KS 3782

I was really on the fence about this pattern.  I love the sleeveless style, but sleeveless isn't allowed at work and most of the clothes I make for me are work clothes.  Casual clothes are easy to buy and not always as fun to make.  But I bought the pattern at Hancock's because I figured I might like to layer the sleeveless top under a cardigan or light jacket for spring or fall.  I was on my lunch break last week, and came across a blogger who had made this top and modified the sleeves.  It was SO pretty!!!  Here's a link because I wouldn't have made this top without seeing SewRuth.  The cuff's she added were what made me realize this pattern had more potential than just as a sleeveless blouse.  I absolutely love her version!!

Ultimately, I franken-patterned the sleeves from Simplicity 2403 - another dress on my to do list one of these days. I need to remember to measure the pattern bicep when making a cuffed sleeve like this one, but ultimately it does fit, I just don't have a lot of extra moving room. Thankfully, that's not really an issue for me.  If it had been the elbow, and one of the many reasons I'm not a fan of long sleeved shirts, it would have been a different story.  I've posted a photo of the original.  Very bell shaped!!  I don't know, I just don't see the bell shape as being flattering with this style.

Here you can see my modified sleeve.   I copied the sleeve cap for the KS pattern, so that I wouldn't have any fitting issues.  I've marked on my pattern that I need to add about 1/2 inch for fit next time.  Or tone up my arms.  Ugh.  The photo to the right gives you a better view of what the new pattern actually looks like.  This was actually a very easy modification.

Here's a peak at how the cuff looks.  The button matches much better in person, rather than being slightly more monochramatic on my monitor.  I had a green button that would have matched well too, but I wanted a little bit of contrast, so this one is perfect.  See my machine manual in the background?  It's been such a long time since I did a button hole, I sort of forgot how to do it!  How did that happen?

And here's the final product.  I really love this blouse, and I'm so happy that I decided to make it up!

Here's a quick look at the neckline too.  For me, it's very low cut - something I seem to be having an issue with lately on many patterns!  Thankfully, I own plenty of camisoles that work well for modesty!