They came to live on Nantucket with us this summer and helped literally transform my familys house (before and afters here, here, here, here, and here) and helped me keep my sanity in those final weeks of wedding planning mayhem
I have a knit wrap dress that looks fabulous with sneakers, a jean jacket, and a scarf for running errands, but I can also add heels, jewelry, and a blazer for a more polished look
From intricate lace to luxurious satin, each gown is crafted with impeccable attention to detail
The sleeve is a system, not one pattern piece Sleeve head volume: gathers or pleats at the cap Sleeve belly volume: the balloon area on upper arm Sleeve opening control: elastic or cuff that traps air Underarm mobility: enough ease so the wearer can lift arms Puff sleeve options I use in production The most important pattern measurements I control Sleeve cap height: drives puff height and arm mobility Bicep circumference: prevents tightness and seam strain Armscye shape: prevents pulling lines on bodice Cuff/elastic length: controls how much air stays inside Shoulder slope match: prevents sleeve from leaning forward A practical fit test I run on sampling Model raises arms to shoulder height and above head Model sits and reaches forward I check if bodice lifts or bust pulls I check underarm rubbing and seam bite I photograph front/side/back in motion, not just standing Common cheap look triggers and how I avoid them Too much gather with thin fabric I add structure or reduce fullness Puffy sleeve + wrinkly fabric I change weave or add finishing Narrow shoulder seam with big sleeve I widen shoulder and stabilize No lining in light color I add lining or use better fabric opacity How do fabric choices change the performance of a puff-sleeve A-line dress
