Sunday, December 21, 2014

Butterick 5891 Revisited


Earlier this year I purchased two doublecloth fabrics from Marcy Tilton. They are cotton gauze - lightweight, airy, with a soft drape. One is plaid with checks on the reverse side, the other is solid with checks on the reverse side. Purchased on separate occasions, I was pleased to find out the two fabrics played very well with each other. While not an exact match, the purples are very close, and I knew they would look great together in a garment.

I allowed these fabrics to rest together on my design table for a couple of months, so I would see them often and think about what to make with them. It was a design challenge of sorts. I wanted to use all four sides of the fabric, but I didn't want the finished garment to look clownish or garish. After much consideration, I decided to go with my favorite pattern of the year, Butterick 5891.


The plaid/check fabric was perfect for the collar, as both sides of the fabric show. I cut it on the bias for a bit more interest and better drape.


I love, love this collar! It's not difficult to make, and it gives a sweet focal point that frames the face.


I neglected to take photos of the back, which is half purple, half purple check. Not wanting to feature the plaid, I kept its use to a minimum, trying to balance the overall look with it. There is no cuff on the pattern, but I narrow hemmed the edge to the right side, so I could turn it back to show off the white and black check. I like how that echoes what's going on in the collar.

Some rounded square buttons from Sawyer Brook tie into the square motif that runs throughout the top.


After taking photos of this garment on me, I saw how far off my shoulders the top hangs. I don't think that's the intended look, so if I make this again (for a fifth time) I will cut the shoulders and chest narrower and raise the top of the sleeve. 

I continue to be amazed at what I see in a photo that I don't see in front of a mirror! Things show up that I never noticed while making the garment. Has anyone else experienced this? Makes me think I should take photos while constructing and trying on a piece. Or just pretend I'm a camera when I look in the mirror!

Katherine Tilton hit one out of the ballpark with this pattern. Even with the loose fit, I love this top. The weather won't be conducive to wearing it until spring, but I know I'm going to enjoy it. It's super comfortable and easy to style. And it's purple!



13 comments:

  1. I have been told that our eyes and brain filter the information quite a bit when we look at ourselves, and that is why photos look so different. I too am often surprised by how garments look in a photo compared to how they look to my own eyes seeing them in the mirror, and find some truly major issues that are invisible when I just look as opposed to photograph. I wonder if how our clothes look in photos is how they look to others, when we wear them?

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  2. Oh what a great fun top, I love how you used all 4 fabrics so creatively

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  3. Super fun top and a great combo of fabrics! The color is lovely on you.

    I take pics of my garments when fitting, at least hubby takes them while I quasi model. I always see issues that I don't see in the mirror so now it has become regular tool to get my fit right.

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  4. I've noticed the same thing about photos. I'm loving something and then I see the picture and think, oh, that's not right. A picture saved me from a $400 splurge for a jacket once.

    I love what you did with those interesting double cloth fabrics. Just right.

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  5. I love the way you have used your fabric. Really shows it off. I have that pattern and need to revisit. I love the jackets you've made.
    Marciae from SG

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  6. You look great! that really is a fabulous shirt. The fabric is amazing :)

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  7. Great use of double face fabric! :)

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  8. Fabulous use of pattern and fabric and adding the bias is just right....in fact, everything is just right about it (I did not notice the shoulder seam until you mentioned it....) Wear this with pride!!!
    Marcy

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    1. Thank you, Marcy. I will definitely wear this with pride, because I feel really good in it!

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  9. I love all the versions of this pattern that you have made Dixie! You look marvelous!!!

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    1. Thank you, Katherine. I had so much fun using this terrific pattern!

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