Latest make: Ariana woven dress by Style Arc!

I wanted to make a summer dress and I had some photos pinned to my pinterest board for inspiration. This one for example:

My first thought was to draft the pattern myself. But then I started to see similar dresses from the sewing community when scrolling through Instagram...

One of them was the Ariana woven dress! The bodice shape, gathered skirt, button down front, pockets...It was exactly what I was looking for so I didn't see the point of drafting from scratch when the dress I wanted already existed! Then we also had a wedding coming up. In Paris! I always make a dress for these kinds of occasions and this was not going to be an exception. I had a lot on my plate with my day job, freelancing and just life in general. But I really wanted to make a dress for this occasion.

Sometimes it's fun and easy to just use a pattern that already exists and not have to go through the time consuming process of drafting a pattern from scratch. I decided to buy the pattern and save me some time. And I'm glad I did because I managed to finish the dress just before we went on vacation! I mean I cut it real close. Sewed on the buttons on the train on my way to the airport. That close... 

The Ariana woven dress pattern has a shirred/smock piece in the back. I was a bit unsure if I would like it at first or if I would actually be able to create it. But I decided to go for it. I made a muslin/toile and figured out the right settings on my machine. I bought size 10 which means I got size 8, 10 and 12. I printed size 10 which I thought matched my measurements the best and then sewed it up with an old sheet. It was so big. Like 2, 3 sizes too big it felt like. Oh well. 

I then altered the muslin. I didn't want to have to print, tape, cut the pattern once again in a different size so I just altered the size 10 to fit me. And then I went on to the real fabric. Thank you muslin! That's exactly why I always make a muslin when trying a new pattern! The only design alteration I made was making the shoulder straps a bit wider. I wanted them to cover my bra straps. 

The fabric is a leftover piece from the brand where I have my day job. It's a cotton/spandex mix. The amount of stretch in this fabric really eased the fitting process on the bodice. I mostly had to take in at the waist. But that's the case with all patterns for me. So no surprises there.

It's hard to resist a dress with pockets! And I really love this part of 90s fashion making a comeback 😇 In the pattern there's an option to make this a top. I don't think that's my style though. I will stick to dresses... 

I fell in love with the wedding venue... just 1h from central Paris and just look at the surroundings... 😍

So happy I could wear a me made dress at this wedding! I will start sewing earlier for my next occasion dress though. I cut it real close with this one... 

(Sewing on the buttons on my way to the airport):

 I will definitely make more Ariana dresses when I get back to my sewing machine 🙏 I liked this pattern although I think it could have more detailed instructions. Otherwise great. I did see the Jessica Dress by Mimi G (free pattern) after I had already bought this pattern. I'm still glad I did, because I loved practicing my shirring skills! I have another fabric in mind for this pattern, see which one here

Right now we have one more week in Greece before reality hits us again. 

I'll make the most of it and gather energy and inspiration! I love getting back with a fresh mind and lot's of ideas to put in motion! 

Stay tuned for what's to come in the upcoming months. I have so many ideas for patterns 😍 and things I want to sew... 

That's it for this update. I hope you enjoyed it! 

Let me know what you want to see more of on this blog!

Josefine (& Mauritz the boyfriend, who takes all the pictures and gave me the fabulous shoes to style with the dress!) 

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