Butterick 4735 With a Twist

13 Sep Butterick 4735 With a Twist

It’s a girl 🙂

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Greetings from Scottsdale where I’ve been since September 3, celebrating one of life’s greatest miracles ~ the birth of little “Birdie” born September 1.  Hubby and I are truly thrilled to be first-time grandparents to such a precious bundle of joy!

Can you believe it, dear Readers? I started Goodbye Valentino as a new empty nester.  In 5 short years, I’ve gained two son-in-laws, a new puppy and a granddaughter. My husband and I have each lost a beloved parent, and I’ve written a book to be published in 18 days.

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for hanging with me through it all.

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I’m L O V I N G the new fall clothes! Ruffles, gorgeous fabrics and feminine style abound, but it is the ruffles and ruching which especially intrigue me, particularly in the sleeves.

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Heavily influenced by photos of many tops, I put my own spin on sleeves beginning with this Butterick pattern I’ve own for years and sewn several times.

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Sewn in lightweight chambray I followed the pattern instructions minus the sleeves. For each sleeve I used nearly one yard of fabric! Each of the three 4″ folds in the sleeve required 8″ of fabric.

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After determining the length, I marked the sleeve every four inches beginning 1 1/2″ from the lower edge. (For demonstration purposes I’ve enhanced the photo below.) Each black line is folded to meet another black line which in turn brings the red lines together. After folding the sleeve in places, the sides were trimmed to even out the edges (above) resulting in the shape below.

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The lower two folds were stitched along the black lines and the top fold was tacked in place by hand. After stitching the side seams, the lower edge was gathered and attached to a band.

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For the ruching, I randomly gathered and tacked small bits of fabric on the underneath side of each fold.
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The folding technique was adopted from a Marfy dress pattern, and I worked through the rest.

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Most of the top was assembled before leaving home, but the sleeves were ruched and attached by hand. Fall clothes rarely excite me but this year is different – stay tuned for more!

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Until soon 🙂

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
102 Comments
  • Ana Sullivan
    Posted at 10:32h, 13 September Reply

    God has blessed you immensely!!! Congratulations on becoming a grandmother! I too became a grandmother recently and it is beyond incredible. See my first look here: http://www.thelostapron.com/2016/08/first-look-just-a-peek.html

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:46h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Ana! Precious photos 🙂

  • dorcas
    Posted at 10:35h, 13 September Reply

    Sarah, you truly live a blessed life! Congrats on little Birdy! Oh, and your shirt is cute, too! Hugs, Dorcas

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:47h, 13 September Reply

      It’s been a whirlwind, Dorcas, and the one constant through it all has been sewing! Many thanks for your comment 🙂

  • Margene Yeaton
    Posted at 10:47h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations, Birdie is lucky to have wonderful NEW grandparents. Your blouse is well balanced and looks very good on you. Great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:50h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Margene! I’m leaving tomorrow and I suppose FaceTime will have to suffice for a while.

  • Debra Lee
    Posted at 11:07h, 13 September Reply

    What a wonderful tutorial, never would have thought to do that and it looks wonderful Thank you and congratulations on your new granddaughter, there is nothing better.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:12h, 13 September Reply

      Since I couldn’t find a pattern that featured what I was looking for, I had to get creative 🙂 Many thanks for your nice comment, Debra!

  • Susan
    Posted at 11:27h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations on the new, wonderful, granddaughter! It is a lovely photo of the three of you. Will there be sewing projects planned for her?? Thanks so much for including the tutorial when you must be so busy.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:36h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Susan! I can’t wait to sew for her when she’s a little older. Right now she has received lots of adorable clothes and has an assortment of smocked gowns made by family.
      As for the tutorial, I love discovering how clothes are made ~ it was my pleasure!!

