Double Bow Talks with a Dose of Butterick 5859

Butterick 5859, "MISSES' JACKET, BLOUSE, SKIRT AND PANTS: Semi-fitted, lined jacket has pockets and self-fringe. Fitted blouse has bias collar extending into tie ends, front-button closing, shaped hemline and narrow hem. Fitted and flared skirt and semi-fitted, straight-legged pants have raised waist and back zipper. D: princess seams. Sleeves B, C and hemline D: very narrow hem."

 

Instructions
Although I did not use them much, they seemed easy to follow, especially if you are familiar with sewing tops of this style. 

For the first version, I made a narrow hem in the same manner given by this very helpful tutorial: 
 
http://mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-sew-baby-hem-on-delicate-fabrics.html


Likes/Dislikes
It is a simple top to sew (front, back, sleeves, neck tie/bow) and I like the side-shaping and bow-tie style. I am not able to come up with dislikes except for wishing I had gone up a size for the polka dotted top or cutting the front and back on the bias due to its lack of ease. Different fabrics produce varying results in fit, after working with a charmeuse-type fabric and a woven cotton.


Fabric
First version: cotton woven suitable for quilting.

 

 Second version: clearance charmeuse/poly type from JA's.

Alterations/Modifications
*My typical petite adjustment at the waistline and narrow upper back adjustment. 

*Instead of stitching one edge of the collar to the neckline on the outside, right sides together, I stitched it on the inside, or the right side of the edge of the collar to the "wrong" side of the neckline. Then I flipped the collar to the outside, pressed the raw edge under and topstitched very close to the seam formed by the neckline and collar. I would rather do this than toptstitch from the inside of the blouse and be surprised with seeing "stray" and/or randomly placed topstitches by the visible side of the collar.

Second version:
*Made repeated overcast stitches at the lower edge for a "lettuce" hem effect
*Cut sleeves on the bias 

 

Conclusion:

I would not just recommend it for the top, but also for the other coordinates that are terrific basics to have in your wardrobe.

I plan to sew the jacket and pants.

More Butterick within the same week... Not my favorite knit top due to the gathered bodice beneath the bust and the "low" long sleeves, but easy.

 

I only like the elasticized shoulders and the "penguin" illusion print. Here I am experiencing the first day of daylight savings time. It was a challenge to wake up one hour earlier. I had to pick up something from campus that weekend. But the sunshine was superb. I hope the senior h.s. students do not get upset over us "borrowing" their lawn for some vanity pics. 

 

 Silly girl...  

 

Just before leaving campus, on a bench with "Monty the Mustang" and the acronym of the school's name (that I erased in this photo).