Statement sleeves and fashion trends are the combination that keeps going and I am all on this trend. Sometimes those sleeves can be on a dressy garment and sometimes on a casual garment. When I received this amazing Minerva fabric, a textured knit in a check pattern, I knew I wanted a sweatshirt with a statement sleeve. This fabric is fabulous, a great stretch, nice hand, a beautiful pattern and color, perfect for any garment and in my case a great sweatshirt. The fabric content is 95% cotton and 5% elastane, doesn’t it sound so comfortable. Another great feature of this is the width, 59 inches wide.
I have several patterns I could use but this Burda 6109 caught my eye. It has the cutest sleeves, nice gathers with a bit of puff. The pattern has two lengths for the top and comes in a dress length, too. Lots of fun options with the comfort of lounge wear. With pattern in hand and the perfect fabric, I went to cutting my fabric. I did cut it one layer, made for easier matching.
The construction is quite easy, just basic sewing steps. I did make one change; the pattern has you set the sleeves in on the round. I don’t like to do this with knits, so I set the sleeves flat. This makes the construction so much easier. For the neck binding, cuffs and waistband, I used some ribbing from my stash. I have longer arms, so I always have to lengthen by an inch at least. I did add the inch but it wasn’t quite enough this time. Another part of fashion is longer cuffs and that is a good thing when you sleeves are not quite long enough. I made my cuffs an extra inch and now all is good. I would suggest sewing the side seams of the waistband ribbing then try it on. That way you have a good fit, ribbing is a bit tricky. Each one has a different amount of stretch and recovery, so if you try it on, you know the fit would be right for your sweatshirt. Same applies for the cuffs, mine could of benefitted in being a ½ inch smaller.
This pattern took one evening to make and the results are amazing. I love this fabric so much, the feel of my finished sweatshirt is amazing. I knew it would be a great sweatshirt but I didn’t have any idea how much I would like this one. I put it on for the day, went to town for pictures and then more sewing for the day, it is a perfect garment.
I have plans for the dress version and can just imagine how cute it will be with sneakers. Oh, I will have to go fabric shopping, I know Minerva will have the perfect fabric. Do you have a pattern or fabric that just makes you feel good? If you need a suggestion, go check out this fabric, you will love it!


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