Pattern REVIEW & Sewing Tips for Style Arc - Raph Top
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2024
- In my sewing room today I talk about my recent make of the Raph Knit Polo Top by Style Arc and the issues I had sewing it. I am very pleased with the finished results but it was a bit fiddly to say the least!
In the first part of the video I talk about the pattern and in the second half watch me as I elaborate on the steps and how I made the garment.
Hope this is of some help for someone attempting the pattern.
Thanks for watching
Carole
xx
You are always so comprehensive with your reviews. Well done! 😘🤗
Ha ha, does that mean I go on too much?!😂 It was such a fiddly top to do but I got there in the end! Thanks for stopping by my lovely friend xx💗
So Carole, You're the best! I just had to subscribe!
Thank you very much 😊🧵
Thank you for the tips, Carole! They will be so helpful for those wanting to make this! How odd and frustrating that they don’t let you know when to use the different seam allowances! Both your tops turned out lovely! 😘💗
Thank you Andra. It makes me so mad all these companies use different seam allowances but this week I tripped up on a Kwik sew 🤣. You know what they used to say about exam papers, you should read it all first before you start 😅.
Miss our zoom calls, we need one and soon ❤️😘 xx
Your new shirts came out really lovely. I think they look wonderful on you. Today, I went to Hobby Lobby to pick up some bias tape and went through the two drawers of New Look patterns since they were all 99 cents. I found three, two for boys, I don't have many patterns for my grandson, and one for the new baby girls. Now to get them sewed up. Thanks for sharing your sewing journey.
Hi Carol! So pleased to hear you took advantage of the Bumper New Look sale. I have seen so many pattern haul videos this week. How wonderful that you found some for your grandchildren. Thanks so much for the lovely comment about my shirts, I was quite pleased with them after all the fiddly bits! Thanks for watching 😊🧵
Carol, You did a great job on the shirts. I especially like that red color on you. The shirt fits you so well. Thank you for the tutorial. Take care.
Suzan
Thanks Suzanne, I was really pleased the red one came out as I imagined. Hope all is well in NC 😊🧵
Hi Carole! It's a shame really, that Style Arc doesn't do a better job with instructions. I really like many of their designs but the frustration that also comes along with them, puts me off. Seeing you work through the tricker parts was helpful. Thanks!
Style Arc really don't do themselves any favours do they? Everyone says the same thing about the patterns and their designs are really good. I can see how it can put anyone off. Someone has just told me on their website is a lot of tutorials but there wasn't for this pattern sadly. Thanks so much for watching and I hope it helped you in some way. 😊🧵
Thanks,Carol. FWIW I also add a square of interfacing in the clipped and stitched triangle area. I’ve redone them so many times…….
YES!! Interfacing would be an amazing idea, thank you! As you say, if you have to redo (and I can't imagine anyone gets it perfect first time) it will save it all from stretching. You are a genius 👏🏼 Thanks for watching 😊🧵
@@socarole66 once I put a welt pocket in backwards on a fabric that frayed just looking at it. Fortunately I had interfaced it, or I just would have an inside out pocket (inside of a coat, so not terrible….)
You were very clear how you did the collar. I think I will order that pattern after seeing yours. It looked lovely on you
Thank you Donna, I am so glad I didn't put you off being slightly negative about the facing etc. It has come out really well and I am definitely making another. Thanks for stopping by 😊🧵
Very helpful pattern review! Thanks so much Carole for showing how you did the placket! I have been sewing for years but am hesitating about starting this pattern, my first style arc.
I am glad you found this video after your previous comment. Don't forget to check out other videos to see how others tackle that neckline. Definitely give it a go but on some practice fabric first. Good luck and please let me know how you get on 🧵😊
Great makes as usual. Very clear instructions. Thank you Pat
Thank you so much Pat. 🧵😊
Think I shall definitely keep this vlog thanks carol.❤
Thanks, I hope it is some help to you if you make this pattern. It really wasn't too difficult, just a bit fiddly in parts. Good luck 😊🧵
I've recently done a woven neck with the same method Carole and it was tricky. Your explanation makes it look so much easier. Style arc has minimal instructions , but experience can be worked out. Like you say, it's not a beginner friendly pattern.
Your versions have turned out really nicely. I think k style arc should be thanking you for your review.
