I made the Ariana dress at the beginning of summer and am just now getting around to blogging it. Probably because I wore it so much. It was definitely my go to this summer and I only wish I had followed through and made at least one more before it started getting cold outside. It was one of three outfits I brought on a family trip to Japan and it also was the first thing I reached for when teaching a class or going out for dinner.
The Ariana dress pattern is from Style Arc. I found the instructions very sparse, but the drafting of the pattern to be great. So just keep that in mind. I probably wouldn’t recommend it to a true beginner. My favorite part of the dress is the back panel which is sewn up with elastic thread. This can take some practice, but it’s not as hard as it looks and it creates a dress that is super comfortable to wear.
I did need to make some fit adjustments, but the great thing about a princess seam is that full bust adjustments are pretty simple. I used my Beatrice dress form to figure out the fit adjustments to make, which was much easier than doing it on myself.
The fabric is medium weight linen from The Fabric Store with wooden buttons from my stash.
10 Comments
Really love this! I’ve seen several somewhat similar designs and have been wondering which one I should get. Even though the instructions were sparse it looks pretty straightforward (?) if you have some experience, though I thought I read from people with intermediate skills that they had frustrations with it. In any case, glad yours worked out!
thank you! I think this would look great on you. I thought the pattern was great and I just made up the instructions.
This dress looks so good in the black linen! I can see why you wore it all the time. This will definitely be on my list for next summer!
its such a good one.
So lovely! I just printed the PDF for this pattern, and I’m excited to make it! I’ve made one other Style Arc pattern and their instructions are definitely the IKEA of sewing patterns. lol
the ikea of sewing patterns! that is a perfect description. Ha!
Love your sundress Kelli and I can imagine you’ve hardly taken it off throughout this hot summer! I am the keenest of linen fans I must say and have been on a TEAR making jumpers out of it for all seasons.
It looks pretty on you! I can see why you wore It often.
WOW!…I’m having trouble to arrange my words, I’m very enthusiastic to see your post
Loving the dress, but it only goes till a size 14 ,right?