Isn't the blouse above pretty? I love the sleeve and its button closure. Unfortunately, these types of sleeves do not fit around my arms, which just happen to be larger. I personally think that clothing manufacturers do not realize that when they make a size large blouse, the arm opening in the sleeve should also be large. (Yes, I wear a large. I'm broader in the shoulders and, well, too blessed to wear a medium.)
As I searched for and tried on and discarded and searched some more for feminine blouses that I can wear during the warmer seasons, my mind's wheels were turning. Could I somehow alter the armholes so they would work for my arms? I unbuttoned one of the blouses' arm buttons, and the fit was comfortable. Could I somehow make this opening larger? Hmmm...
I purchased a few blouses, brought them home, and went to work on the first one. I first removed the button from each of the sleeves.
I placed each side of the closure end to end, and sewed it closed. That created about a half inch more of room.
Then I had to somehow cover up the fact that I sewed the closure shut. I knew I'd have to sew one button over the button hole to make it look like it was closed with a button. Well, how about using three buttons? I sewed one button over the hole, a second one over the seam, and a third one an equal distance to the right of the second.
The sleeve pulls on my arm just a teeny bit when I reach my out straight out in front of me. But it is not at all uncomfortable, and the solution was a good first try. I have sewn only this blue blouse so far, with about three more to finish. Hopefully I'll get this technique down and have four wonderful bargain blouses for this lovely warm weather so late in October!
Back to life,
Christine
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Totally terrific Tackle-It Tuesday project!!! I'm so happy you got this done - and btw, I don't think there is any "right" or "wrong" way to sew. I think that there may be *easier* ways to do SOME things, but that by and large sewing is just... what you see and what you do. So, kudos to you on a thrifty and inventive solution. And yes - I *love* that shirt. So pretty!! And the three buttons are adorable. Enjoy it while Indian Summer lasts. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shani
Good thinking, dearest! Well done :-)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lori
Neat neat neat !!! I love the idea. The only other idea I would have is somehow put a ribbon around the arm area that has the button holes. I am hoping to alter some clothes soon but I don't have a very good clue how to do it. ((sigh)) I really want to learn how to sew clothes. One book that I ordered and waiting for my brother to bring up when he comes for the wedding is Weekend Sewing. Check it out here... http://www.amazon.com/Weekend-Sewing-Projects-Inspired-Stitching/dp/1584796758 . I hope this teaches me lots. *grin* Thank you so much for your great post and your sweet words. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteBlessings and ((HUGS)) my SSiC
Mary, a ribbon would be pretty. I'm going to try the other blouses and see if I can create a little more space than I did with the blue blouse, which I'm currently wearing--even though it's a little chilly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words of encouragement! Praying blessing on your busy week!
Love,
Christine