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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Butterick 5247

This is a pretty popular pattern. I've seen a few versions of it on the internet and there are several reviews for it on PatternReview. Just in case you don't know which pattern it is:




Some Stats:
Fabric: 2 yards of a 100% mohair/wool blend sweater knit from Casual Elegance (A stash fabric that has been stored for several years!)
Notions: Several yards of black foldover satin bias binding
Construction Techniques: First let me say that if this top was sewn straight out of the envelope, it would NOT fit me. The finished bottom width of 51" is too small for me to be comfortable in. So I used a pivot and slide technique to add width to the abdomen and hip area. I wanted to be able to sit comfortably and move about easily in the top.

The second change I made was that my version does not have a cowlneck on it. Not that I didn't want the cowlneck but my fabric was not stretchy enough and I was sold on the fabric after pulling it out of the fabric closet. So I omitted it on this version and added some black satin bias binding to the neckline instead.



Since the fabric has a "holey" appearance, I knew that I would wear a tank top, turtleneck or bodysuit under it with my jeans and I wanted to do something different than just pressing down and stitching the edges. The satin bias binding gives the top a beginning and end adding a little decoration to it also.



Also, my fabric wasn't very wide so my sleeves are bracelet length. I laid the pattern on the fabric and cut to the selvedge edge which gave me a great finish to the sleeves. So I didn't have to hem them and lose any additional fabric there.

Now I have to tell you that I don't like sewing casual clothing. I usually purchase them because I wear them so infrequently and can get whatever I need on sale. However, I really liked this pattern and as I've seen each rendition appear, wanted to make it more and more. It also fit my sewing needs. I wanted to sew badly, but knew that I didn't have the ummmph for a full blown "Carolyn" project. I needed to ease back into it and this top was the perfect project!



It's casual week at work ~ the skeleton staff are working only 2.5 days this week, so jeans are allowed. I've solved my casual work day attire challenge along with jumpstarting my sewing!

I will make this again with the cowlneck and out of a stretchier knit fabric. This pattern has great bones and can be manipulated to make quite a few garments!!! Anyway, I'm mostly glad that I'm sewing again because when I come home New Year's Eve, I'm not scheduled to go back to work until Tuesday, January 6th...so I've got to have some sewing mojo!!!

37 comments:

  1. That is absolutely beautiful, Carolyn! It's so flattering on you! I just love the satin finishing around the neckline. You will be stylin' at work this week!

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  2. You look great Carolyn! Love you in jeans!

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  3. You look very pretty in it! This is the same pattern that Cennetta was talking about in her blog. It looks very nice, so I'll have to try it out also.

    Have a great weekend.

    Hugs,
    Lory

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  4. One of the things I really love about your projects is that you see things in a pattern that I just do..not...see. I have looked at that pattern a half a dozen times and just said, "Nope, not for you, girl." You took that pattern and made it just work so beautifully for you - and I have to say that the satin binding just 'makes' that top. I always cringe when I sew knits, especially sweater weight ones, because the edges just don't look really good - your satin binding method just turns out something with that special touch. Inspirational, that is who you are.

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  5. Very cute sweater. I have it in my stash...you have inspired me!

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  6. Can I just give an "Amen" to what Toby said? Thanks, you may not feel like your "mojo" is working but it certainly is helping mine!
    Thanks again Carolyn... and I hope that your "New Year" of sewing is wonderful!

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  7. When I saw the pattern picture I didn't think much of it but you made it into something special. What a great jeans outfit!

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  8. Glad to see the mojo is coming back so soon! I knew it would! Have a very happy New Year! K

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  9. Carolyn, I love the look of this wonderful casual outfit !!
    I don't often see you feature photos in casual outfits, but I am taking note of this pattern number as I mostly dress in "smart causal" oufits here in Queensland, Australia, and this one will be ideal for our mild winter weather.

    I stop by often and don't always leave a comment .... but .... thank you for your sharing your wonderful sewing projects and inspiring me with your positive thoughts.

    Wishing you a wonderful 2009, filled with everything you wish for :)
    Vonne

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  10. Nodding in agreement....

    Good for you for getting back into it! I haven't sewn anything in at least a week and I am getting twitchy. I have a skirt that I need to revisit, but I am dragging my feet.

    You look great and it's great to read about your work!

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  11. Love that fabric, and I need to pick up that pattern!

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  12. Love the top with the jeans. The shoes made me LOL.

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  13. I agree - this really suits you. Definitely make more!

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  14. Carolyn,
    As usual your creation just blows me away! What a great outfit.
    Dotty

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  15. That looks great, Carolyn. Enjoy your short work week and happy sewing.

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  16. Funny, as I was reading this post, I was thinking, "Carolyn, is sewing casual? I've NEVER seen her sew casual. WTH?" Then, you mentioned that you usually buy your casual clothes - mystery solved. You should sew this casual pieces several more times - it is very flattering on you. Love that fabric, too.

    Glad to see you're clawing your way out of your sewing slump!

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  17. It looks fabulous! That sleeve length is great for that style and I love the satin binding.

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  18. I am so lovin' that top! Work it!

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  19. Alright! Where is the REAL Carolyn!!! This person in jeans, looks great, but it's not our Carolyn. I demand you bring her back!!! LOL

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  20. She got to sewwww... You look so good in your new top. I know you're enjoying your time because I have a few postings to read from the past few days. You have your mojo back and you are feeling better. I'm so happy for you.

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  21. This top looks great on you and I love the satin binding! I think I'll get this pattern! You have inspired me.
    Happy New Year!

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  22. Oh that looks so fabulous on you! I really love the satin binding. Perfect for a casual work look. Have a wonderful short week, and I can't wait to see what you sew up while you're off!

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  23. Cute!! So glad you're feeling well enough to get a little sewing in. Can't wait to see what you work up on your time off!!!

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  24. That's a perfect casual outfit! Looks so good on you. I'm with you when it comes to casual clothes, much rather sew the work stuff.

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  25. That looks so cute on you! The satin binding was an excellent idea.

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  26. Carolyn that is GORGEOUS! I have always wanted to try a sweater knit, and you have inspired me! No more fear!

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  27. Jeans, wow! The top looks great and I like the fabric choice as well. Great job!

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  28. I would also like to echo Toby's comment. I am always amazed at what you can do with a pattern to make it your own unique style. Thanks for the continued inspiration and enjoyment. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

    Teresa

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  29. It's FABULOUS, Carolyn! It's unique and so you!!

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  30. Great trim idea - it gives the sweater an elegant finish. I am so used to seeing your corporate chic, but this is a great look for you, too!

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  31. Great top! I love the neckline with the satin trim. Very different look than we're used to seeing on you!

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  32. This is a fabulous look for you. Another great look would be the tunic length in a knit that you could also wear over a skirt in the same knit or a coordinate.

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  33. Saw this top on Carolyn in person and it looks great on her!

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  34. Gorgeous Carolyn! What a great way to get the old sewing mojo moving along.

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  35. I love this top on you and as usual you work it..work it!

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  36. Cute top. That pattern reminds me of one I had from the 80's. I wonder if I still have it......
    Good to see the mojo has returned.

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