Do you ever get obsessed with a trend? I’ve been known to go overboard with a new look, and in my case, statement sleeves are my new ‘thing’. This Spring, it seems they are everywhere, and I am clearly jumping on the band wagon! Sure, I like the look (flow-y, care free, maybe even a bit boho), but I also like the challenge of a new sleeve shape. Each pattern is a new adventure in sleeve construction with new techniques to learn.
I was attracted to Butterick 6456 because of the sleeve options but also because of the v-neck and front pleat, both a rarity in my wardrobe. I also like the flow-y boho look of this top, which is a little different from the structured statement sleeve tops/dresses I’ve made in the past.
I chose a printed rayon from the Mill End Store . I wanted a lightweight fabric with drape, and this fit the bill.
The pattern when together nicely. The v-neck, the front pleat, the bell sleeves were all explained well and fairly easy to execute. The challenge was in the fit (that is an understatement). I cut the smallest size, but the v-neck was still pretty large. I mean, we are talking cleavage exposure here folks, and that was just not where I wanted to go with this top (LOL). So, I did a bit of modifying. There is a back seam as you can see from the line art.
So, my strategy was to take that seam in by about an inch. I also eliminated the neckline opening in the back and just sewed the seam closed. That seemed to do the trick. The neck opening is large enough that the top just slips over my head!
I love my new top, but wearing it will limit my activities. I cannot imagine cooking or performing cleaning duties of any kind while wearing it. Oh, darn. Hopefully, those sleeves will not get into my dinner, as this is clearly a Date Night top that will see a restaurant or two. I’m glad I figured out how to modify the neck because I love the fabric. I’m sure this top will get lots of wear from early Spring through Summer. The flow-y rayon was a good choice for this pattern and I can imagine trying it again with silk. I’m not sure a crisp cotton would work well, although I do think a linen with soft hand would be good.
This was a fun make, but I don’t think I’m done with statement sleeves yet. Next up, a McCall’s pattern from my stash that has five (!!) different sleeve options. So much to learn! Can’t wait to try that next. I’d love to know where you stand on statement sleeves? Also curious if any of you have run into problems with v-necks and fit and how you’ve modified them?
Happy Sewing and thanks for stopping by!
This is so spot on! Very trendy. You look fabulous and the fabric is gorgeous. This rates as one of my favs that you have done. Great job.
Thanks so much! Yes, the fabric turned out to be perfect for this top. I’m glad I waited for the right project to use it!
This looks great on you. Thanks for the tip about the low neckline- I’m just about to make this one, and will definitely look at adjusting that. I have a top with flared sleeves that I love, but I’m constantly getting it caught on things like door latches, so it’s definitely not one for everyday.
Thanks! Yep, the sleeves on this top are definitely for looking great and not much else! I hope you’ll post your finished top, so I can enjoy…hope you like the pattern.
I just cut this out in an Emma One Sock silk!
I hope it looks as good as yours!
Silk is perfect for this pattern and Emma one sock has the best….it will be gorgeous!
Statement sleeves were made for you even if they’re not made for housework! Well, maybe they would make the task of dusting less odious. Somehow I can’t see myself making up some in fabric I hate enough to match my hatred of dusting to test the theory. At any rate, this print is fun, and you did a great job balancing the little diamonds. I’m glad you could figure out the neck situation too because the neckline is really pretty. Vs are always low on me because I’m short between my shoulder and bottom of the armscye, so I always make a muslin. If the necklines are big, I’ve seen people kind of sew up the center a little more as if it were a little dart. Version B with those foldover sleeves are calling to me!
Thanks! What a great idea to sew up the center a bit more. I’ll have to try that next time! I totally agree with you about version b. I love those sleeves. I wonder how many outfits with statement sleeves one can have before one has moved toward obsession? I think I’m headed that wAy.
I’m like that with lace. My standard answer to “When do I have enough lace in my wardrobe,” is, when I stop finding cool lace! Just this morning, I saw multiple really high end dresses using the lace in stripes. Mind blown.
I hear you! There will never be enough lace in my wardrobe! Lace in stripes….fabulous!
I like this top! I am wanting to get in on the sleeve trends now. This looks like a nice pattern to try.
Thanks! I think you’ll like it…can’t wait to see your version.
I love the sleeves. I sew my clothes to wear to work and since I have to wear a jacket they would just be too much bulk. It’s a good and bad thing that I only make sleeveless or short sleeve knits. You can just redraw the neckline higher. Use a top you already own for reference. I use Burda patterns who are famous for low necklines. Just keep the shoulder points the same.
Yes, these sleeves would never fit under a work jacket. You’d look like you had Popeye arms. Great idea on the neckline. I’ll try that next time! Good to know to watch out for that on Burda!
Great fabric choice for this top! Love the boho look. I think I’ll be making one too!
Love your top!
Love it! I actually made this same pattern in cotton shirting and I love it. —Meg
Thanks, Meg! I’ll have to try it in shirting, on your expert recommendation :). I’m also giving McCall’s 7542 a try too. I’m a bit obsessed with sleeves these days.
Trendy and looks great 🙂 Nice choice of fabric too!
Thanks! Now if it would only warm up so I can wear it!
Great pattern + fabric match! Statement sleeves are not my thing at all but I think they suit you very well. (Well, I might do a split sleeve top actually…but that’s as far as I go! 😉 )
I have had to modify necklines too. I don’t mind low-cut, since I only risk exposing my ribs rather than any cleavage, LOL. But v-necks always seem to gape between my shoulders and the tip of the “V.” I pinch out that ease on the pattern (it’s kind of like taking a dart along the neck opening, but you remove that ease rather than sew a dart) and that solves my problem. I’ve raised necklines too though, which isn’t so bad–lay paper under the pattern piece, mark where you’d like the lowest point to be on the new paper, and use a curve ruler to blend a new neckline from that spot into the existing shoulder and neckline, mimicking the shape of the original neckline. (Gosh this would be easier to explain if I could draw it for you, LOL!) Just remember to take into account seam allowance, if you’re using a commercial pattern that includes it, and to trace the new neckline to create a facing that will fit it. 🙂
Thanks! I think the fabric was a lucky find. Excellent suggestions on the neckline modifications! I’ll try the v-neck pinch method on my next make as I think I have some gaping between the shoulders and v too. I don’t have a lot of v-necks in my closet right now, and I think there will be more in the future as I really like this one. I’d love to see how you do the low neckline modification…maybe that’s a blog post in your future?
Hmm…maybe I should do that! That kind of stuff is so hard to remember to photograph to share–I just do it! I’m sure that’s true for most of us. =)
I hear you! By the time I get around to photographing and posting a make, I sometimes forget to share those sorts of things.