Asuka Hamada Bell Sleeve Blouse from the book Sweet Clothes
Pattern: Bell sleeve blouse from the pattern book, ”Sweet Clothes” designed by Asuka Hamada, purchased on Etsy from Pomadour.
Translation: Google translate app - not great but I was able to decipher that seam allowances were not included and what body parts corresponded to which measurements. I was able to easily put together the top using the diagrams in the instructions. Make sure to acknowledge notches to make assembly easy.
Description: Loose fitting top/blouse with princess seamlines where the large bell sleeves (will have bias drape), are inserted into the front and back seams. The underarm is a side panel. You could make the sleeves sheer and make the bodice in 2 layers of the same sheer fabric and a lining layer. Best worn tucked into high waisted skirt or pants. The sleeves end quite close to the waistline, you may want to shorten them an inch or 2 or not.
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Sizing: I am a 34” bust and used the small which is for a 32” - I have plenty of room. The top is quite loose, finished measurement across at bust is about 41” total circumference.
Time to finish: About 5 hours, with handwork/tracing and cutting pattern.
Cost: $37
Materials: Snow gray rayon linen and light silver gray 1/16th silky rayon piping
Construction notes: In this fabric I opted for finishing the sleeve hem by hand with a slip stitch (I serged the edge turned twice and pressed). I serged all the edges before stitching and pressed often. The princess seams and the neckline are piped. On the neckline and underarm I finished the edge in a prikstitch with silk buttonhole thread I had on hand in a matching color. On the neckline the piping is used in lieu of bias tape and along the underarm I used a piece of bias I cut from some silk organza (it was the same color )- it worked fine. The bottom edge I serged, turned, and machine stitched.
On the sleeves - consider the fact that they swing and the hem will be visible as you move across the dance floor so take care of how you finish the hem.
