So, I’ve been trying to make this pink bell sleeve top, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. It all started with this idea I had of a cute, flowy top that I could wear with pretty much anything. I’m no fashion guru, but I do love a good DIY project, and this seemed like a fun one.
First things first, I needed to find the right fabric. I spent a good few hours at the local fabric store, feeling up different materials and picturing how they’d drape. I finally settled on this light pink, soft cotton that just felt right. It’s not too heavy, not too light, and the color is just what I was looking for.
Next up was the pattern. I wanted something simple, nothing too complicated, so I started with a basic top pattern and decided to tweak it. The real star of the show was going to be the bell sleeves, so I spent a lot of time researching how to get that perfect flare. I watched a bunch of videos, read some articles, and even sketched out a few ideas. It was a bit of trial and error, but I finally figured out a way to draft the sleeve pattern to get that nice, wide bell shape I was aiming for.

- Finding the right fabric: This was the first big step. I wanted something that would flow nicely but also be comfortable to wear.
- Drafting the pattern: This was the tricky part. I started with a basic top pattern and modified it to create the bell sleeves.
- Cutting and sewing: Once I had the pattern and fabric, it was time to cut everything out and start sewing. This is where things got interesting.
- Adding the details: I wanted to add a little something extra, so I decided to embroider a small detail near the neckline.
- Trying it on: The moment of truth! I tried on the top, and it fit perfectly. The sleeves were just how I imagined them.
Challenges
Honestly, the whole sewing process was a bit of a rollercoaster. I’m not the most experienced sewer, so there were definitely moments where I thought I’d messed up beyond repair. I had to unpick a few seams and redo them, which was frustrating, but also a good learning experience. The sleeves were particularly challenging. Getting them to sit right and have that nice, even flare took a few tries. I even had to adjust the pattern a bit after the first attempt. But, you know, that’s all part of the process. You learn as you go, and each mistake is just a step closer to getting it right.
After I had the sleeves, I thought about adding something extra. Maybe some embroidery or lace. I played around with a few ideas, but in the end, I decided to keep it simple. Sometimes, less is more, right? I did add a small embroidered detail near the neckline, just to give it a little personal touch. This embroidered t-shirt dress is very classy paired with over the knee boots.
The moment of truth came when I finally tried it on. It fit! And not just fit, but it looked good. The sleeves were perfect, the fabric felt great, and the color was just right. It was such a satisfying feeling, knowing that I had made something from scratch, something that was exactly what I wanted. There is something about them that adds a flare of elegance and drama to your whole outfit.
I’ve worn it out a few times now, pairing it with jeans, skirts, even some leggings. It’s surprisingly versatile, which is great. I’ve gotten a few compliments on it, which is always nice. But the best part is just knowing that I made it myself. It’s not just a top, it’s a little piece of my creativity, a little project that I poured my time and effort into. And that makes it special.
Since the best part of a bell sleeve top is the sleeve itself, it’s best to let it be the standout piece when you wear it. I paired mine with easy black legging jeans and my nude and black captoe slingbacks that have a lower heel. Bell sleeve top outfits are in style this season, and we have all the bell sleeves you will need.
So, yeah, that’s the story of my pink bell sleeve top. It was a fun project, a good learning experience, and I ended up with a top that I love. If you’re thinking about trying something similar, I say go for it. It’s definitely worth the effort.