Ahem Ahem! Is this thing on? Sorry, it has been so long since I been in this space that I wanted to make sure you all could hear me.

Now that I have your attention, let's proceed. The past few weeks have been exhausting. As an African American woman living in America my entire life, what happened to Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd did not shock me. But it did hurt like hell, as it always does when a black person's life is taken because it is deemed less valuable by those claiming to enforce justice. I expressed that hurt and frustration quite clearly on my social media accounts, and you can click the photo below to read those words.

In this space, I share my creations with you but never get it twisted; it is my space, and I will say what I feel. With that being said, there will be some moderate changes over the next few months on my blog. As some of you may know, companies were asked to stand in solidarity with the black community on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. More specifically, they were asked to stand against systemic racism and racial injustice, and most of the big craft and sewing companies instead chose to remain silent. Not sure what I'm talking about, please take a look at @diaryofasewingfanatic Instagram posts (here and here). Their silence was loud, and I've listened. Their silence told me that our issues are of no concern too big craft stores or pattern companies. And while a few companies released statements after the fact, the statements were, in my opinion, untimely.

I do have a few projects that were made using patterns from the Big 4 companies that I completed in late April and early May, and I will post those projects. After I share those projects, moving forward until those companies show me that they are actually making changes internally that promote diversity and inclusion or support organizations that are addressing systemic racism and racial injustice, I will no longer be using my space to help their profit margin. If anything said above bothers you, please exit stage right.

Whew! Okay, now let's get to the review of this fantastic blouse!

I love this blouse for multiple reasons. First, it is a fairly simple pattern with only three pattern pieces if you don’t need to make a bust adjustment. Second, the sleeve is extra, but it doesn’t require a lot of work! If you have ever done projects with a statement sleeve, you know what I mean. Some can be somewhat complicated, but this isn’t one of those sleeves. Lastly, I love that I can wear a regular bra with this top without worrying about the straps peeking out. Vice versa, the design allows for me to wear this with a strapless bra and rock an off-shoulder look. So it’s a keeper in my books. I will admit that the bra strap conundrum is why I initially had reservations about purchasing this pattern when it was released. I finally decided to give it a try after Creative Big added it to its sewing class catalog. For Creative Bug members, the pattern is free, so I decided it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.

I used black brushed jersey/poly knit for the bodice and black stretch lace for the sleeve, and both were purchased from boho fabric. I cut the size small, and I made two modifications to the pattern. I made a full bust adjustment, by adding half an inch at the appropriate area on the front bodice piece. I also shortened the length of the top by four inches for a cropped look. My reason for doing this is because I usually wear high waist slacks and jeans, and I didn’t want to worry about tucking the shirt. I went with office vibes for styling because my time working from home is coming to an end. The blouse is paired with pink high waist pants from White House Black Market and black Jessica Simpson pumps. Until next time creative people.

The Statement Sleeve: Adrienne Blouse

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