Review: The Oversized Sleeve Top from Trend Patterns!
4:30 PM
The "Season of the Sleeve" is still going strong and I'm glad about that. Lucy from Trend Patterns reached out to me to introduce herself and her new pattern line. Lucy is just getting started, but if these designs are any indication, she definitely is moving in the right direction and she has my undivided attention. There are so many indie sewing pattern designers popping up what seems like daily. And yes, I'm one of those people that say, "How many t-shirts, A-line skirts and fit-and-flare dress patterns do we need?" So, it's refreshing to see an indie pattern designer that is like me, inspired by luxury brands that are straight off of the runway. This is my aesthetic and this is what I want see more of and what I feel that I am missing from the home sewing industry. Like the glorious golden days of Vogue Paris Originals and Vogue Couturier Designs. Stepping down from my soapbox in these stiletto boots...
This is the AW16/Oversized Sleeve Top. And it serves me vibes from these luxury brand beauties:
This is a paper pattern. Not the flimsy tissue either. It's that heavy weight paper like brown shipping paper. Trend Patterns are currently UK sized 6-12. I was unsure about the sizing, so I went with the size 12. This is it straight out of the envelope without a single alteration. I normally cut Big 4 patterns size 12-14.
My fabric is Italian White Stretch Cotton from Mood Fabrics. I believe it's sold out. But the pattern recommends lightweight fabrics like cotton or something sheer. But couldn't you just see this made up in a silk organza, with these sleeves? 😍
Being that this is a UK designer, the Metric System is what's being utilized. The seam allowance is 1cm which is a nice and scant 3/8". I feel all patterns should have this seam allowance. It would greatly reduce the need for trimming your seam allowances. The seams are serged and pressed to the side.
There's an invisible back zipper. And the neckline is finished with facings.
When I make this again, I think I'll eliminate this and use bias bound finish.
What gives this sleeve its amazing shape is that the sleeve is cut into the side fronts and backs. And there is a should panel piece that runs down the center of both pieces. There is also an underarm/side panel/gusset.
So yes, I love this top! I decided to give it first spin with my Vogue 8956 black and white pinstriped wrap skirt. I'm positive that it'll look just as great with jeans!
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22 comments
i love this top; love the sleeve.
ReplyDeleteMe too! Thanks Nylse!
Deletewow, you inspire me. i'm going to go dust off my machine... i didn't realize things like this could be made from a pattern.
ReplyDeleteI know, right! Thanks Lisa!
DeleteSooooo unique!
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly why I love it! Thanks Faye!
DeleteTotally cool sleeves. You always look so chic.
ReplyDeleteThank you Evie!
DeleteSuch a cool top - you look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThank you Tomasa!
DeleteGorgeous top!! You look amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brittany!
DeleteThis is a gorgeous top. I am so much in love with the crazy volumenous sleeve trend this fall/winter. You have great ideas! ❤️
ReplyDeleteMe too. It'll be a while before I'm over the sleeves trend. Maybe by spring I'll be on to the next thing. Thanks Szilvia!
DeleteTotally agree about the lack of indies out there doing sophisticated designer/runway fashion forward designs. There are enough T-shirt and simple a-line dress patterns out there already. Unless someone is coming from a completely different angle (like Cashmerette) we don't need any more! Which leads me to add...I hope Lucy will consider extending her size range a bit.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! Cashmerette is doing her thing! She's filling a niche for plus size patterns because that drafting is specific. I agree about Trend's sizing. But if I were just branching out, I'd want to make sure that there is demand before diving into expensive grading. Thanks Liz!
DeleteGreat top Ms. Erica! Thank you so much for sharing this new pattern designer. I totally agree with you this top would look great with jeans and/or leggings and a great pair of booties too! Nice job and so happy you did it in white first!
ReplyDeleteThank you Myra!
DeleteLovely! I so agree with your statement about high fashion patterns, you read my mind. I love your blogs' emphasis on beautiful, well cut, well made clothing, thanks! In a see of yoga pants worn all the time, there is still hope for fashion! Yeah! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ines!
DeleteHere I am living in London and finding out about new UK patterns from you in the USA! I love this, it looks lovely on you. I can see it being made in so many different fabrics. I am going to order a couple of their patterns
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracey!
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