I'm not sure if this is a Rose or a Shell on the sleeve but it sure is adorable!
I was scrolling though instagram one day and came across a really fun sleeve tutorial and saved it with the intention of one day making a top with that sleeve. I save a lot of things with the idea I’ll make them one day and never do anything with them. I think it's a lot like collecting patterns that I like. I have them. I look at them but I probably won’t ever make all of them (although I do use a lot of them).
Several months after saving the tutorial I was searching through my saved posts for something different when I came across this one and thought about how perfect the pink knit I had picked up on a whim would be for it.
I used simplicity #9930 from 1972 for the shirt base since I had the pattern and have used it many times, but I think any top with a sleeve would work. I drafted the sleeve as shown in the video. I think I watched it 50 times to really get the idea set in my mind.
I was thrilled that it actually worked, because I have tried tutorials that have failed miserably so it's always nice when something works out. I have noticed that a lot of times when something doesn’t work it's because the tutorial left something important out (I think it's that whole secret ingredient thing) . And while I wouldn’t say this is an easy to follow video, it does have all the instructions there. I just had to use some creative skills to get the curve right and pause it every few seconds to get the measurements.
One thing I did change though is making a facing for the sleeve, I thought it might be a little too heavy to have the fabric doubled. The rose/shell is doubled like in the video since that's the way it has to be done. I think this technique would probably work with most fabrics, so it may be something I try again with another type of fabric.
I really think this is such a fun little addition to any top. It turned out really cute, and it's versatile enough it can be worn with several styles.
