I can definitely picture myself relaxing on a deck watching the world go by wearing this gorgeous fabric. It’s called Yacht Club and it’s from Minerva’s new exclusive viscose challis range. I was gifted this as part of their Ambassador Programme. As with the other fabrics in the range the viscose challis is such a lovely quality and super soft.
To show off the large design of the yachts I chose Style Arc’s Armidale dress. This is a classic style shirt dress with a raised waist and panelled skirt. Having first made a toile, I decided that I needed to raise the neckline and make my usual FBA and full tummy adjustments. This did result in losing the gathers on the front but I’m happy with the fit of the dress and it’s very comfortable to wear.
Being a wheelchair user I always have to take into account that generally most people will be viewing me from above so necklines have to be higher than for most people. I normally don’t like full skirts as there ends up being a pool of fabric to sit on which then gets caught in my wheels but I think I’ve managed to get away with it with this pattern.
Style Arc patterns have limited instructions but I did find this dress pretty straightforward to construct. I have made several types of shirt dresses now though. As others have commented the curved hem is a little tricky but if you press well and go slowly it comes together. I don’t think it would be suitable for a beginner but if you’ve made these type of dresses before you shouldn’t have any problems.
As usual hubby very kindly cut the pieces out for me using a rotary cutter and I used a microtex needle with a walking foot.
I do have a confession to make with this dress, my health wasn’t so good whilst I was making it and so I did opt for the more easy construction options as I wanted it finished before my pre-Christmas break. If I make it again I would use French seams rather than just overlocking and I would also make a lining if I was using a white fabric. I think I’ve managed to get away without the lining because of the style of the dress but if I was making a different pattern then a lining might be advisable. Overall though I’m pleased with how it has worked out and proud that I’ve managed to finish it when I wasn’t at my best.
(Image description: There are six images taken from different angles showing Yvonne seated in her wheelchair in her garden surrounded by foliage plants. Yvonne has long salt and pepper grey hair and she is wearing a white shirt dress with yachts printed on it, and white pumps.)
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