Thursday, June 04, 2015

Butterick 6183 - The Lisette Top

I bought this pattern as soon as it came out. I loved the top and had a ton of ideas for it. 

I'm really digging tunic-y tops over skirts or pants. The two outfits that I've already made using a tunic top are very comfortable to wear. So I've been looking for more patterns in this style.


First some pattern alterations ~
The great thing about this pattern is that it comes in cup sizes. New me needs the "C" cup pattern piece instead of the "D" cup piece. That's where I started. After pinning the pieces together and tissue fitting them to me, I determined that I needed some space over my abdomen, well that issue hasn't changed. I altered the center front piece by cutting and spreading it an inch.


I also added 5/8" to the center back piece so that I could put in an invisible zipper...changing this from a "place on fold" piece. I like the exposed zipper that the pattern features, I just didn't want it in my version.


The sleeves were widened to increase the biceps. I also added 2" to the bottom of the sleeve hem to make the sleeves a little longer.


I made no changes to the shoulder seam or the neckline and I started with a size 22.

Construction ~
I really wanted a top to go with the fruit skirt but I only had a large scrap of it left...not enough to make an entire top but enough to print block a top. So I pulled a white linen from the collection to use with the fruit scrap to make the top.
  • Figuring out the combination to get the best design from the small scrap was the first challenge.
  • Then after getting all of the pieces cut out, I realized that I needed to underline all of the pieces. I used cotton batiste to do that.
  • I assembled the top, tried it on and it was a little too tight in the abdomen area, so I went in and reduced all the seams to 3/8" wide from under the bustline down.
  • The pattern pieces were all altered to reflect this change.
Otherwise it was a straight sew. It took a little longer than I thought it would, as in all day but I'm glad I made it.

Here is version one...a work related view ~




Finally I will be making this top again. Liesl has a pinterest board called, Lisette: Sew Your Style, where she's collected a lot of amazing ideas for garments from her patterns. There are quite a few inspiring pieces here that I definitely want to try especially since this top can be made in a variety of fabrics!

...as always more later!



21 comments:

  1. I really appreciate the opportunity to follow your process with a new pattern; knowing which alterations to make, when to tissue fit, where to add and why (both physical and personal reasons). And the gooseberry print! Such gifts you give! Thanks!

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  2. Such a great way to tie the two pieces together and to use up scraps. Lovely summer outfit!

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  3. I think it was a smart choice to color block the top. I think I would find a top & skirt in that print far too busy. It looks nice and purposeful this way.

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  4. Loving your color combo and they look wonderful on you ... FIESTA :)

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  5. This is so much fun... LOVE it!

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  6. I appreciate your detailed tips on how you adjusted this pattern . Also love how you color blocked to use up scraps .

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  7. This is a stunning outfit! I love your print placement on the top, and combining it with white makes a really striking summer look. Great work as usual. :)

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  8. You are so creative using those scraps to complete this nice outfit! Karen

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  9. That is a really fun top.

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  10. Thank you for sharing how you altered the pattern as that is my biggest challenge. I am also thankful that you shared using cotton batiste as your lining fabric. Here in SC it gets so hot in the summer, I was wondering how to line items and did not want to use 'slinky" fabrics as they make me even hotter. LOL But most of all, I love your fabric choice and how you combined the scraps to make a matching top. Great look!!

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    1. Patricia, I live in hot,humid Houston so I understand your aversion to slinky polyester fabrics. I've been using cotton batiste for years with great success. Be sure the batiste is 100% cotton and not a blend. It's more expensive but worth every penny. Karen

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  11. What a fun outfit. One cannot help but smile when seeing you and how happy you feel in it.

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  12. I have this top on my list! Thanks for the very helpful review. You look fabulous, as always.

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  13. Wow! Beautiful top. I never would have looked at this pattern, but your version has me inspired!

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  14. I really like this combo. Very flattering. The top looks to be a very versatile pattern.

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  15. Im such a fan of this pattern! Yours is most inspiring.

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  16. I really like how this top turned out. I can't wait to see how else you wear it - I can see it with jean and a solid rust colored wool skirt. I appreciate you taking the time to document your process. Thanks! g

    ps - as always - you look great!

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  17. Yes - good alterations - and doesn't the orange, white and green look so nice and fresh!

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  18. Love it! Thanks for the tips and ideas. You are always an inspiration.

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  19. Wonderful outfit. I purchased this pattern several weeks ago and will make a similar colour block look. Thank you for the idea.

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  20. I love this skirt and top! Nice color blocking by using a print and solid.

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