  • karen lyon
    Posted at 11:49h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations on the birth of your new grand daughter! Lovely time of your life. I suspect that your lives will be re focusing in the near future. Rnjoy neing grandparents. That blouse is lovely, by the way.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:16h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Karen – our lives are constantly refocusing! We love it 🙂

  • Myra Rentmeester
    Posted at 12:11h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations grandma Sarah on the new addition to your family! Your top is absolutely fabulous too!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:16h, 13 September Reply

      Many thanks, Myra! She is a doll baby 🙂

  • Cissie
    Posted at 12:14h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations on the arrival of “Birdie”. There is no joy like a grandchild!! And I love your blouse. Sleeves are amazing.

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 12:17h, 13 September Reply

    Thank you, Cissie! Birdie is adorable and the blouse was a fun challenge 😉

  • PAM MORRIS
    Posted at 12:26h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations Sara and your promotion to Grandmother! I pop in here less frequently now that I focus my sewing on home decor for clients. What a thrill to see that not only are you a grandmother, but also an author. Even though I’m not making many clothes these days when I do it’s bound to be a tunic. The Tunic Bible will be in my cart and on my bookshelf ready for action as soon as it’s available. How wonderful to see someone making her dreams come true. Much success to you and Julie!! My Best!!!! Pam

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:48h, 13 September Reply

      So nice to hear from you, Pam! Julie and I were recently talking about all of the cute clothes you made. We miss your blog, but are glad to know sewing a tunic is still in your future 🙂
      Many thanks for the comment!

      • PAM MORRIS
        Posted at 11:04h, 14 September Reply

        If you ever want to check out my home dec work, just click my name to view my site. Best!

        • goodbyevalentino
          Posted at 14:07h, 14 September Reply

          Beautiful site, Pam! I had no idea ~ your home dec work is quite inspiring 🙂

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 12:34h, 13 September Reply

    What a precious joy! The amazing thing to us is how fast the time goes. This summer we’ve watched her get braver and braver
    at the Night Heron pool!(She’s 1 1/2) Now if yours can just mover closer! Adorable picture of the 3 of you 🙂 There was a write-up
    of your book in the Charleston paper! Your fame is preceding you! Can’t wait for it to come out. Hope to run in to you again soon.
    Congratulations on so many wonderful events – life really is “the best of times……..”

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:33h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Mary Lynn! I can already tell how wonderful it will be 😉 I saw the write-up of the book in the Charleston paper and look forward to being in Charleston week after next!

  • Debi
    Posted at 13:09h, 13 September Reply

    Congrats on your new granddaughter…we have 2 and they light up our lives. Welcome to the club…it is Grand!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:34h, 13 September Reply

      Many thanks, Debi! It’s certainly ‘grand’ right now 😉

  • Becky Riddle
    Posted at 13:18h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations on your new itty bitty! She is truly precious. I also like your top very much; you were very creative, but then you always are! I must have missed this Butterick pattern, but this style has been really popular lately. I am trying to decide if it would be too much bulk for my small frame. Named patterns came out with a top that is almost identical to this one, but they recommend a knit, so I may take the plunge. Oh, and you have always been partial to ruffles (at least on the blog), but you have not sewn any ruffles lately. Do I see ruffles in your future again?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:39h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Becky! I too worry about being overwhelmed by big pieces of clothing but the bodice is fitted… and I was ready for something different! Let me know how the Named pattern turns out, and yes…. I hope to be sewing more ruffles 🙂

  • Melissa
    Posted at 13:29h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations!!! She is adorable~ Being a grandmother is the best job in the world. I have 6 now. Love the top!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:39h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Melissa. It’s all very sweet right now 🙂

  • Barbara Speer
    Posted at 13:47h, 13 September Reply

    Becoming a grandmother is one of life’s great milestones. You realize that all of us are part of a long chain reaching far into the past, but more importantly, far into the future. She and her grandparents are all beautiful. Enjoy! Like the top too.

