Ruffle-Sleeve Top

You can see from my other posts that if a pattern works for me and I like the results I will sew it multiple times.  The record so far for makes from the one pattern is eight for this top but I have fallen hard for the Ruffle-Sleeve Top designed by In The Folds so that record is in serious danger!

The Ruffle-Sleeve Top was designed by In The Folds for Peppermint Magazine and it is free to download here.  There had been so many beautiful versions on insta that I was tempted to give it a try.  I was not convinced the boxy style would be a good look on me as I am very tall and hippy but I do have a waist.  I was worried this style would look a bit blocky on me but the clever design is actually really flattering and I feel like a million bucks wearing them.

My first version was from a cheap cotton from Spotlight because I really wasn’t confident the style would be ‘me’.

There was a fair bit of ease accross my bust so I sized down for the next version. Again in a cotton from Spotlight, until I was 100% with the outcome I wasn’t going near the favourites in my very limited stash.

It was a fit I was much happier with so I was comfortable enough to go for it and use an Amy Butler fabric I had been saving for awhile.

By this stage I was really hooked! I think it is the simple lines of the top with the French seams and perfectly sized facings that make it so nice to wear. It is definitely a pattern that is a breeze to sew thanks to the clear instructions and pictures. I have only sewed a handful of Indie patterns but this is one of the easiest I have used to follow. Sometimes the steps were over explained but I appreciated that to sew my first French seams and I can now skip the instructions for those and sew them for anything I am working on. New skills for me!

I know the pattern says that 2.7m is required but I have managed to get all of my versions out of 2m with a little left over. I am a bit naughty in that I do cut all of the bodice, facing and sleeve pieces out with the grain but I didn’t worry when it came to the sleeve ruffle. That’s how I keep it under 2m and it means it’s a very affordable make.

There were lots of black gingham versions popping up on my feeds and when I got my hands on some at a 40% off Lincraft sale I had my own.

Another reason I love the Ruffle Sleeve Top is it’s versatility, which is essential if it gets to stay in my tiny wardrobe. I have worn them during the day with shorts and jeans and out at night with jewellery and pants.

I do have one more version of this top on the way for someone special and then I think it really is time to move on.