13 Sep Butterick 4735 With a Twist
It’s a girl 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For the ruching, I randomly gathered and tacked small bits of fabric on the underneath side of each fold.
The folding technique was adopted from a Marfy dress pattern, and I worked through the rest.
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!
Until soon 🙂
Ana Sullivan
Posted at 10:32h, 13 SeptemberGod 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 SeptemberThank you, Ana! Precious photos 🙂
dorcas
Posted at 10:35h, 13 SeptemberSarah, 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 SeptemberIt’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 SeptemberCongratulations, 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberWhat 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 SeptemberSince 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 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank you so much, Karen – our lives are constantly refocusing! We love it 🙂
Myra Rentmeester
Posted at 12:11h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations grandma Sarah on the new addition to your family! Your top is absolutely fabulous too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:16h, 13 SeptemberMany thanks, Myra! She is a doll baby 🙂
Cissie
Posted at 12:14h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank you, Cissie! Birdie is adorable and the blouse was a fun challenge 😉
PAM MORRIS
Posted at 12:26h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberSo 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 SeptemberIf 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 SeptemberBeautiful site, Pam! I had no idea ~ your home dec work is quite inspiring 🙂
Mary Lynn
Posted at 12:34h, 13 SeptemberWhat 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberCongrats 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 SeptemberMany thanks, Debi! It’s certainly ‘grand’ right now 😉
Becky Riddle
Posted at 13:18h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberCongratulations!!! 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 SeptemberThank you so much, Melissa. It’s all very sweet right now 🙂
Barbara Speer
Posted at 13:47h, 13 SeptemberBecoming 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 SeptemberBarbara, Thank you for your lovely comment 😉
Linda Richards
Posted at 14:32h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberMany thanks, Linda! I intend to enjoy every moment 😉
Linda Richards
Posted at 14:35h, 13 SeptemberI 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank you, Patricia for your comment! She is lovely and I’m looking forward to fall. More soon 😉
Karen Helm
Posted at 15:27h, 13 SeptemberWhat 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 SeptemberHi 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 Septemberyou have inspired me! Working on the first dress I have made in 5 years…Merci beaucoup
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:45h, 13 SeptemberMy pleasure, Patricia!! Good luck with your dress 🙂 🙂
Joyce Love
Posted at 15:49h, 13 SeptemberBeautiful 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 SeptemberThank you so much, Joyce! I look forward to sewing for her 😉
Alethia
Posted at 15:58h, 13 SeptemberSo 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 SeptemberThank you, Alethia! Those sleeves aren’t nearly as tedious to sew as my narrative is to read 🙂 🙂
Michele Brunskill
Posted at 16:13h, 13 SeptemberLove the top!! The sash and sleeve details kick it up a notch! Well done. Cheers, Michele
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:29h, 13 SeptemberThank you so much, Michele!
Joyce Latham
Posted at 16:28h, 13 SeptemberCongrats! 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 SeptemberThank you, Joyce! She is definitely an angel 😉
Marybeth Tawfik
Posted at 17:14h, 13 SeptemberMany congratulations! Time flies whether you’re having fun or not …
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:31h, 13 SeptemberLOL ~ fortunately, I’m having fun at the moment 😉
Irene
Posted at 19:27h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank you, Irene! ……… I don’t always get what I want, but come close on most occasions 😉
Gerhild
Posted at 20:15h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations on being a grandma. And I love what you have done to the top with the sleeves.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:07h, 13 SeptemberThank you so much, Gerhild!
Sandy Webrand
Posted at 21:07h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberMany thanks, Sandy! Hopefully, I’ll be able to produce 😉
Bernice Francisco
Posted at 21:59h, 13 SeptemberCongratulations on your new granddaughter! She is beautiful!
Love the top, too! Thanks for sharing the instructions.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:08h, 13 SeptemberMy pleasure, Bernice! Many thanks for the comment 😉
Sharon Jester
Posted at 22:14h, 13 SeptemberReally, 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 SeptemberThank you, Sharon! I had so much fun with this one 🙂
Carolinas Callin
Posted at 22:53h, 13 SeptemberLove 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 SeptemberHi 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 SeptemberCongratulations, 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank you so much, Doris! 🙂
Leah Kabaker
Posted at 01:30h, 14 SeptemberCongratulations! Being a grandma is the best. And you can now sew for q baby girl
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:00h, 14 SeptemberMany thanks, Leah! I agree ~ sewing excitement lies ahead 🙂
Margo//Creating In The Gap
Posted at 04:41h, 14 SeptemberCongrats! 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 SeptemberThank you so much, Margo, and congratulations to you on the marriage of your daughter!
Mary Funt
Posted at 06:28h, 14 SeptemberWhat 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 SeptemberI think you’re right, Mary! Face Time will definitely play an important role in our lives now 😉
Bonnie Johnson
Posted at 06:34h, 14 SeptemberBeing a Grandparent is Wonderful! Congradulations!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:02h, 14 SeptemberThank you so much, Bonnie!!
Kerry Rounsley
Posted at 08:24h, 14 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberHi 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 SeptemberCongratulations on Birdie and a very pretty top.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:04h, 14 SeptemberMany thanks, Karen 😉
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:04h, 14 SeptemberYour 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 SeptemberThank you, Mary Ellen! One of these days we’re going to connect in AZ 🙂
Barbara Byrne
Posted at 14:04h, 14 SeptemberCongratulations xxxxxx
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 23:22h, 14 SeptemberMany thanks!!
Eva Hoepelman
Posted at 14:23h, 14 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberSuch a sweet comment, Eva – many thanks 🙂 🙂
Almeda
Posted at 16:53h, 14 SeptemberWonderful 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 SeptemberThank you, Almeda!
Mary Dwileski
Posted at 17:27h, 14 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberHi 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 SeptemberCongratulations!!! What a lovely picture you guys make as grandparents!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 23:17h, 14 SeptemberThank you, Rebecca!
Sharon kane
Posted at 16:25h, 15 SeptemberFrom 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 SeptemberThank you, Sharon! How true your comment is 🙂
peggy leah
Posted at 19:55h, 16 SeptemberAren’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 SeptemberHi 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 SeptemberCongratulations! 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 SeptemberNancy,
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 SeptemberCongratulations 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 SeptemberThank 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 SeptemberIndeed, 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 SeptemberCongratulations, grandma! She is so tiny and sweet! What great news!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:16h, 17 OctoberThank you, Sonja!
Patricia Moore
Posted at 00:42h, 03 DecemberBeautiful top, again! Looks so good on you.
Congratulations on your new grandchild. What a wonderful time you will have, all love and no worries!