I have started my DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER outfit. I want to COPY this top by Ellery Neu. I love the bell shaped sleeves. Quite popular this season, I think!
I browsed through a few patterns in my stash until I settled on view “E” of McCall’s M6896. Everything about this pattern is almost right. It definitely needs bell sleeves.
This is what the pattern sleeve looks like…
So I traced it – straightening out the sides of the pattern piece.
Adding in seven slits from where I want the “bell” shape to begin.
I spread the slits an inch apart filling the gaps with more tracing paper …
and cutting out my fashion fabric. I also added an extra inch on to the hem of the bell sleeve, just to make sure I had the sleeve length I liked.
Here are the changes I made from the original pattern piece.
I basted my sleeve together and checked it out. And we have a winner!
Next to sew the seam up using a French seam. I don’t want a messy seam showing at the bottom of the bell. I put the WRONG sides together and sewed a 1 cm seam allowance.
I trimmed close to my sewing.
Then I turned my sleeve inside out (or is it outside in?) and sewed the seam again, another 1 cm seam allowance.
Finished! The French seam from the outside.
And if the inside of the bell sleeve happens to show, the French seam is neat and tidy.
One sleeve done!
Have you found your Designer Original to COPY yet? I love looking through Instagram, Pinterest, etc. for Designer Original ideas, like this beautiful Chanel …
Or another favourite designer of mine, Katherine Tessier …
Then there is this lovely by Guy Laroche. Is it a dress? Top and shorts? Jumpsuit? OH! She has pockets! I have fabric in my stash very similar to this – all black with white abstract lines. It’s just waiting patiently to become a COPY of this Designer Original!
“Why buy when you can make it yourself – better and for less money?” If you want a designer garment too, join the DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER Challenge!
In DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER:
- On your blog post a photo of your Designer Original and YOUR COPY of your Designer Original, mentioning DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER in your post with a link back to here so other’s can join in.
- Grab a DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER button. The code on my side bar can be copied and pasted into a Text Widget on WordPress, or download the image and then upload it onto your blog.
- Leave a comment here on my blog and I’ll post your Designer Original and YOUR COPY for you on my blog in DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER, with a link back to you – whether you have made it already, are in the process of making it, or plan on making it… let me know!
- Don’t forget to share a comment or few with your other DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER cohorts. Everyone loves comments!
Other ways to participate:
- Send your email address to me at imadeit362436 (at) gmail (dot) com and I’ll send you an invite to join the “DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER” Pinterest board so you can add your Designer Original and YOUR COPY to the board.
- Post your Designer Original and YOUR COPY on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #DESIGNINDECEMBER.
Don’t forget to “grab” a DESIGNIN’ DECEMBER button on your way out!
Happy Sewing!