Oh thank you Annette, that is really kind of you. As you say, it is a tricky neckline to achieve but I suppose the problem is that you can't enclose the placket in any seams. I have done it in woven but that was more forgiving when I needed to re do it!! I think it is probably a case of practice makes perfect....oh and accuracy 😆. Have a good week 😊🧵
Both tops came out great! Good idea on the dots! That top is definitely not for beginners! Good tutorial, Carole!
Thanks so much Nancy, you would think that top would be fairly easy wouldn't you. It isn't too difficult, just fiddly and easy to loose patience! 😊🧵
Great job, Carole, on that tricky placket! I despise those, but I had to learn to do them. Your tops look like you bought them right off the rack! You’re amazing! 🤗
Thanks Sue, they aren't the easiest of things to do are they. I would far rather do them on a big four pattern with dots to go by and a bigger seam allowance! Honestly I am so pleased that you like them as I know what a good sewist you are, it means a lot 🥰. Have a good week 😊🧵
@@socarole66 why, thank you Carole, that was very nice of you to say. You’re right, they are a nightmare, but the big 4 do have better instructions and markings to make it easier. You are a much better seamstress than you know, I can see it. 😆
I like both tops, but the solid dark red one is just lovely on you. Thanks for sharing your review & explanation. I’m a beginner so thanks for the heads up on this pattern. 😂
Thank you Norma, that is so kind. I do hope that if you make the top one day this video may help. It was certainly not for the faint hearted 😂. Happy Sewing 😊🧵
I've always had trouble with that neckline at the crossover. In the last year I've attempted it several times using different pattern companies. The big 4, style arc and two others I can't remember. The only one that was successful and actually came out perfect was the directions in Love Notions Breckinridge Henley. I don't think it has the collar but easily hacked. The all important instructions for the crossover (or whatever it's called) is the most helpful part. And I don't even know why it worked out so well... It just was a pleasure to finally finally get that part worked out.
That is really interesting to hear thank you. Oh I love so many of the Love Notions patterns but they only do PDF and I seem to have an aversion to those😂. I will certainly research into that pattern though as I too have done the same design with the Big 4 but only in a woven. It will be interesting to see how they phrase it. I think the main issue is the seam allowance being small and being a knit it was very unforgiving if you had to re do it. What a relief for you that you have cracked it now! Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to comment 😊🧵
Hi Carole. Enjoyed your review. I really like the solid top that you are wearing. I have purchased a couple of independent patterns but, I have not attempted to sew one yet. To pay the higher price for indies, I would expect decent instructions. Even if you buy fabric at a discount, it isn’t cheap to sew clothing. The money isn't as important as my time and effort to make a nice top, pants, skirt, dress, etc. for myself. You have a lot of patience and perseverance to attach a project with poor instructions. Kudos to you!
Thanks so much for your kind comment about the tops. Indie patterns are very strange in my eyes. People complain about the Big 4 not having good instructions and yet I have found, they are all consistent (apart from Burda and Vogue). The Indies all seem to have different size ranges and different methods of doing anything. That would really confuse me as a beginner 😅. As you say, they aren't cheap and then most of the time you have to print yourself! A lot do have tutorials though and lots of channels do sew a longs but that wouldn't be necessary with good instructions would it?! It is fun to try the new ones every now and again but when I do a Big 4 , it's like going home 🥰🤣. Thanks again for your comment and thoughts. 🧵😊
Thanks Carole. Lovely top. Worth noting that Style Arc also have tutorials with photos on their website for a lot of their patterns. Unfortunately not for Rafe though!
Thanks Debbie, I hadn't realised that about Style Arc but I suppose as I buy mine from Amazon as paper copies I wouldn't have found that out. So little out there about this top for some reason. Thanks for your comment 😊🧵
Your tops are beautiful. When I grow up, I might try a Style Arc pattern!😅😅😅
Oh Zelda, that did make me laugh 😂😂. When I grow up I want to be willing to line garments!! x
This is great. I recently bought this pattern. I've tried a big 4 pattern with a similar style but it came out quite big so I bought this one. It's really nice to hear how your experiences went. I think you've done a great job with the placket. I always have trouble with pull lines there. Thank you so much ❤
Thank you so much for your kind comment. That placket can be tricky, so much easier on woven. The trouble is when you unpick it then things start to stretch as I discovered and its all so fiddly isn't it! I am glad to hear you often get pull lines too, that makes me feel a little happier. Thanks for watching 😊🧵
Hi Carole. You did such beautiful work on both the tops! And matching the ready to wear to a pattern was spot on! You are awesome! ❤ Diann
Thank you Diann, I was so glad to have a go at something a little more difficult for a change. I was pleased to get a top so similar to what I had seen in the shops. Hope all is well with you 💗🍓xx
Your tops look great - may have to get this one.
