This month on The Sewing Club Podcast we are taking a close look at the Hope Dress by Style Arc. The base pattern is simple to sew, easy to fit bodice with a raglan 7/8th sleeve. The handy extension pack adds three additional bodice styles and sleeve options, allowing for over nine unique looks and really increases the dress's versatility.
Sewing the Hope Dress: The Low-Down
Pattern : The Hope Dress by Style Arc
Size : 10
Fabric : Morning Glory Midweight Linen/Viscose in blue from The Fabric Store. It's 55% Linen, 45% Viscose, and 170gsm.
Sewing Label : "Sewing is the f---ing best" / "Made"
Listed as beginner-friendly on the Style Arc site, this dress is a great option for those new to sewing and also for those wanting to sew a relaxed, woven dress. I was drawn to the version 3 bodice from the extension pack because it's a bit more open at the neck and I like the crossover look. The version 3 lantern sleeve really stood out to me too—it's not your everyday sleeve and it definitely makes a statement.
After trying on a friend’s original version of the Hope dress in a size 10, I went straight for the good fabric for my bodice. In hindsight I would have benefited from doing a bust alteration. To fix this I added a few subtle gathers under the bust which helped to get the shape that I was looking for. I also added side waist ties to pull it in a bit, since I tend to lean towards more fitted styles. This is what I love about sewing—you get to put your own stamp on things.
Style Arc has a vast array of patterns, something for everyone, and they are backed by a strong following of keen sewers. When we chatted with Carly from Style Arc, we decided that the dresses popularity is down to a few things, including it’s simplicity both in making and wearing, it’s lack of tricky fastenings, the style of the raglan sleeve, but perhaps the main reason is the bodice’s clean lines, perfect for showing off a great print.
My top tip if you're new to sewing is to not rush the gathering. Kylie and I shared our different gathering methods on the podcast, and it’s worth taking the time to get this right.
The Hope Dress comes with really great instruction and tutorials for both the dress and the extension pack.
And, a dress with pockets? Yes, please! I’m all about hands in pockets, even if I’m not using them to carry anything. I’m already thinking about making another one without the gathered skirt for a different A-line skirt vibe next time!
If you're keen to sew The Hope Dress for yourself, don't miss Episode #9 of our podcast on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Google Podcasts for all the details. Use the code SEWINGCLUBPODCAST for a 10% discount on the pattern.
Happy sewing, everyone! 🎉✂️🧵