Sharon Sews

Even though they've been around for awhile, I'm still liking the statement sleeve trend. That's why I put this top on my to-sew list as soon as I received my January 2023 issue of BurdaStyle magazine.  The magazine describes the blouse as "this blouse has the look of a lavish bouquet. Its secret? XL puff sleeves whose tiny gathers ensure that the flowing viscose drapes beautifully".  It's a cute description but doesn't really tell you much about the blouse, except it does indeed have big sleeves!  Let me provide a few more details for you. It is a pullover style, with a v-neckline finished with an interfaced facing. The hem is slightly curved and the sleeves have a slit opening, with a button and loop and narrow band.  I used two gold ball buttons that I've had in my button stash for decades. The pattern is from the January 2023 magazine, blouse #104, and is also available as a PDF here . It's designed for lightweight blouse fabrics with the sample...

It only took me five years, but I sewed this FABULOUS knit maxi dress from the March 2015 BurdaStyle magazine. This was one of the designs I immediately marked when the magazine arrived at my home five years ago. I don't know why it took me so long to finally sew the dress. I think I was just so busy with work during the day, and teaching Zumba classes in the evening, that my sewing time suffered. I'd pull out my stack of BurdaStyle magazines every nine months or so, and bookmark what I wanted to sew. Sometimes I'd change my mind on designs I had marked previously, but never on this maxi!  It is dress number 122.  While it's a bit of a fabric hog, it's quite the flattering design. I thought the way it was styled - with the athletic shoes - was cute. That is why I'm wearing my rose gold (leather!) athletic shoes with my maxi dress. Comfy, cute, and trendy. Although can you say it's a trend when it's been a "look" for the past five yea...