Thank you very much, I hope I didn't make it sound harder than it was! Good luck and thanks for watching 😊🧵
That was so helpful! Thank you so much! The top fits you so nice - I can’t wait to get mine done now. Xx 💞
I hope I didn't put you off Izzy, you will manage it no trouble I am convinced. It is a great pattern and the collar turns out really well. I am so looking forward to seeing yours next month 👏🏼. Happy hump day!! 😂😘💗
I like your idea of using the coloured dots, much simpler than my usual method which is masking tape. Very useful video Carole as I’m planning a few of these as golf tops. Thank you 🙏
Thank you so much for watching. I find those dots invaluable especially with darker fabrics. The downside is they tend to end up on the carpet sometimes and also I forget to remove them at the end of the project! Hope you have success with the golf tops. 😊🧵
Hi Carole I’ve just bought this after seeing lots of rib knit dresses in this style. Love your versions. I love Style Arc and I guess am used to their variable seam widths. .
Hi Jacqui, I do love the Style Arc designs and are quite happy to put up with the instructions as I have sewn for so long. I love both of those tops and have worn them a lot! Making it into a dress would be fantastic, good luck and thanks for watching 🧵😊
Your shirts turned out very well! The red is a perfect color on you especially.
I have the same complaint about the seam allowances. It’s fine if you want them to be different to spare us having to trim things down, but just throw it in the instructions! I’m working on the
Nova Midi dress and I kept having to flip open to the pattern pieces to double check I was right. I annotated them in the instructions for next time.
Thanks Erin, that is really kind of you ❤️. I totally agree with your opinion on seam allowances. I swear sometimes the companies just like to be 'different' and why oh why do we have to search for the seam allowance in the instructions?! How about BOLD print and maybe a different colour? I think even my 7 year old grandson would make it clearer 🤣. Maybe we should start a petition!
Thanks so much for watching 🧵😊
I love Stylearc patterns. I feel they are the Australian equivalent of the big four rather than an independent in terms of instructions. I have that pattern and have it cut out - yet to be made up. A timely, and helpful, video. After making numerous sets of scrubs during lockdown i'm hoping the plackets will be easy🤞🥴. Although this is a slightly different technique. It remains to be seen. Love both your versions.
Thank you so much for your comment Jane. How strange you have the pattern ready to go, I am sure you will have no problem with it. I also made a lot of scrubs and to be honest that reinforced to me that I could actually sew! I was very insecure about my skill before that. I made lots of V neck plackets which were quite different and easier but again needed a level of accuracy. Good luck with your versions and let me know how you get on. Thanks for watching 😊🧵
Love the top on you. Color is really good. 😊
Thank you so much Jan. I loved that cotton jersey so I am glad I didn't mess it up! Enjoy the rest of your week 😊🧵
Wow, Carole! You're a very brave woman for making that top TWICE! 😜 Don't know that I'd have enough patience to make it even once. I've got several Style Arc patterns on my Wish List. Whether I actually buy them remains to be seen. Not excited that the instructions are somewhat vague on their patterns. I tend to avoid clothing and patterns with a proper collar. If you ever end up at my FL house one day and go through my pattern books (I converted to Jen's system), you'll see that the only patterns I have with collars are the NL mens/womens button-down shirt patterns (camp shirt?). Not that I will make myself one, but its in my pattern stash should I want/need to make a men's shirt one day. Wishing you a warm, sunny week! 🌞
Hi my lovely! Was I brave or just stupid I wonder?! What I did do was make them back to back so I wouldn't forget what happened with the first version. I very rarely sew anything for me with a collar too but as this is a flat collar and not with a collar stand it doesn't annoy me too much! I have a New Look camp shirt pattern ( I bet its the same one) I keep saying I will make it for me and not just Chris, I really should. I do hope you are having a better week and it is sunny here..... but still a cold North wind 🥶. Roll on our Summer 😂💗
