Sally, what a pretty blouse. You did well considering how poorly Style Arc prepares their patterns. It's my feeling that when you pay for a pattern, you should get detailed instructions as well. Style Arc needs to correct this problem. Thank you for sharing. Suzanne

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you! Yes I hope they are working on it x

I learnt using big four patterns but i also had a comprehensive sewing book to help(It was before the internet).I know we now have KZread but a written sewing manual is such a great help when your puzzled by something.

It is unfortunate that the pattern didn't have better instructions. For the money these patterns cost, they should include complete instructions. Even the most experienced sewist often needs clarification on how to do things. Your blouse is very pretty, perfect summer too.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you! I wonder if this is one of the older patterns and they are improving because I’ve not found others quite as bad x

Sally like you I purchased the paper version of the Style Arc Almy. I would call myself an experienced beginner sewist. I really took my time cutting out the pattern and my material and I took my time putting the top together. I followed the extremely scant instructions to the letter and the top was looking great with a lovely flounce neckline. Then I came to instruction 8 !!! - no matter what I did I could not make sense of it. After trying various attempts over a period of 3 days (trying the new day, fresh approach theory) and reaching the stage of having sewn and unpicked the front of the neckline so many times that I had damaged the material, I eventually gave up and threw the top in the bin. The whole thing had such a negative impact on me I didn't go near my sewing machine for 2 weeks as I was left feeling that I was totally useless. I feel better knowing that I'm not the only person who has had problems with this pattern, particularly someone as experienced as yourself. I'm glad you managed to find a solution and your Almy is lovely. However it will be a long time before I ever buy another Style Arc Pattern !! Keep up your great vlogs, I always enjoy and learn from them.

@india1422

26 күн бұрын

I was stung by a Style Arc pattern a few years ago and have never made one since.i think it's very poor to charge quite a bit of money and then not give appropriate instructions.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Oh I’m so sorry you had this experience. Such a shame. Perhaps you should let them know too. Don’t feel useless though we’ve all been there find a nice pattern you love and sew that before anything else. Thanks so much for watching xx

Lovely blouse, it really suits you. I love Style Arc patterns, I've noticed that the new ones have better instructions.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Yes I think they do. This must have been an old one x

Your blouse is really pretty… It is so light and airy… I have had a similar experience with Style Arc patterns.

This has nothing to do with your video, except I was watching you joining the shoulder seams on your top, and it made me think about it, and you said at the dnd that every time you think everything is going to go well, it takes a lot longer than you expect. I'm so frustrated with myself, that I need to tell someone. I was sewing my husband a simple shirt (which I've made before) in some gorgeous viscose fabric for summer. I was so pleased with myself and was being really careful and precise. The burito method went perfectly, and all my top stitching was spot on. It looked gorgeous. I went to put the button bands on, and they were 4" too long! I had put the front pieces on the wrong sides! I could have cried. Now I have to unpack all of my stitching, top stitching, the back yoke, and basically start right back to the beginning. I'm scared to do it though, because the viscose is quite delicate and a dark print with white on the back side, so prone to running, where the white would show in streaks. I know this because I had to unpick a short section earlier, and that happened. Plus, black thread on black fabric is so hard to see. I'm sitting here now trying to get up the courage to start unpicking.

@DeniseSyrett

28 күн бұрын

This is how sewing goes sometimes. It does want to make you cry. But hang on, do a check on a scrap of the fabric to see if you can steam out the needle holes. Use a pressing cloth and/or light steam. Usually that will relax the threads. (I don’t know what’s right for your particular fabric for heat and steam). Count yourself as a seasoned sewer now. I once made a wedding dress from silk and sewed the front pieces on to the back. It was a long columnar gown with godets. And I’ve sewn sleeves on backwards. I saved my white silk gown though. Good luck!

@jacmary6580

28 күн бұрын

Oh gosh, I feel your pain, but I do have a fix for your runs. If you get them 🤔 I use a sharpie in as near a match as I can, and colour in the runs. Sounds odd, but it has worked 😊 don't forget to test it out on a scrap, though. Hope this helps 😊

@sew_So_beautiful

28 күн бұрын

@@jacmary6580thanks. I bought a pack of fabric markers off Amazon and they just came in, so I'm giving them a try. It wasn't quite as bad as I thought (I hope, anyway.) I have just unpicked the part where the front shoulders joined the yoke, and I think with some slight twisting of fabric through the armholes, I can stitch them the right way in, and then topstitch instead of taking all of it apart it did add a multitude of pulls again, but hopefully the markers will work. Otherwise, I do have sharpies in a bunch of colours as a back up. What was even more frustrating, was I had first pinned them the right way in, looked at it and thought it was wrong, then pinned them in the wrong way and then sewed the right side in backwards and had to unpick that. I really wasn't paying attention, even though I thought I was.

