Spring into Sleeves!

• Spring has arrived and now is a great time to sew up some beautiful blouses. (And dresses!)
• Sleeve variations are everywhere on the fashion runways and we will look at a few just to get you inspired.
• On the right is Michael Kors’ version of the Marie sleeve which was popular in the late 1800s (picture on the left)

Marie Sleeves

Vogue 9243  Ivory Silk Double Georgette (top)  Egyptian Cotton-Swiss Ivory (bottom)

Vogue 9243 is a spot on version of the Marie sleeves.  This style can become your new white blouse for the spring/summer!  Make it in Ivory Silk Double Georgette paired with a high-waist pencil skirt for the office or in Egyptian Cotton – Swiss Ivory (Temporarily Out of Stock) to wear with jeans for the weekend.

Bell Du Jour Sleeves

Moroccan Print Rayon Challis-Teal Blue      McCalls 7545

Elle magazine calls these “bell du jour” because of their bell shapes. These can be casual versions like McCalls 7545 made from a soft fabric like Moroccan Print Rayon Challis-Teal Blue (Sold Out) or Floral Brushstrokes Silk Charmeuse (Sold Out) for a dressier garment. 

Gigot Sleeve or Leg-o-Mutton

(Top Row) Antique White/Metallic Gold Sheer Damask   (Bottom Row)  Old and Modern  Version Vogue 1518

Make your  wardrobe work for daytime and evening. Try the Antique White/Metallic Gold Sheer Damask (Sold Out) for the updated look interpreted by Vogue 1518 a Zandra Rhodes pattern.

Bishop Sleeves

(Top Row) Black Stretch Wool Crepe, Polyester Chiffon 60″-Black, Black Guipure Lace (Bottom Row) RTW dress, Marfy F3315,  Marfy F3411

Take an old classic and re-work to make it trendy and modern! Try using Black Stretch Wool Crepe (Sold Out) and the Black Chiffon for the classic look or add interest by adding the Black Guipure Lace to the top of the dress like the Marfy F3315 pattern.

Cold Shoulder Sleeves

How about using the Ivory/Gold Metallic Stretch Brocade to show off your sewing skills? Make this cold shoulder dress Burda 11/2016 #108C and you will knock them out! Updated leg-o-mutton sleeve with bare shoulders!

This is so exciting to be able to look back over 100 years and see old silhouettes being used in new and modern ways and fabrics! Be sure to check out all of the spring fabrics for this sleeve trend. and have fun sewing these looks.