of fabric to go through. That’s an easy way to break a (twin) needle. I just sew two rows with a denim needle.

All that being said, the pattern is great and I will make this again, maybe this summer! Just be prepared to either use other instructions or have enough experience sewing so that you know what to do.

If you’d like to see the video review of the pattern, here it is.

Sewing Cargo Pants With New Look 6745

Sewing cargo pants with New Look 6745 is easy and I’m so glad I did it! Combining views A & B gave me the unique look I wanted. Here’s how the process went.

The Pattern

New Look 6745 is a unisex pants pattern that features two views with style options. There’s decorative webbing, gusseted pockets, elastic, buttons and twill tape for the drawstring.

The waistband is a separate piece that has three rows of stitching. the top and bottom rows are for elastic while the middle row is for the drawstring.

My Process

One of the first things I did was to use my croquis notebook to sketch the look I wanted to achieve. This is a good way to try out different looks you might be considering before you’ve started your project. For example, I was thinking of making the front patch pockets a solid color, but changed that with the actual pants.

Next, I made sure to make a muslin of the pattern which included some fit adjustments. Since this is a unisex pattern, I went with a Medium based on the measurements on the pattern envelope.

woman wearing muslin of New Look 6745 — *Muslin*

While it might seem like making the muslin will make the whole process take longer, that’s really not the case (at least for me). Once the muslin is done and I know the pants fit, I can be much more confident about cutting out my fabric and actually sewing the garment.

But just to be sure, I always do a fit check before the pants are completed.

woman wearing cargo pants with New Look 6745 — *Fit check*

Sewing Cargo Pants With New Look 6745

The fabric I used was purchased from Fabric Wholesale Direct. It’s a camo printed broadcloth that is a woven, lightweight fabric. It’s a terrific fabric that washes and dries well (meaning it doesn’t need ironing). Because it’s lightweight, the pants will be comfortable during spring and summer.

The pockets on the front are gusseted, so it does take a little bit more time than just sewing on regular patch pockets. Once that is done, it’s a quick process to stitch up the rest of the pants.

Conclusion

I LOVE how these fit! Most likely it’s because of the time taken in the beginning to ensure the changes made to the pattern would be sufficient.

I can definitely recommend this pattern. I used snaps for the closures on the pockets, but buttons or Velcro can also be used.

If you’d like to see the video I made about making these pants, you can check it out here.

Butterick 5030 Wrap Dress

I chose this pattern to make as my latest Minerva Fabric project. I was gifted this fabric from Minerva since I’m a Minerva Brand Ambassador. Butterick 5030 wrap dress seemed like the perfect pattern to pair with this gorgeous exclusive viscose linen.

The Pattern

This dress pattern is described as a flared wrap dress below mid-knee and semi fitted bodice. There are variations for neckline, sleeve and collar. I made View F which has the flutter sleeves. This one doesn’t have a belt or sash. The pattern says to use a purchased belt.

My Sewing Process

First, I didn’t make any alterations to the pattern itself. I cut out size 18 on this one and started to sew. Because this is really a wrap dress and not a mock wrap, there basically isn’t anything to hold the dress closed. The pattern says to use hook and eyes (just at the waistline). I chose to use snaps on mine. I felt they would be more secure. Also, I added additional sets of snaps so there are four total on mine.

There are two sets of snaps at the bust line/bodice and two sets at the waist.

It’s possible to add inside ties to the dress to keep it closed. There are different options you can use that the pattern doesn’t suggest.

As it was a bit windy when I took these pictures, I can tell you that adding a large safety pin or something to keep the front skirt closed can be helpful, unless you are trying to have a Marilyn Monroe type moment.

The Pattern And Fabric

Butterick 5030 wrap dress is a pretty quick make. It took me more time that usual simply because I added the sew-on snaps (done by hand).

Butterick 5030 wrap dress front with belt

The fabric I used for this is fantastic! Viscose linen blend is breathable and about a medium-weight fabric. It really has a great drape to it as well. I chose a fabric called “Pollen Passion” and can be viewed here. If you are like me, you want material that will wash and dry well. This one does both! Although the material was soft when I received it, it got even softer after washing and drying. However, be forewarned that there is a lot of lint that will come off.

Butterick 5030 wrap dress belted back view

Here is another dress I made as a Minerva Brand Ambassador that I truly love.

Conclusion

Great fabric and terrific pattern! I hope you will give at least one of these a try.

Butterick 5030 dress Simplicity 8546

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