GC Home | Register | Shop | Learn | Business | Around Town | Info

Londa's 2 Cents Worth
The Menopause Sleeve

Londa's Sewing 

*Insight from Londa regarding the sleeve design found in Java Jacket from Revisions and Journey Jacket from Safe-T-Pockets

While recently playing with and creating a great jacket from one of my Creative Kimono Packs with Java Jacket #104 from Diane Ericson-Revisions Patterns, I fell in love with this great sleeve! This is the second time I have encountered this design - the first time being in the Journey Jacket from Safe-T-Pockets. 

I hereby christen this design for a sleeve...the Menopause Sleeve! 
The opening under the arm makes for a great vent for cooling..... yet you have a sleeve - something over your arm to look like everyone else in cooler weather, but all you have to do is raise your arm and ahhhhhhh... coolness! Really, besides that, the garment is finished below with a binding - or as in the Journey Jacket, actually finished with the lining. My creative soul is spinning with ideas for ways of making this a "quick change" with a separating zipper (a great design piping on the vest), buttons, loops, beads, etc. from a jacket to a vest and back again. Actually, on my first garment created in periwinkles, purples, etc. making use of one of my Creative Kimono Combinations of fabric and kimono scraps..... fully intend to un-sew the sleeves for wearing it in the warmer weather as a vest. 

On the Java Jacket pattern back, Diane - with creative insight separates out the yardage for the sleeve: 1 1/3 yard for 45" 1 1/8 yard for 60". Kind of a lot for sleeves - but the effect is truly worth it. Be sure to select a medium to lightweight fabric to accommodate the underarm loose bulk created. I advise writing this yardage down in your carry-along book of yardages to buy this much additional of a great go-with fabric for your wardrobe stash. In the attached photo, I have chosen to bind the "armscye" edge of the sleeve, but the directions have you lay the sleeve totally over the rest of the jacket, matching stitching spots, stitch then flip the sleeve out into place.

More Information on Londa's Sewing

Back to the Get Creative! Conference Center

Back to Meet the Get Creative! Experts