Simplicity 2766: sleeve dilemma

Reminds me of bat robes in college.

First of all, whoever commented and told me the trick about using a bobbin as a second spool for twin needle stitching--you're a genius! I just love that!

It is a gorgeous Labor Day here! Went to the gym, then started working on a dress. Last night I asked which one to make, and I went with Sue's choice: Simplicity 2766 view A in a "beautiful deep blue color" as Sue says. The color reminds me of Superman.

I made a 12 in the neckline and shoulder, a 14 in the bodice and a 16 in the sleeve for room in the upper arm.

It's all done except for the sleeves. (and I'm thinking about lowering the hem. I cut 1.5 inches off and hemmed at 1.25 with a twin needle. Is it too short?). These are in progress pix so I haven't ironed.


So my left arm is done the way the pattern says, but in a 16 instead of the 12. The styling is supposed to be all pouffy baggy at the forearm, but this is too much for me, too Holly Hobby. Maybe it would look better if I made the 12 at the end of the sleeve, the proportions would be better.


The right arm is just ungathered for now.

This is, I dare say, the best neck binding I've ever sewn. I didn't follow the directions on this, I used a technique I learned from someone's review on SPR for beloved New Look 6922, where you sew the facing to the front, flip it to the inside and then topstitch it down from the front. The binding is not finished on the inside, which is ok in my book.

The neckline is pretty cool, I like how it scoops without being too low or showing any bra strappage.

I was at a loss about what to cinch it with. As you know I'm into the ribbon thing right now but I didn't have any wide long brown ribbon. I tried a belt instead. I think it looks very Mary Nanna (moreso if I wore it with boots. which I don't own).



This is pretty shapeless and if I wasn't wearing it with a belt, I'd definitely need a swayback adjustment. It might actually need a swayback adjustment anyhow, based on the side view picture I took and hated and which you will never ever see.



I can see myself making this again as a shirt, and possibly for sleepwear.

Also the pattern instructions don't mention anything about gathering stitches for the sleeve at the armhole. I had some funky adjustments anyhow, but I wonder if I had made the armholes and sleeve all the same size if it really would all magically fit together without basting? (I didn't baste, I just winged it, meaning there is a bit of shaving I need to do at the sleeve cap.)

So...will I...

• cut the sleeves to short sleeved length?
• remove the sleeves entirely?
• try the gathered sleeves but in a size 12 from the elbow down?

Stay tuned!