Purple People Eater

Pattern Description: Butterick 5247, Misses Tunic, Dress, Belt.  I made view B without the belt


Pattern Sizing:  Available in sizes 8-24.  I cut a 14



I paired the tunic with my favorite black suede booties for a night out with the ladies

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Very.  I previously made Butterick 5100 which was very similar in style and construction so this pattern gave me no problems.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  No dislikes.  Liked how simple and easy it was to assemble and can be styled in many different ways with some accessories.

Fabric Used:  A lightweight purple ribbed knit


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  None.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I would like to sew this again in a print but that would be it for this pattern.  I do recommend it to others.  Quick sew for instant gratification.

Conclusion: Very easy and fun to play around with different looks.  If you haven't tried it already you should.  It looks great on every person I have seen review it on PR.

Cute broach that I picked up in DC for $1

Bottom Line:
Fabric: 2 yds @ 3.98/yd=$7.96
Notions: thread from my stash
Accessories: broach for $1
Total: $8.96

Another quickie

 Pattern Description:  Butterick 5255 Misses' Top And Sash

Pattern Sizing: Available in XS to XXL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  Yes.  I decided not to make the sash as it would have gotten lost in the pattern and instead opted to wear a wide brown belt with the tunic.

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Very

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  Really loved that it was a quick and easy sew.  From start to finish maybe 90 minutes and I was able to wear it on our recent trip to Vegas.  No dislikes at all.

Fabric Used:  A funky abstract stretch jersey knit in brown,orange, and cream.  I think I purchased in from fabric dot com

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  None.  This pattern was so simple there was no need to make any changes.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I will likely make this again in a solid color fabric.

Conclusion:  Very easy garment to sew and I highly recommend it.  Love the result and it so comfortable to wear.  I'm still in a bit of a sewing funk but this certainly helped scratch the sewing itch.

Bottom Line:
Pattern: .99
Fabric: 2 yds @ $2.99/yd=$5.98
Notions: thread and bias tape from my stash
Total: $6.97

Speed Racer-Butterick 5248

I called this pattern speed racer because it went together in about an hour-if that. 

I apologize now for the not so great self portraits taken in the bathroom.  I wore this piece during a 5 hour flight to Las Vegas and remembered somewhere over Kentucky that I hadn't posted a review.

Pattern Description: Butterick 5248 Misses mid-thigh length tunic with mock wrap fronts

Pattern Sizing: I cut a medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes and no but that's because I made some modifications.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Can't say that I followed the instructions but I'm sure they are fine.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Very easy and quick project.  No dislikes.

Fabric Used: a very lightweight knit

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: my sleeves are 3/4 length and I shorted the tunic (or at least I thought I did). I'm only 5'3 and I wanted to this to look like a top and not a dress.  The first time I wore it as a top but the second time as a dress and I like it much better that way so I am glad I didn't cut too much off.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? If I need some instant gratification I may whip this out again but I can't say for sure. I do recommend this to others as it went together in no time

Conclusion: Simple easy pattern that made it quick to add another piece to my wardrobe

Bottom Line:
Fabric: 2 yds @ $2.99/yd
Notions: Thread and facing from my stash
Total:$5.98

In the Navy

I don't know why but I feel like I should sailing when I wear this jacket and the fact that it is navy doesn't help, lol

Butterick 5332
Pattern Description: I made view B which is a Loose-fitting, unlined jacket with collar, double-breasted front button closures and stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing: Available in 8-22. I cut a 14

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 just looked at the illustrations and went from there but it seemed that this a pretty straight forward jacket so I'm sure the instructions were easy to follow as well.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This jacket helped me find my mojo! Honestly this jacket went together in just a few hours. There are all of 6 pattern pieces to cut and when I sat down to sew, I blinked and it was done. I keep saying to myself, this is it?
I will say that I didn't like how they left the inside edge of the front unfinished. I used my serger to finish off all the edges including for the back facing when the instructions tell you to stitch a scant 1/4 inch hem. Because of the stretch in the material I used, I didn't want to fuss with it or risk having an unsightly bumps or puckers. Of course I had stitched several seams before I realized I hadn't changed the serger thread from black to blue but shhhhh! I did remember to use navy thread when top stitching so it's still good.

Fabric Used: I used a medium weight wool suiting that had about 15-20% stretch to it. Since the jacket isn't lined, the weight of the material makes it suitable for a number of seasons. That being said, the material did stretch some while sewing, particularly around curves, so there are a few puckers here and there but it just gives the jacket some character.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the sleeves so they are full length instead of elbow length. My buttons are 7/8" so I had to play around with the placement of the buttons and holes so they were still centered.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I would love to sew this again in view A to pair with a floral skirt for spring. I absolutely recommend this pattern to others. It really is a fast and easy project that produces a great jacket.

Conclusion: This pattern is fashionable without being too trendy and the result is great.

Bottom Line:
Roughly 2 yards of fabric @ $4/yd=$8
Notions: thread and facing from my stash
Buttons: 4 buttons @$1.94
Total:$9.94