    Barbara

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:40h, 13 September Reply

      Barbara, Thank you for your lovely comment 😉

  • Linda Richards
    Posted at 14:32h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations to all! You now have the BEST job in the world! I had no idea that being a grandparent could be so wonderful until I became one five years ago! Enjoy every minute of this beautiful new chapter in your life!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:40h, 13 September Reply

      Many thanks, Linda! I intend to enjoy every moment 😉

  • Linda Richards
    Posted at 14:35h, 13 September Reply

    I can’t wait for your book to arrive in my mailbox! I pre-ordered it a couple of weeks ago!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:41h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Linda! Would you believe my advance copy arrived 2 hours ago? I’m delighted to know it’s really in print now 😉

  • Patricia Brown
    Posted at 15:14h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations Sara! Your grandbaby is beautiful…..what a blessing. I love, love your blouse. What a great look for fall!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:43h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Patricia for your comment! She is lovely and I’m looking forward to fall. More soon 😉

  • Karen Helm
    Posted at 15:27h, 13 September Reply

    What a sweet name for an adorable little girl! Congratulations to you and warmest wishes to your entire family! Being a grandparent is one of life’s richest blessings – she is one lucky little bundle to have such a creative grandmother (you!) as a role model and influence. So, so happy for you…

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:45h, 13 September Reply

      Hi Karen! Thank you so much. I know you’ve become a grandparent in recent years and indeed it is one of life’s richest blessings. ‘Birdie” is her nickname, but I think it’s cute too 🙂

  • Patricia Flournoy
    Posted at 15:36h, 13 September Reply

    you have inspired me! Working on the first dress I have made in 5 years…Merci beaucoup

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 15:45h, 13 September Reply

      My pleasure, Patricia!! Good luck with your dress 🙂 🙂

  • Joyce Love
    Posted at 15:49h, 13 September Reply

    Beautiful top & beautiful grandbaby! Congratulations to you & your entire family, Sarah. I can’t wait to see the lovely things you create for your granddaughter in the future!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:28h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Joyce! I look forward to sewing for her 😉

  • Alethia
    Posted at 15:58h, 13 September Reply

    So many achievements in 5 years, wow, Congratulations!! Your grandbaby is adorable! Many blessings to you and your entire family. And, what a tedious task on those sleeves, but the work paid off, that’s a beautiful top!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:29h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Alethia! Those sleeves aren’t nearly as tedious to sew as my narrative is to read 🙂 🙂

  • Michele Brunskill
    Posted at 16:13h, 13 September Reply

    Love the top!! The sash and sleeve details kick it up a notch! Well done. Cheers, Michele

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:29h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Michele!

  • Joyce Latham
    Posted at 16:28h, 13 September Reply

    Congrats! I love being a gGrandma , two so far, a boy and a girl. Looking forward to many more posts of the Birdie! She is one lucky girl to have such love ing grandparents!
    Till the next time
    Joyce

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:30h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Joyce! She is definitely an angel 😉

  • Marybeth Tawfik
    Posted at 17:14h, 13 September Reply

    Many congratulations! Time flies whether you’re having fun or not …

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:31h, 13 September Reply

      LOL ~ fortunately, I’m having fun at the moment 😉

  • Irene
    Posted at 19:27h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations to the new grandparents! What a joy!
    Love your new top. Very interesting sleeve treatment. One does have to invent when available patterns don’t have exactly what you want. And that’s the big plus of sewing – you get whatever you want.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:07h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Irene! ……… I don’t always get what I want, but come close on most occasions 😉

  • Gerhild
    Posted at 20:15h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations on being a grandma. And I love what you have done to the top with the sleeves.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:07h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Gerhild!

  • Sandy Webrand
    Posted at 21:07h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful, little granddaughter. I see cute little dresses and doll clothes in your future. Enjoy!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:08h, 13 September Reply

      Many thanks, Sandy! Hopefully, I’ll be able to produce 😉

  • Bernice Francisco
    Posted at 21:59h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations on your new granddaughter! She is beautiful!
    Love the top, too! Thanks for sharing the instructions.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 22:08h, 13 September Reply

      My pleasure, Bernice! Many thanks for the comment 😉

  • Sharon Jester
    Posted at 22:14h, 13 September Reply

    Really, really beautiful, very ingenious the way you went about the sleeves. You look gorgeous in it, very well done.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 23:07h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Sharon! I had so much fun with this one 🙂

  • Carolinas Callin
    Posted at 22:53h, 13 September Reply

    Love this color on you…but not wild about the sleeves this year. All I can think of is the Seinfeld “Puffy Shirt” episode…lol! You might be able to pull this off, but it would look ridiculous on me!

