I never really paid attention to the statement sleeve trend; pretty much thought I would let that one come and go. Well, that was until I ran into Jo-Anne’s fabric store to pick up a zipper. Of course, the zippers are right by the pattern section and, of course the Vogue patterns were on sale for $4.99 and I am like a moth to the flame on a deal like that.
Flipping through the Vogue catalogue, I spied Vogue 9243, a Vogue Option pattern, which always have multi variations for in one pattern. In this case, a princess styled top came with four different sleeve options.
With no real vision on what type of fabric I wanted, I headed for the checkout. However, I made a quick u-turn to the cutting tables when I spied the perfect fabric which is an abstract print in silky polyester. There was just enough left on the bolt (2 ½ yards) to make my top.
Vogue describes 9243 an easy level pattern but I would give it an advanced beginner rating, or at least view C because there is a lot of finish work with the sleeves. If you like working with a serger, other avenues besides hand hemming could be used. But I really like handwork, so relished all that blind stitching. If there is a slow sewing movement, I definitely am a member.
I am not alone is loving this pattern. It has been one of Vogue’s top sellers this year. My daughter Michelle couldn’t even wait to borrow my pattern and bought her own.
There is even a video about V9243.
Both my pattern and fabric were on sale and the price tag on the blouse was a little under $30. For a top this unique, I am happy with that bottom line. I joke with my family that I shop at charity shops to finance my material habit!
Are you interested in taking up sewing? There are great beginning patterns available and lessons abound. Your local fabric store usually has a sewing instructor and classes on location. The online video platform Craftsy.com has a huge selection of courses to choose from. Both Michelle and I have purchased several Craftsy classes. A few of mine are: Pattern Drafting From Ready To Wear, The Iconic Tweed Jacket, Beginning Serging and Foccacia & Flatbreads From Around The World (I don’t do sewing all the time). Michelle’s favorites include 40 Technique Every Sewer Should Know, The Ultimate T-shirt, and The Couture Dress. Michelle messaged me this morning that she just bought Underneath It All, Guide to Interfacings, Linings, and Facings today because at this moment all Craftsy classes are on sale for just $20.00. They have classes ranging from art, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, cake decorating, and baking. The instructors are top notch and I highly recommend checking them out if you want to learn a new technique or improve upon your current skill level.
And just for fun, the statement sleeve queen (and queen of head-wear and platform shoes), Carmen Miranda.
2nd Loved 1st Friday Style Feature
Penny The Frugal Fashion Shopper linked up with her wonderful trench coat. I’ve been looking at a lot of trend reports and the trench was strong on the F/W 17 runways. One trend forecaster called it the MVP of the season. In my book, the trench is beyond trend. When Bogart wore in ’39 (remember that small film Casablanca) it hit eternally classical . Great find Penny and anyone who follows me knows Penny and I are on the same page when it comes to Berets!
Links To Places and Designers Mentioned in This Article
That wraps it up for this sewing and style adventure. So adieu until the next time …….
Happy Styling!
Remember, you can still link up to May’s 2nd Loved 1st Friday until the next 1st Friday in June. It would be great to tell us what you have used that is “not new but new to you such as things from thrift shops or on-line consignment shops, etc. So if you have found that second hand gem, get it on, snap a picture, post on social media and linkup HERE.
I also link up with some great blogs every week. To see who they are go HERE.
Michael gets credit for the blog fashion photos today.
MeadowTree Style 
You are so talented Terri!! That shirt turned out fabulous!! I was wondering if you could just add a ruffle to some of your plain sleeves to give it some flair?? Not that I will get around to doing that—but I love imagining it!!
Does Michelle sew also, or will you make it for her?
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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I don’t see why you couldn’t and you can get some pretty wide lace or how about eyelet? I think the ideas are endless on that one. One of the pattern views does just have one flounce on the end and you could add contrasting ribbon where the ruffle meets the sleeve. Your idea is exciting…what a great up-cycle project.
Michelle does her own sewing. After she took a couture sewing class and a serger class from Craftsy, she sews rings around me. But i did make everything for her when she was a little girl.
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Oh my gosh, this is so fabulous, Terri! Brava to you for all your talent – and you’ve inspired me to try these sleeves too.
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Thanks Patti, I do feel a little bit like Carmen Miranda when i wear them-but that’s a good thing!
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Wow! I love that pattern! That is some unique blouse!
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Yea, those sleeves are something else. I would love to have View F too, but will see what Michelle’s makes first.
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You are so talented being able to sew that blouse – genius look and the sleeves are amazing. I used to knit and make clothes but that was eons ago! I can see the reason for starting again though when I look at what you do!
And thank you so much for featuring me – that’s so kind of you xxx
🙂
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Penny, I gravitated back towards sewing because the knitting and spinning yarn the past 25 years has caused arthritis in my thumbs. I still knit and spin but have to keep it to a minimum. When we were young, we could sew to save money-I’m sure you remember the days. Now it’s a matter of self expression and having things exactly (fabric and quality wise) as I want them.
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I love the top you’ve made. Also your poodle 🙂
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Thank you-her name is Sophia and she was the first Poodle i ever adopted. I now have three of them. Some day, i need to get all of them in a picture with me but that would be quite a chore!
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Your top is fantastic! I love both the style and the print of the fabric. You are very talented! My mother in law gave me a sewing machine but I don’t know how to use it. I went to a sewing workshop a few years ago but I was hopeless! Maybe I should try again.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
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Thank you Emma, I didn’t sew for a few years and have finally gotten back into the stitch of things. Sometimes I think one just needs to connect with the right teacher. I really like the lessons on the online platform Craftsy because there is no pressure to get the lessons finished on a dead line like there would be at a workshop. Yesterday, I bought and downloaded the ‘no sew clutch bag” class and will get to it whenever I feel like it. That’s what like about Craftsy.
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Terri, wow! That is impressive! My mom tried to show me sewing many years ago, but I suppose at the time I didnt have the patience. I love the print and those sleeves look great on you! I have a few things now bought with these fun sleeves!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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Thank you Jessica, It’s fun revisiting dramatic sleeves. This isn’t the first time they have been a thing in my life but I never had any like the ones I made and I have to admit, I like the way they swish!
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Obsessed with those sleeves!!!! So pretty! Thank you for linking up!
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Thank you
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Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. This black and white outfit looks great on you!
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Thank you Nicole, I always enjoy what you have to say and love linking up to Top of the World Style
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