I loved my last Style Arc Hope dress so much that I couldn’t wait to make another one, this time, however I thought I’d try a different neckline. I used the expansion pack again and opted for bodice B, which is a raglan wrap over V-neck and again I went for the statement sleeves of option 1. I love how different these sleeves look depending on whether you have them down or push them up to make more of a balloon effect.
I chose the gorgeous Sunprint Palms which is another wonderful print from Minerva’s exclusive linen viscose collection. This is such a vibrant print with its palm leaves in shades of red, blue green and yellow, it just needed a sunny day to show it off (unfortunately the weather had other ideas, so it didn’t give off the holiday vibe I was imagining). I was very kindly gifted this fabric as part of their Ambassador Programme.
I love working with, and wearing this fabric. It’s so breathable and comfortable to wear and doesn’t crease like traditional linen. It is important to pre-wash it before you get sewing as it does shrink a little and as the fabric frays quite easily it’s worth finishing the edges of each piece as soon as you’ve got it cut out.
When I initially looked at the pattern, I suspected that the V-neck would be too low for me and after tissue fitting and making a toile of the bodice my suspicions were confirmed.
I raised the wrap part of the bodice by 1 inch, which then meant I also had to raise the sleeves and back bodice to match. Just for extra security (and piece of mind) I also added a clear snap fastening just at the top of the V to ensure that there wouldn’t be any gape as I move around.
As before, I decided to leave off the pockets as they are hard to reach when I’m seated in my chair. These were the only alterations I made apart from making a belt to go with it, which I like to tie loosely.
As before I sewed the project with a universal 80/12 needle and used my overlocker to finish the edges.
It’s really hard to say which of my two Hope dresses I prefer because I love them both and I do feel that they look different enough to not realise they are the same pattern. I’m definitely getting kimono vibes from this latest one though, I think it’s the v-neck and wrap effect.
Wheelchair Considerations
1) The original v-neck is very low so wheelchair uses would probably want to raise it.
2) The wrap front bodice can gape with movement but is easily secured with a snap fastening,
3) The dress has plenty of ease so is really comfortable to wear.
4) Despite having a full skirt there isn’t too much fabric bunched up underneath you when you sit.
5) I chose to omit the side pockets as I wouldn’t be able to reach them and I didn’t want any gape in the sides.
6) I love the full sleeves but they may be unsuitable for manual wheelchair users as they would get in the way.
(Image description: there are six images taken from different angles, showing Yvonne, sat in her wheelchair in her garden wearing a long white linen dress with a print of tropical palm leaves in red, blue green and yellow.)
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