Hi there, my name is Emma and I’ve been following Amanda and the Sewcial Studio on social media for a while now and we finally met recently in real life at the dressmaker’s ball in Leicester, where we got on like a house on fire!
I actually work in Tamworth, but didn’t realise just how close The Sewcial Studio is to work; so now I can escape the office at lunchtime for a fabric fix browse and chat over a cuppa!
On one of my recent visits Amanda asked me if I’d be interested in being part of her network of bloggers. I was obviously delighted and very flattered to be asked and immediately agreed.
For my first make we deliberated over patterns and fabrics for what I should do. Amanda has a wide range of Indie designer patterns in stock, and I was spoilt for choice. For
my first make I decided to choose a designer that I’d not used before and conveniently she’d literally just taken delivery of a selection of Style Arc patterns. As this brand was new to both of us, we thought it would be an interesting project to start with.
I’ve always looked at the Style Arc range – but never tried any so was keen to see what they are like.
I finally decided on a pair of simple trousers – the Ethel Pants. I am often drawn to more complex garments with interesting details, and sometimes a quick easy make is just what’s needed in between more complex and challenging projects. These are a pull-on pair of loose trousers with a dropped crotch and the obligatory pockets in the side seams. It is a multi-nested pattern and available in two size ranges. These are a looser style than I would normally go for so I thought it was also an opportunity to experiment with a different silhouette.
When fabric shopping, I’m a bit of a magpie for a pretty and colourful print. Doing Me Made May this year has helped me realise that I need to focus on some plain colours to give me options to coordinate full outfits. I am trying to be more mindful to choose fabrics that will coordinate with existing makes and help create outfit options to maximise how and when I can wear my separates.
So, the fabric I chose was this beautiful french navy linen, I thought it would be perfect for the loose easy fit of the trousers and would be a good staple to have in my wardrobe. The linen was beautiful to work and a dream to press, with the added plus with no “shine” when I put the heat on it. I didn’t pre-wash as the style of the trouser is so loose, I thought there was plenty of ease to cover any shrinkage. I did however wash them before I wore them to soften it up, and there was no noticeable shrinkage.
The first thing to note about the pattern is that Style Arc are very sparse with their instructions. Looking on-line the general guidance is that they automatically assume that their users will have some prior sewing knowledge. Saying that the Ethel is a straightforward make and a relative beginner should be able to work through the instructions.
The patterns are packaged in clear A4 sleeves, and the pattern sheet is printed with the front and back pages included and then folded so they are visible to see the image and the fabric requirements.
I unpacked it and folded out the sheet and there is the equivalent of just three A4 pages containing the garment illustrations and instructions.
There is no size chart in the pattern – just finished pattern measurements for the size 10.
Having not made a Style Arc pattern before I had no idea how their sizing compares, so my first point of call was to their website where I was able to find a size chart. They advise that their size 10 would be equivalent to a UK 10. (but we all know that a size can vary significantly between retailers so who’s size 10 they reference isn’t clear!) anyway I was able to find the details and decided on making a size 10, and as my body measurements were pretty close to the chart, I went without any pattern adjustments.
The pattern was simple to cut out and the lines denoting each size clearly marked. The Ethel trousers have just 4 pattern pieces.
Although sparse, the instructions were very clear and they went together over a couple of evenings without incident. I was careful to note the seam allowance as I know some of the Indie patterns use less than our standard UK 1.5cm. In this case Style Arc were 1cm. Construction was straightforward, and I soon had a finished pair to try on. 
I had a play with styling them and decided that the loose silhouette looked best with a fitted vest top. So here they are, my finished pair. These photos were taken after wearing them all afternoon for a shopping trip into Leicester. They looked comfortably crumpled and after hanging, the creases have dropped a little and are fine for another wear. I’m sure too this linen will look better and better as it’s washed and softens even more.
There is just one thing I am going to change, and that is the pockets. They are exceptionally deep and I can’t reach the bottom! So, I’m going to go back in and shorten the pocket bags!
We’re off on holiday soon and these are going to be a staple for me that will be lovely and cool for a summer city holiday.
Follow Emma 
@happysew16