@sew_So_beautiful

28 күн бұрын

@@DeniseSyrett oh my goodness! I likely would have done that too though. I've sewn wrap bodices on sideways during a pattern test and couldn't figure out why the front sagged so badly.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Oh I’m so sorry! I absolutely feel your pain though I think we’ve all been there haven’t we. Take your time with it and come back to it when you’re ready I’m sure it will be amazing in the end xxx

Love the blouse so pretty, thank you for the Button Knit Wool Shop, I live quite near to the shop so I'll have to visit xx

Great vlog as always love the review and the pattern even with the odd instructions. Love the fabric too ❤❤

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you for watching xx

What a sewing journey! Beautiful finished blouse. 😊 (Bias fold fabric to cut flounce on fold).

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

7 сағат бұрын

Thanks so much for watching xx

Gauge swatching is super important with your knitting, especially since you aren’t using the recommended yarn! Just use the needle size in the pattern as a starting point for your gauge swatch. Make sure you make it big enough, and keep changing your needle size until your guard matches the pattern gauge. My needle size is almost never the size the pattern lists, even if I’m using the recommended yarn. Everyone knits differently! Don’t give up!

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you! Yes I think this is where I need to be patient and keep going until I get it right x

In the u.k we don't have a recognised replacement for a sport weight yarn.Either keep trying to alter the tension by needle size changes( Once you've cracked its done😘) or I have tried 3ply yarn.Hobbycraft stock it.

One of cats does the exact same thing as your dog. And of course no matter how often I tell him he's not getting back in I can't ignore that little scratching at the door.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

26 күн бұрын

They are so funny aren’t they 😂

Ohh Sally the blouse is GORGEOUS XX❤

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you ☺️

For your knitting question. You might try having a crochet hook on hand and using it when you need to knit the 7 strands into one stitch. I have saw a video using a crochet hook to make bobbles and tried it out. Makes nice tight bobbles.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

26 күн бұрын

Oh thank you! I’ll give that a try x

What a lovely blouse Sally, I’m glad you persevered as it was worth it 🧵💕✂️

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Thank you :) xx

The blouse is so lovely! Such a good result despite the hurdles! The cardigan is also exceptional with the open detail.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Thank you so much xx

Love this style of calm vlog Sally, and the blouse was well worth it, it’s beautiful 😍

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Thank you I’m glad you enjoyed it x

What a gorgeous top and very much your style Sally.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you 💕

What a lovely vlog. I made this blouse years ago ( even before Covid) it still sits unfinished. It only needs the buttonholes and buttons but i got so annoyed with it. Having seen yours I think I may finish it. It is a very old pattern and I do believe Style Arc are getting much better at their instructions.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

26 күн бұрын

Yes I think they are aren’t they. I’ve definitely had better experiences with their patterns x

What a lovely blouse Sally, very pretty

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Thank you xx

I made the Almy about 5 years ago and also found the instructions very slim. I can’t remember how I resolved the issues now but i too loved the blouse. I do remember thinking that if I were to make it again I would try to use a light enough fabric that lining the flounce could be possible. I struggled with the rolled edge finish. Seeing your lovely version makes me think I should jump in and try it again. I appreciate your videos - thank you!

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

24 күн бұрын

Yes the narrow hem is fiddly isn’t it! Good luck with your next version xx

I love banana bread. I just bought the book on Kindle.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

26 күн бұрын

I’m sure you’ll love it 😊

Well at least the banana bread was simple and uncomplicated 😁 I'm sorry for all your frustrations this week but well done persevering and ending up with a lovely blouse.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you so much ☺️

I love your blouse, I’ve been wanting to make it. Thanks for sharing how you found it and pointing out the issues you had with it.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Thank you I’m glad you found it helpful xx

I am new to your channel and really enjoying it! This episode was wonderful and I look forward to the next one! Thank you. Kim, from Southern Caliornia

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for watching xx

Murphy's law re editing. Anything that can go wrong etc. Its a pain to learn new technology, but you will get it sorted, never fear. You may find it has lots more options for you than the old one.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you! I’m getting a bit more used to it now but it seemed so daunting at first 🙈

This was so lovely to watch your blouse come together, well done on a beautiful finished garment despite the frustrations of the minimal instructions. I’ve made 3 style arc patterns and each one had one or two guesswork elements. I’d love to hear about style arc’s reply to your email, as now I’ve seen yours I think I want to make that blouse too. Well done on picking the size too, it seems to fit you perfectly. Your knitting is gorgeous too, thank you for a very enjoyable video

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

Thank you! It’s good to know it’s not just me I was a bit worried I’d missed something. I think if you’ve made similar blouses you’ll be fine as you can sort of work out the construction x

The blouse is so delicately beautiful!. Thanks for sharing your journey with this pattern. When it said cut on fold, I would have assumed that once you have folded your fabric 45 degrees to the selvedge, you place the pattern piece against the new fold. Please let us know what Style-Arc says is the correct way. Thank you Sally!

