Made another Melody Dolman XS-XXXL blouse with different colored pockets, collar and cuffs. The material I used was also purchased for me as a gift by my Dear Daughter Carrie.
In my post on the 1970-1980's BLOUSE I stated that I did the cuff different. I decided that maybe some of you might want to have a little longer sleeve also. Below is some instructions on how I sewed the sleeve.
Some of these tricks are what my mother who turned 89 showed me how to do when teaching me and my sister to sew. She had some really quick and easy ways to sew things as there were 4 of us kids to sew for.
The picture above is the blouse sewn according to Love Notions instructions except for sewing up the side seams. I usually never sew the side seams up and then try and insert a sleeve. I find it really difficult to do so. The method of inserting a sleeve into a sewn up side seam is the usual method of putting in a sleeve. Just not my option, but if it is easy for you then continue doing so.
1. Turn down a 3/8 inch hem on both cuff pieces and iron in place.
2. Pin the cuff in place to the sleeve edge, as seen in the photos above. Sew your 3/8 seam across the cuff where you pinned it.
3. Press your seam toward the cuff.
4. I then iron it on the right side also to make sure it is pressed accurately on the front side.
The cuff at this time will look like the above.
5. Pin both side seams right sides together as seen in photo above. Now sew this area down the side seam.
6. Turn the cuff to the wrong side of the sleeve as above. You are placing the hemmed cuff on the seam allowance that you see in step 2. Pin in place.
Turn your sleeve to the right side. Sewing close to the sleeve edge on the cuff making sure you are sewing the hem down on the wrong side as well. Be careful removing pins from the wrong side as you sew. You now have a finished cuff. Do both cuffs this way.
Continue to follow the directions for finishing the hem.
Another trick is to put the blouse on and mark with a pin right in the middle between your breast. This is where I will place my first button hole. Then measure up and down the inches apart you want your other buttons from this pin mark. This keeps the blouse from gaping and revealing your bra, if you know what I mean.
Hope this helps anyone that wants to make the sleeves a little longer.
