Designer Stitch has released 2 new beautiful patterns with a bit of a twist. They are the same basic bodice but each pattern comes with these magnificent sleeves! One has 3 gorgeous long sleeves and the other has 4 incredible shorter sleeves!
Let me introduce you to the Bridget Long Sleeve combo….
…and the Bridget Short Sleeve combo!
Since I have been very vocal about how cold it has been here this winter, it should come as no surprise that I chose to test the long sleeve version. And when I saw the options, I knew I had to test the bell sleeve. It was just calling my name!
If you haven’t purchased a pattern from Designer Stitch yet, this is a great one to start with. Like all other Designer Stitch patterns, they are impeccably designed and include a chart that goes well above your standard bust/waist/hips measurements. The chart lists measurements of areas of your body that you may not even know you had! All of this equals a great foundation for getting a perfectly fitted garment. Muslins are still always a good idea but you will be so much closer to that perfect fit because you have all of those extra numbers!
If you have already started your Designer Stitch pattern collection, this is a really fun pattern because the sleeve options can be remixed with relative ease on two existing Designer Stitch patterns, the Charlie Dress and the Pippa Wrap Dress.
Normally when referring to sleeve options, one thinks about short, 3/4 or long sleeve. Not so here. Ann Grose, the designer, went above and beyond and created some very unique, hot off the runway looking sleeve options and all of them are very different from one another The long sleeve options are a Long Bell Cufflet, Split Sleeve with self ties and a Spiral Fluted Cufflet.
The short sleeve version includes a Mid Elbow Cufflet, Mid-Elbow Gathered Cufflet, a Gathered Flutter and a Mid Tiered Spiral Sleeve. Ann really should open up a whole section on her site just devoted to sleeve designs! I would love to see what other ideas she has up her sleeve (pun intended!).
The semi-fitted bodice can also be made with either a v-neck or rounded neckline and a low or high hip style, as well as an optional soft tie belt. There are also separate files for B, C, D and DD cup sizes so fitting the bodice is a breeze!
There are a total of 8 darts on this pattern. The thought of that many darts did cause me to take a deep breath and wonder what I had got myself into. But after finishing the darts, I actually felt such a great sense of satisfaction and I actually no longer fear darts. Bring ’em on! I can now say with confidence that darts are my friend and are needed for great fitting garments!!!
I made mine with a lightweight cotton that really gives a great retro vibe! I have had a few people ask me where I bought this top and I love being able to tell people that I made it!
Now I just need to decide which version I will make next. If you look at all the the tester photos, each one creates a whole new, unique top! If my math is correct, using both patterns will give you 56 different combination! That is incredible value! And until January 25, 2017, the patterns are on sale for $9 each and if you use the code “sleeveaddon” you will get the second pattern for half price.
My Summary:
| pattern name |
| Bridget Top with Short Sleeve options |
| type/options |
| *fitted top with invisible zipper *comes with a plethora of sleeve options! *designed for woven fabrics. |
| designer/where to buy |
| Ann Grose at Designer Stitch |
| sizes |
| US sizes 2 to 22 |
| trim/no trim |
| trimmed pages |
| layers |
| layers printing option |
| pros |
| *so many options *resources for getting a great fit |
| cons |
| *choosing which one to make first! |
| what was my experience I had with this pattern |
| I had a lot of fun with this pattern and I love the opportunity to be able to exercise so much creativity! |
| my suggestions for when you sew your own: |
| Start with the bodice and get your fit right. There is also a Designer Stitch Facebook Support group if you have any questions. |
| conclusion |
| When purchasing the Bridget, just go ahead and buy both because if you use the code “sleeveaddon” you will get the second pattern for half price. Please note that the patterns are on sale until January 25 for the release price of $9 each so that is only $13.50 for both patterns!!! |
***This post contains affiliate links. If you want to support my efforts to continue to grow my fabric stash, I would be most appreciative. Just don’t tell my hubby!***
Embrace Everyday 
😎🙌
On Sat, Jan 21, 2017 at 4:06 PM, Embrace Everyday wrote:
> EmbraceEveryday posted: “Designer Stitch has released 2 new beautiful > patterns with a bit of a twist. They are the same basic bodice but each > pattern comes with these magnificent sleeves! One has 3 gorgeous long > sleeves and the other has 4 incredible shorter sleeves! ” >