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

18 күн бұрын

Thank you! Yes that is possible- I will let you know xx

Well done for persevering with the blouse, it's really lovely. Style Arc really aren't doing themselves any favours with the skimpy instructions as it puts so many sewists off even trying them despite their designs being gorgeous. I just ordered the cook book you mentioned from world of books, looking forward to trying some of the recipes. One of my favourite books is The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook, their brownie recipe is the simplist and best I've ever made. Have a blessed week. Xxx

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

I hope you enjoy the baking book and thanks for your suggestion. It is a shame about SA patterns I hope they will improve them xx

Hi Sally, changing needle types (metal vs wooden) helps, but sometimes it’s the yarn too. I recommend Wool Warehouse, they have lots of yarns and you can filter by type. Drops is pretty cheep and cheerful, and they have a cotton merino which is sport weight. Good luck!

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Thank you for the suggestions :) x

Sally, your blouse turned out just lovely in spite of the struggles with the instructions. Their online tutorials are quite helpful if they have one relating to what you're making. I agree that Style Arc patterns are very on trend but I've never made one that I didn't have some struggles with. Another complaint I have with them is that all of their v-neck styles I've made have been VERY low even though their drawings don't show them to be. In the end, though, I do love every Style Arc garment I've made once I get them finished.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

It's a battle isn't it, I want to buy them because I love the styles but I am a bit nervous of starting the Smith Jacket now. I'm glad it wasn't just me who had trouble x

Perseverance is essential in flounces, bias binding, placket etc. yours a Great outcome. If you want to try another Flounce Opus have a look at "Anastasia blouse" free pdf pattern. I changed the sleeves on mine.... Just a regular cuff on a short sleeve. But ooooh boy that flounce, weird placket, button loops (make them longer than directions), and bias tape. And the directions are in French. Needed Google translate and watched the video a gazillion times (in French). My head almost blew up several times.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Haha oh dear I’m glad it was all worth it in the end! Thank you for the pattern recommendation x

Loved this. I know you said you were a bit out of sorts ( building/tech nightmare) but I thought you explained and spoke about everything so naturally and confidently, was a pleasure to watch. No editing issues for me at all. It might be worth blocking your lovely cardi before doing the ribbing on the cuffs so you can see how much they might grow in length, so if they are too long you don’t have to rip back ribbing. The cami patterns both look quite loose fit on the body, maybe go down a needle size or two or look for a more fitted style. There are lots of Summer knits videos on youtube at the moment with cami pattern reviews. Your blouse looks lovely. This was your best vlog for me , so nice confident and natural and keeping it real. Xx

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Aw thank you I'm glad you think so. Thank you for the knitting advice too xx

I’m making a few style arc patterns at the moment and am relying on my own experience more so than their instructions, but for a beginner this does make it difficult and can put people off. One thing i would say re the paper patterns, I always encourage others to make a copy rather than than cut up the original pattern. For someone like yourself it’s not so important but you did size down and if that didn’t work it makes it difficult to recut a larger size. I just feel it’s a good recommendation for others, especially those that don’t measure and think the ready to wear size will fit them and they then get disappointed when it doesn’t. Hope this doesn’t come over negatively, I just see so many get disappointed too often. Hope you get your software sorted soon ❤

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Yes I agree I went through a phase of always tracing but it’s so time consuming (although worth it of course!) xx

I hate polyester! I am sewing up some anonymous fabric that must have a high polyester conten as it just won’t press flat. I’ve just finished sewing the neckband of my M&M Florence dress (and done it really nicely)when the stitches at the front of the neckband turned into perforations and neatly ripped open. I think this happened because my enthusiastic pressing had crisped up the fabric. Bargain fabric isn’t always a bargain. This is going to be an unwearable toile if it makes it that far!

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

28 күн бұрын

It’s not a fabric I would usually choose to be honest as I don’t either! That said this didn’t immediately feel polyester-y. Sorry to hear about your experience it really is worth investing sometimes isn’t it x

Hi Sally. What a lovely video. I do love what you make and the colours you choose. I am currently making the Logan Shacket by Style Arc and I agree they definitely do assume a lot of prior knowledge. I also find them use terminology that I even as an Aussie using an Aussie pattern have never heard of. I swear they make these words up. I was wondering when you made your Logan Shacket did you need to shorten it a lot. I'm the same hight as you. I have had a few fit issues too. I feel silly I didn't pick them up in my muslin. I definitely have the same issue as you. As soon as I think a project is quick it manages to take me way longer😂. Love your videos. Have a lovely week.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Thank you for watching :) Yes I did shorten it quite a bit but I can't remember how much 🙈 If you do shorten it I would reduce the pocket size too I wish I had done that in mine. Always the way with the speed isn't it! xx