@@socarole66 Oh, Brave and Wise Seamstress! 😜 Yes, my NL camp shirt pattern is the same one you used to make Chris' AC/DC shirt and the same one that Grace used for Tom's map shirt. I have 3 (?) men's shirt patterns in my stash. One is a 1970's Simplicity Jiffy pattern used to make my boyfriend a shirt. That's when I was working in a fabric store - my first job. Still doing a lot to get ready for my house sale and move. So much to do yet!!! Been watching the weather in FL. Looks like I may be moving during the summer heat & humidity. Already pity the movers who will have to move my stuff into the house. I found a house with a floorplan that I really like, one that will allow me to have a nice, big sewing room. However, I need to get a great price for this house first. Then, hopefully, the house will still be on the market. 🙏🏻🤞🏻🍀 I keep telling myself not to look at houses on the internet yet, but so hard not to. I will be moving from an area that has a Mediterranean climate to an area with a tropical climate. Sorry to hear that your spring hasn't arrived yet, but I'm happy that you got to have some warm weather during your FL vacation. Hugs! Dori
Wow you have the patience of a saint!! Looks rather complicated but being the engineer of fabric that you are, it turned out beautiful!’❤
😇 Well how kind you are!! Maybe I should have kept in the footage of me losing my patience to show I am human 😂🙃. It is nothing you probably haven't sewn before but that teeny tiny seam allowance doesn't help believe me! Hope you are having a good and sunny week....it is cold here 😢. Luv Ya xxx💗😘
@@socarole66 its in the 90’s this week. MISERABLE!!
@pinkysfarm461 swap you!! It's been in the 40's and 50's here with a North wind 🥶 xx
@@socarole66 sounds lovely with a hoodie and a cup of tea!
Enjoyed your tutorial i agree SArc are short on instructions great job😊😊
Thanks Robyn, this for Style Arc was quite detailed but the pictures aren't great 😆. Hope your week is going well 😊🧵
Love those tops. I don't think I will ever make anything by style arc pattern. So many people say their instructions are really quite poor. You would think they would take note and improve them 🤔🤩
I know right!? Some of their styles are so nice, why they don't bother to be customer friendly I don't know. I have been told however there are a lot of tutorials on their website...but not for this one 🤣. To be honest, I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem. It's amazing what you can do when you don't have instructions to rely on! Thanks for watching 🧵😊
@@socarole66 I do love a CZcams tutorial, but not everybody does so they should definitely try to improve their written instructions. I think as a relatively new sewist I lack the confidence to try style arc patterns yet 😂
Thank you for your comments, as I am interested in this design, and now it will be easier :)
Thank you Nancy, I do hope it can be of some help to you if you make this pattern or a similar one. 😊🧵
Will it make sense if I say that pattern looked really difficult regarding the neckline but you made it look so easy to do? Good job! There sure was a lot of "tailoring" to be done with that collar/neckline.
Thank you Deb for the vote of confidence. It was certainly fiddly but I had done something like it before. There must be an easier way to create a neckline like this 😆. I am pleased with myself for managing it as I seem to be sewing 'safe' garments at the moment. Hope your week is going well 💗😘
The tops I've been working on lately have been really easy to put together but I needed some easy-to-make, light-weight tops. I'm glad with what I've done so far. The jacket I'm going to work on next month -- now THAT will be a bit of a challenge for me. Have a good one!
@@DebsWay oooo a jacket, that will be a challenge. Can't wait to see that. I wish I needed some lightweight tops! I can't wait for the warmer weather here. Xx
Your tops have turned out well. Style Arc have some nice designs, but I am put off by the lack of instructions. Have you watched a channel called Lifting Pins and Needles? She uses Indie patterns but she explains things very clearly and doesn't rush through what she is doing. If I remember corectly she has made a top with a similar neckline. She has quite a few videos which are just about different techniques of doing things.
Thank you so much for watching and your comment. I often hear about that channel but I never seem to have the time to watch her! I certainly will now I know she does that placket. It is something I had done before but not with such a tiny seam allowance, I think that made it harder. I agree with you on Style Arc instructions but this one funnily enough contained more than I had seen before, they tried!! 😊🧵
I had the same issue of having to hunt info on Style Arc. First going to website to see measurements and also hunting seam allowance. Why??? It is not difficult to put the information where you expect to find it.
I don't get Style Arc at all. Some great patterns but they don't seem to worry about being customer friendly? As you say, it isn't difficult to note these extra things down is it 😂. Thanks for watching xxx😊🧵