So for the doublet I'm making, I've been attempting to create sleeves like this:
(http://realmofvenus.renaissanceitaly.net/yourgarb/2009/Kerri-Alessandro_Allori_003.jpg)
but it seems like it's coming out more like this
(http://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/images/blackwork-cuff-on-an-italian-renaissance-gown-21338416.jpg)
It's just the sleeve caps I'm making. Any tips or pointers to get them not to fall down my arm?
I would personally tack the band to the shoulder using strips of fabric or trim on the inside, evenly spaced... you would be able to control the length of the final sleeve by the length of the strips.
I'm thinking the first one has each upper layer tucked together like a shoulder roll, while the latter only have strips of fabric poofed out by a wide camicia. The first one also have strips of fabric, but they are sewn together and possibly also padded to achieve the round, more gathered shape.
Cool to see the latter one in such clear colours! I've only seen a brownish version:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v31/operafantomet/renaissanceportraits/firenze3/allori1560s.jpg
ETA: you can make a base which is as short as you'd like the sleeves to be, and then tuck the two "rolls" to that one so they'd be in a fixed position.
I agree with the ETA from operafantomet. The easiest way to control it is to make a fitted sleeve base then attach the "rolls" where you want them.
This is what I did on a gown similar to view 2.
Fitted sleeve, then over that loose contasting silk sewn onto that a little above the elbow.
Then the top layer is six separate panels starting at the shoulder and also attached just above the elbow.
The panels can be joined by beads or buttons to achieve the look of the second dress.
But for view 1, you will probably have to do padded rolls that are finished out and then attached to a complete fitted sleeve.