I do agree about the style arc patterns, I like so many of the designs but the instructions are very minimal. Often I can see from the picture that there is a way to stitch the garment together that gets the best finish but I can’t quite work out how they did it! So frustrating! I love your whitmoor cardigan, it’s looking great. When it comes to using sport weight yarn, I have never found a really good English equivalent, it is so frustrating when you find a pattern you really like but just can’t get the tension right cos you can’t get the same yarn. What needles are you using to knit the nupps, I think you can get a looser tension on metal needles rather than bamboo, if that is helpful. Thanks once again for another lovely episode and I’m sure I’m not the only one sharing your frustration, sit down with a cuppa and a slice of your lovely cake and relax! ❤

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Thank you! I had never heard of sport weight yarn so that was a new one! I will try the nupps again I am using metal I think I need to spend a bit more time working out the tension 😊 x

It was well worth you persevering with the blouse, it’s so pretty and the style suits you. I’ve just bought the pattern for the cardigan and looking for some wool. Sally which sleeve are you knitting in the current project.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Thank you! I’m knitting the bishop sleeve 😊 x

@annmargaretwatts6474

25 күн бұрын

@@SecretLifeOfASeamstress Thank you.

Absolutely gorgeous blouse! I would love to make one but am a bit worried about the instructions 😬 Please do let us know if you hear back from Style Arc, or if you find your own way. I bet lots of people would look up your sew along

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

I will do. Thank you I’m glad you like it x

That's odd about your first attempt at the tulip top! Especially if your guage swatch was OK! I also run into the problem of trying to find an alternative for sport weight yarn, I think it's more of an American thing. I've been told to aim for a heavy fingering/4ply but I would guess a light dk would work as well. I'm not sure what kind of provisional cast on you were using - but the last time I did one it said to cast on half the number of stitches for the pattern to begin with which leads to you finishing the cast on with the right number. I don't know if that's the case with the one you're doing but since it ended up twice as big thought I would just raise that as a suggestion to check. Love the video :)

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

26 күн бұрын

That’s interesting I did wonder if it was something to do with the cast on! I’ll see if I can make any more sense of it x

You did really well - it is a lovely feminine blouse. I had the same issue with the Style Arc Birdie pattern (could not figure out how their instructions for the button placket) so just stumbled through it. They need clearer instructions

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Thank you! I'm glad it wasn't just me that had trouble then, I think it's their older patterns isn't it x

I was interested to see how you got on with this top as I found it a nightmare. It’s currently in the naughty corner.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

26 күн бұрын

Aw such a shame x

Have you considered bamboo knitting needles? Perhaps try a smaller ply and or different types of yarn just to check its ease when knitting. Sometimes if yarn has some synthetic content and it is old it can be stiffer to knit.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Thank you for the advice, I only have a minimal selection of needle types I have an interchangeable set but hey are metal x

I have a style arc pattern “Bertie top” which I haven’t started because I don’t know how! I loved what you made. Also, can you let us know what you’re wearing please. I loved the striped jumper you were wearing at the end (highest form of flattery). Best wishes, helen

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Oh I hope you manage to figure it out! That jumper was from M&S but a little while ago now 😊 x

What a beautiful blouse! I’m curious what model of Janome sewing machine you are using, if you don’t mind me asking? ❤

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

25 күн бұрын

Thank you! It’s a Janome Atelier 6 x

I just checked. The fabric is 100% polyester

Absolutely beautiful blouse Sally, it looks so stylish. It is so annoying when you pay a considerable amount of money for these patterns and the instructions are lacking. I am in the process of making a Maison Fauve blouse and I am finding the French to English translation of the instructions are not good at all! Thank you for taking the time to share your video.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Yes it is! I'v not made a MF blouse before although I do like their designs. I hope you figure it out x

Does Style Arc have a number to contact them? Even though I have been sewing since the 60s, and my grandmother was a seamstress, I had difficulty understanding a particular company's pattern, I contacted the company, explained my issue and the lady kindly walked me through. I loved the dress and will be making more! Your blouse looks lovely! Please do contact them. I'm hesitate to purchase Style Arc because of hearing issues with them, although I like many of their patterns.

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

27 күн бұрын

Oh I'm not sure actually. It's a shame when people are put off of their lovely designs x

xXX👍👍👍

I think assuming prior knowledge is " using French Seams" without telling you how to do a French seam.. I don't think it is missing important steps

@SecretLifeOfASeamstress

26 күн бұрын

It definitely is unfortunately. French seams wouldn’t have worked for the steps not included 😊