    Congrats on all you’ve accomplished! What an amazing few years for you – you should be so proud of yourself! You’ve helped SO many people (including me!) find their way back to the sewing machine after all these years. Enjoy Birdie – she’s adorable!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 23:51h, 13 September Reply

      Hi Cheryl ~ So nice to hear from you! I love that episode of Seinfeld but it won’t keep me from ruffles and ruching 😉
      Many thanks for your lovely comment ~ I’m truly touched to play a positive role in the lives of others 😉 ….and Birdie …….. I never knew how wonderful it would be!

  • Eleanor Pollack
    Posted at 22:56h, 13 September Reply

    Congratulations, Sarah! While your top is quite lovely and the sleeves beautifully done, Birdie has it beat hands down. FaceTime works and one evening the iPad will ring so you can sing her to sleep with “your” song and her mama will tell you she has just hugged and kissed the screen. Sweet! And thanks for sharing how your worked out those sleeves. My grands number 5 & each is quite the gift. Enjoy Birdie!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 23:52h, 13 September Reply

      Thank you, Eleanor! I agree – no garment compares to the birth of a little angel……. We have lots of Face Time planned 🙂

  • Doris Mays
    Posted at 00:13h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations on becoming brand new grandmom. A joyous time. The fabric is so pretty. The sleeves are a gorgeous touch. I will try it. Loved your post and hope to continue to follow. God bless.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:59h, 14 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Doris! 🙂

  • Leah Kabaker
    Posted at 01:30h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations! Being a grandma is the best. And you can now sew for q baby girl

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:00h, 14 September Reply

      Many thanks, Leah! I agree ~ sewing excitement lies ahead 🙂

  • Margo//Creating In The Gap
    Posted at 04:41h, 14 September Reply

    Congrats! A sweet baby girl, so precious! I like the new sleeves that are out this fall too, So fun, Your top is great Sarah!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:01h, 14 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Margo, and congratulations to you on the marriage of your daughter!

  • Mary Funt
    Posted at 06:28h, 14 September Reply

    What an exciting and joyous time for you! Thanks for sharing the photo of your new granddaughter. I’m sure you will be logging loads of Face time.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:02h, 14 September Reply

      I think you’re right, Mary! Face Time will definitely play an important role in our lives now 😉

  • Bonnie Johnson
    Posted at 06:34h, 14 September Reply

    Being a Grandparent is Wonderful! Congradulations!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:02h, 14 September Reply

      Thank you so much, Bonnie!!

  • Kerry Rounsley
    Posted at 08:24h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations on becoming a grandma! What a beautiful child. We hope to see some more pictures and also some of your dog.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:04h, 14 September Reply

      Hi Kerry! Lulu won’t sit still long enough for pictures,, but I’ll keep trying. As for Baby Birdie, I’ll be sure to share 😉

  • Karen Hinson
    Posted at 08:42h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations on Birdie and a very pretty top.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 14:04h, 14 September Reply

      Many thanks, Karen 😉

  • MaryEllen
    Posted at 09:04h, 14 September Reply

    Your smiles say it all on the new love of your life -Birdie ! Being a Grandma is the best gift ever . Your top is very pretty & I love seeing the details of how you designed it !
    Congrats !

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 23:19h, 14 September Reply

      Thank you, Mary Ellen! One of these days we’re going to connect in AZ 🙂

  • Barbara Byrne
    Posted at 14:04h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations xxxxxx

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 23:22h, 14 September Reply

      Many thanks!!

