Bridesmaid Bolero Jackets Complete!

Jun 26, 2007 8 Replies
L

I posted a question on here a while back asking if it was crazy for a bride to be who just started sewing to think of sewing jackets for her bridesmaids...Well, the rookie pulled it off! I have sewn 5 matching bridesmaids boleros for my girls. Anyhow, here is a picture of one.



formatting link
you can tell by the frumpy unenthused look on my face, it cameclose to the wire and has kept me quite busy. I am concerned with onethat I had to make bigger than the rest, I think the sleeves are WAYtoo big. I won't see her until 2 days before the wedding so hopefullyit doesn't look too bad and/or I can take them in enough to look okay.They are made of the same champagne tissue taffeta as the dress, seenhere:



formatting link
even lined it with a gorgeous brown fabric. Yay! Thanks SO much tothose of you who posted your encouragements on here, because otherwiseI might have farmed this out to someone and would not have a specialpersonalized, hand made gift to give to my best friends.



-Laura



Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

Good job! The jacket looks darling, and I know the gals will appreciate you going to all that effort. What I would suggest on the sleeves you are concerned about... Call your pal. Ask her to measure around her biceps. Then you can measure the sleeve. You will know if it's way too big or not. Remember you want the sleeve to measure a tad bit bigger than her arm (otherwise it will cut off circulation from the sleeve down....not a good thing. Purple arms would not be pretty in the pictures. LOL) This way you have some time to correct the problem if there even is one. :)

Have a lovely wedding. Wish you all the best!

Sharon

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
P

Very nice! Professional, even. Good job.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
K

Oh, very pretty! And they will complement the gowns very nicely. Well done you!

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
K

The difference between the actual sleeve and the arm is called 'ease'. It needs to be 2"-4", depending on the size of the person it's for... Bigger people need more ease for movement. On a jacket like this, for a size 20 or so, go for 3" ease.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
L

Oh, and the jacket looks very nice indeed!

Liz C

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

When I am measuring for a garment made with no stretch (like a satin bridesmaid gown for instance) I measure the bicep on the dominant arm, with it flexed. It can indeed make a big difference. The reason I measure the dominant arm (right arm of a right-handed person) is that whole side of the body can be bigger. It's not usually a big difference. Usually less than

1/4". But in some cases, I've seen almost a 1" difference. Quirky huh?

Sharon

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
I

Very nice! You did a super job, Laura.

-Irene

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." - Mae West

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
K

Arm should be in a natural sate and slightly bent at the elbow. Garments like this aren't meant for muscle popping like a body builder! ;)

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required