Pattern Description: Butterick Fast & Easy Pullover blouson top and blouse.
Pattern Sizing: Sizes 8-10-12-14-16. I made size 10, which is about two sizes smaller than suggested for my body measurements.
That, in my opinion, is very deceiving, as I hate to waste time and fabric making a garment that ends up way too large, then I have to figure out and make fitting adjustments. It's hard enough to fit clothes, why make it more confusing on patterns for us seamstresses? Fit is a good portion of any garment. Just say'n...
Patternreview reviewers saved the day by posting how large this top runs from the measurements, so I cut it smaller than I may have otherwise. I'm glad I did! Thanks PR!
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does, just a bit fuller in fit than the package illustration. I made view C, the sleeveless crossover top with extended gathered shoulders.
side view
Were the instructions easy to follow? Pretty easy. I wouldn't say it was a super fast & newbie sewing project, but the directions are helpful & clear. I've made a few tops & dresses with similar construction, so I had no problem or confusion with them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the pull on surplice wrap top with little peplum. I plan to layer this with a cami under or with a blazer or sweater like Charlize Theron does in this photo for a cool, yet pulled together casual look.
I also like how it would work for sheer fabrics and takes less than 2 yards, so you can get a nice top in nice fabric for not a great deal of investment. I'm sure Charlize spent a few bucks on her top ;)
I think it would also work for a nice dress by extending the peplum to a skirt or just using the top part of the pattern and a different skirt.
I am not crazy about how much fuller the peplum, even the whole bodice and shoulder, is than the illustration on the envelope. But I can live with it.
Fabric Used: Nice silk charmeuse in black from Mill End Store in Portland OR. I think I spent about $20 max on the fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None, just made french seams for the bodice and lower portion side seams and the shoulder seams, and made my own bias tape for the neck and sleeve edges instead of packaged bias tape, using the book The Dressmakers Handbook for Couture Sewing from Amazon for the technique.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I like this top, but I don't love it (yet), so I probably won't sew this again for now, but I recommend it for what it is; a nice, crossover top with sleeve and neck options.
Conclusion: I like Charlize's top, so I made one myself! That makes me happy 
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Looks great! I love that you include your inspiration photo.
3/3/13 7:19 AM
This is a neat top, thanks for the helpful review!
3/3/13 9:57 AM
I love this top and believe me...when you go to your closet one day desperate for something to wear, I bet you'll be glad it's there too! I wish it were in my closet! Very nice!
3/4/13 5:14 AM