Review: The Oversized Sleeve Top from Trend Patterns!

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:

J.W. Anderson White Puff Sleeve Top

Rejina Pyo Maddie Puff Sleeve Blouse

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!