My Sadie isn’t a cleaning lady
Sadie the Cleaning Lady was released in November 1967 and it was the first single from Australian pop singer John Farnham. Every-time I hear the name Sadie, I have the chorus of that song playing in my head, and perhaps you will now too…
Let me introduce you to the Sadie Tunic by StyleArc. It’s has the most awesome sleeves, french bust darts, as well as neck and hem facings.
The recommended fabrics are crepe, linen and silk, and as you can probably see from all the crease lines in these photos, I sewed this version in a yummy mustard Japanese linen from The Coth Shop.
Now let’s take some time to admire those sleeves. They really are a work of art, and in my books, all the more impressive as they are sewn from a single sleeve piece.
The sleeve are not hard to construct, if you accurately transfer all the notches and take your time. I did get a little confused, and you can learn by my mistake, when the instructions ask you to neaten specified areas on the sleeve piece. I took ‘neaten’ to mean overlock, but in fact you have to overlock those sections and then fold up a tiny hem and stitch it in place.
I made two changes to the pattern. The biggest alteration was to shorten the tunic to top length. I did this by removing 3″ (8cm) from the front and back pattern pieces. I also eliminated the back closure as I knew it would easily fit over my head.
As I indicated earlier, this pattern includes a lovely deep hem facing. Unfortunately, I used a slightly heavier interfacing than was ideal, so the hem is a little more ‘sticky out’ than I would have liked. Will that stop me loving, wearing and enjoying this top? Definitely not!
The hem facing is top-stitched in place, which is hard to see in my photos as my thread matches my fabric perfectly. Therefore, you’ll just have to believe me when I say that I reduced my stitch length around the curves to ensure a smooth top-stitching line that mimicked the hem.
A side note… the side seam splits definitely come in handy when you try and balance on bike racks!
My leather bag is a beautiful and special thing as it was made by my talented friend Jillian and gifted to me. Jillian has made and blogged an identical bag which you can read all about here. I will use, look after and treasure this bag forever!
I feel that I have a bit of a 70s vibe going on with my outfit but I’m embracing it wholeheartedly. I’m a child of the 70s after all!
I’m currently planning my next Sadie. Is Sadie on your ‘to sew’ list?
Pattern: StyleArc’s Sadie Tunic
Size: 8
Fabric: Japanese linen from The Coth Shop
Alterations: Removed 3″ (8cm) from the length (to make it a top rather than a tunic) and removed the back closure
Accessories: Various red wooden beads from Elk and shoes from Luisa
Photo Location: Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne
Those sleeves are so much fun – great styling ;o)
I made have grabbed some fabric yesterday with the aim of sewing a much more colourful Sadie very soon.
This pattern wasn’t on my radar, but it is now! I love it in linen, and the shorter length looks really versatile. I may have to copy you when the northern hemisphere summer returns!
I think that you should definitely add this to your pattern ‘wish list’. I’m going to wear this top on Christmas day.
Gorsh I love that colour, only wish it loved me. You are looking fabulous as always and such an intriguing sleeve detail. Happy Merries from hot and sticky Sydney. X
Sometimes I find it definitely comes down to the shade of a colour. This mustard has just enough of a green tinge that it’s my friend. It’s going to be a coolish Melbourne Christmas day so I think I’ll be wearing Sadie!
This is such a lovely top. I have this pattern but haven’t made it yet. I need to remedy that very soon!
I can highly recommend. I brought fabric yesterday for another version which I hope to sew up very soon.
Wow, this is stunning! I absolutely love it on you. Those sleeve details are everything! I was on your blog to read your post about the Sunny Knit Top (LOVE yours) but did get drawn in by this post too. 😉 Thanks for always being an inspiration.
Such clever sleeves! I love the mustard with red accessories, as always such gorgeous pics xx
Aren/s you happy you kept those side splits when shortening the pattern 😉 Love this top. Everything about it. I would have not noticed the hem if you didn’t point it out 🙂