StyleArc Laura Dress

I really like this dress pattern.  It's easy to sew and comfortable to wear (although as of this writing, I haven't worn it out of the house yet - or out of the sewing room for that matter).  I'd been eyeing this one for some time and with the sale on PDF patterns at the StyleArc Etsy shop this weekend, I decided it was time to purchase.

One of the things I like about purchasing on from the Etsy shop is that three sized are included.  Yes, you still have to print out three patterns and tape them together, but this way I'm able to get my size as well as my sister's size.  Win/win for me.

I sewed this one right away.  I printed it and taped it together AND cut the fabric on Friday and sewed it Saturday.  I very seldom get to patterns that fast.  I printed and sewed the size 12 for myself.  The pattern uses .25" seams; I did cut .50" side seams in case I needed some "fudge let out" room.  Turned out I didn't need it.  I'll do this again when I make it as it's always hard to tell with knits and their various stretch factors as to how much wiggle room one might need.

Needing to sew down the stash (which is not growing quite as much as it used to), I found a rayon knit purchased from Fabric Mart while back.  I knew I wanted a contrast fabric and toyed with using black, blue, or pink.  I had some yardage in each color.  I decided on the pink which is a cotton/lycra from C&C Fabrics in Dallas.  I purchased a bolt of the pink probably a year ago at a very good price.
Sewing was easy.  I used the sewing machine and serger.  I diverted from the instructions by sewing the neckband on before attaching the dress portion to the yokes.  This way, there was less fabric to maneuver at the sewing machine while sewing the band.

As you you can see, I made short sleeves.  This is Texas; yesterday it was 85 degrees.  Don't need long sleeves this time of year or in the months to come.

I will make a version for my sister and will probably make a shortened top version for myself.  I'm already thinking how I might change it up a bit by altering the the pattern for some different color blocking options.

I really had planned to have a photo of me modeling the dress as I had planned to wear it to church today, but have been dealing with a clogged head and sore throat for a couple of days.  So, I didn't make it to church this morning.  But, you get the idea of it on Saphroni.