  • Eva Hoepelman
    Posted at 14:23h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations on your beautiful granddaughter!
    You yourself look great in the new blue top – besides a lovely pattern I think it is that special “grandmother-glow” that makes
    this look so beautiful.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:50h, 14 September Reply

      Such a sweet comment, Eva – many thanks 🙂 🙂

  • Almeda
    Posted at 16:53h, 14 September Reply

    Wonderful news Sarah! Congratulations to all! Birdie is feeling “all the love”. Your top is lovely and we know before long you will be sewing lots of little dresses. Enjoy every second.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:51h, 14 September Reply

      Thank you, Almeda!

  • Mary Dwileski
    Posted at 17:27h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations on becoming Grandparents! You cannot imagine how your hearts will swell with every little milestone your little Birdie accomplishes! As to the wrap top – love it, but the sleeves, with the tucks, look a little too heavy for me. Nevertheless, it is a pretty top. Maybe in a fall fabric…?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 18:52h, 14 September Reply

      Hi Mary and many thanks for your comment. My heart already swells ~ every move seems like a milestone. As for the top ~ I’m in the mood for new styles 😉 😉

  • Rebecca
    Posted at 22:21h, 14 September Reply

    Congratulations!!! What a lovely picture you guys make as grandparents!!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 23:17h, 14 September Reply

      Thank you, Rebecca!

  • Sharon kane
    Posted at 16:25h, 15 September Reply

    From one grandparent to another – congratulations!!! Feel free to mention that little bundle of joy any time. I know how much joy they can bring.
    Sharon

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 07:31h, 16 September Reply

      Thank you, Sharon! How true your comment is 🙂

  • peggy leah
    Posted at 19:55h, 16 September Reply

    Aren’t babies Heaven?
    The blouse is lovely and I don’t know where I have been, but
    The sleeve is new to me., and I watch a lot of runway shows! LIKE it! Wonder if they will “get in the way” while wearing.?
    peggy

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:48h, 16 September Reply

      Hi Peggy! So far so good on the sleeve 😉 Many thanks for your comment, and yes, babies are simply the best!

  • Nancy Channell
    Posted at 20:12h, 17 September Reply

    Congratulations! Grandchildren are all delight and happiness and none of the concern over one’s abilities to be an adequate parent. Since you are in Scottsdale, you can address my dilemma with practical knowledge. I have lived in Scottsdale three years, (retired, widowed, married again) and I still have been unable to construct a wardrobe of dignified, stylish, flattering clothing for HOT weather. How about a 5-easy-piecer (not in black) or a Monsoon Capsule? Life is more casual now, but I can’t seem to balance the comfort/style issue. Thanks!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:31h, 17 September Reply

      Nancy,
      You’ve asked the Million Dollar Question! I don’t live in Scottsdale, and my daughter has only lived there since January 2015.
      I’ve yet to get it right but when I do, I’ll certainly write a post………. and should you figure it out first please let me know.
      Many thanks for your nice comment 🙂

  • Juls W
    Posted at 18:32h, 18 September Reply

    Congratulations Sarah! Beautiful Birdy is blessed to have a beautiful grandparent in you too. I hope she has inherited your style and she will learn all your skills by your side 🙂

  • Lauren
    Posted at 20:08h, 21 September Reply

    Thank you for another wonderful post. You’ve been blessed over these past five years!
    The sleeves on your wrap-around blouse are intriguing. Maybe I will give them a try someday.

    Lauren

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 21:09h, 21 September Reply

      Indeed, I’ve been quite blessed 🙂 I’m enjoying the sleeves but you may want to give me a chance to tweak a couple of spots before giving them a try …….
      Many thanks for the comment, Lauren!

  • Sonja
    Posted at 09:27h, 27 September Reply

    Congratulations, grandma! She is so tiny and sweet! What great news!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 06:16h, 17 October Reply

      Thank you, Sonja!

  • Patricia Moore
    Posted at 00:42h, 03 December Reply

    Beautiful top, again! Looks so good on you.
    Congratulations on your new grandchild. What a wonderful time you will have, all love and no worries!

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