Saturday, August 08, 2009

Pattern Review ~ Butterick 5283

Long sunny summer days have made me neglectful of my blog. I have sewn some and actually have been inspired to write a few reviews recently so the next few posts will be reviews of various garments.

This garment I'm not all that tickled with. I had higher hopes, but it didn't really end up being what I hoped. Please don't feel bad if you don't like it either, I think you'll be in good company and honestly such comments won't hurt my feelings (promise!).

Butterick 5283 - View C


Pattern Description: Close fitting pullover knit top with two different twist variations (one centered and one to the side) and sleeveless or long sleeved options.

Pattern Sizing: 6-22, I made size 8 which is my typical size for tops

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? I made view C of this top and found the instructions to be adequate until I got to step #5. In that step there is a drawing of the top from the inside and it says "Twist left front as shown. With right sides together, pin left front matching notches...". Well it does show what the top should look like from the inside after it's all stitched together, but I had a heck of a time figuring out how to get the top to look that way. Honestly I must be a complete dunce because it took me 20 minutes to figure out what the heck to do. This is my umpteenth twist top, so I should be able to figure out a twist top pretty easily. Such was not the case here and honestly I have no clue how I got it too look the way it did. It looks like the pattern envelope so apparently I figured it out. I honestly think this was pretty lame of Butterick to do. You could at least show step-by-step how to make the twist. Especially for someone with no experience, it's not very nice to leave them high and dry. Maybe it was just me tho and it's really not as hard as I made it out to be. The rest of the instructions were adequate for the top (at least for view C & D).

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Originally I really liked the variation of the side twist, that is the reason I purchased this pattern. My dislike is the rotten instructions for forming the twist.

Fabric Used: hot pinky/peachy rayon/lycra knit

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: None were made.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I'm not sure I'll sew this again. My hubby thought it was weird the twist wasn't centered. I really like the idea of the top, but I don't know that I really like it that well on. I'm still on the fence, but am not sure it's going to be a favorite go to top. I feel like when I look in the mirror it looks like I have only one boob! LOL

As for a recommendation, I guess I'd recommend it if it's the style you're after. The views of A & B look nice so maybe I'll try that one someday.

Conclusion: I'm just not sure how I feel about this top. If it's your style, go for it, but beware the directions for making the twist aren't good (IMO anyway).

7 comments:

micey's place said...

Hi! i love that top. It looks easy.
Melissa, when i saw your screen name i started to laugh, because when
I lived in TX, they called me Susie Homemaker. that's where i learn to sew, knit, and crochet. Oh, by the way my name is Melissa.

Tamara said...

I think you may be right that it is not one of your most flattering tops. The twist is a cute effect but it does make one side look a little larger than the other. :) Thank you for showing us garments that you are not lovin'. It really helps us all to see what patterns are really like made up. You can't always tell from the envelope.

mermaids said...

melissa, i will be honest... it is a "no" for this top. the idea of an asymmetrical twist is appealing, but this one makes your chest look lopsided.

chalk it up to experience. the good news is we all know you can (and have) made gorgeous things. i am totally positive this was "pattern error."

Anonymous said...

I agree. Give this one to someone else. It may look great on them and they'll enjoy a beautifully made garment. You make so many amazing things, but this one just doesn't flatter you.

debbie said...

I wouldn't have noticed the lop sided bit until you pointed it out. Yeah, probably not the best top I've seen you make.

What stinks is I have the same pattern, bought because of the asymetrical twist.

katherine h said...

I think it looks okayand it is a great colour. I have just made a muslin of this top (because I couldn't understand the instructions either). I made it in a stripy fabric...I think fabric choice might be crucial. I don't mind it, so I might pull it apart and sew it properly and hem it...if I do, I'll put a photo on patternreview for you to compare. I only used one layer of fabric for the front. I'm not sure if I twisted the same way as you, because mine does look a little different.

the inadvertent farmer said...

I agree with the big guy....a tad lopsided, the blouse...not you silly!