All Shopping, All the Time

Don't you love it when stress-shopping aligns with things you really want need? I know, what a lovely confluence. As long as you don't look at your Visa bill, it's all good!

At any rate, my next few posts will be about things I've recently purchased: patterns, books, yarn, more yarn - probably fabric (it's looming - ha!). Didn't I say something about only using stash yarn for the foreseeable future?

Ahem.

Let me start with the patterns...

I think it's safe to say that, while I've staunchly resisted for years now, I'm completely won over by Style Arc patterns. My resistance, of course, was based on some very high shipping costs, but I've heard only good about the quality of the drafting and design. And I have to say the silhouettes are very modern and fashionable.

I decided to test out the brand on these two patterns:

Harper Jacket (firm knit)

Janet Jacket (tailored woven)

The first jacket, the Harper, is a cross between a cardi and deconstructed blazer. It's a style I've worn before with lots of success. Of course, when making this, fabric drape will be key - and I may need to modify the proportions (of the lapel, for example). This would also look terrific on my fitting friend S., so I figure it's that much more of a sensible purchase. Ironically - since these patterns come in one size per envelope (sorry those of you who like to go between sizes) - I got the 10 because it's the size we're both closest to. Sure, S is much taller and slenderer than me, but my shoulders are narrower. She modifies to make things smaller, everywhere but in the shoulders and I modify things to make them bigger in the bust.

One thing that really won me over is that Style Arc sends a fabric swatch with every pattern to assist you in determining the properties of the optimal fabric. I love fabric, and experimenting with it, and I have lots of books to assist me. But sometimes it's helpful to have a tangible example of the hand and drape that the designer intended.

The second jacket, the Janet, has a fantastic line for a woman with boobs. The princess line should make things rather adjustable along numerous seams, the waist is fitted, the closure is much better for fitting over breasts than buttons. And I love the neck line! Really, I'm not averse to collars. I can get with turn of cloth and I'm not one of those peeps who hates that part of the tailoring process. But man, this is going to cut a bunch of steps out of the equation... I am, on balance, not happy with the peplum jacket I made in the spring. I'm never going to make it again. So this gives me an alternative that isn't frumpy like the bulk of jacket patterns that I see, and one that shouldn't be a nightmare to alter.

However, what really sealed the deal is that Style Arc sends you an extra pattern - the pattern of the month - whenever you order something. Um, hello? Who loves free things more than me?? So, I was also sent this pattern:

Gail Top (knit)

I would not likely have purchased this pattern, given the many others that have caught my eye, but it will probably flatter me and provide me with an interesting new look that conforms well to my body shape.

Finally, here's a pattern that S suggested I should get next time I order:

Ashley Dress

I do think this would make a very flattering finished garment.

Having said all this, I don't like to leave out knitting when it comes to pattern purchasing. Seems mean to do so, no?

Next up, some knits-to-be. (And a totally fun story!)

Today's questions: Do you buy from Style Arc and, if yes, what has your experience been? Have you made any of the patterns shown above? Which is your favourite? Let's talk...