Better than a blankie - Butterick 5562 pullover top

This striped fabric was destined to be a pullover top from the moment I saw it.  It is incredibly soft. Soft enough that you just want to bury yourself in it to guard against the cold.  At least I do.

It's only been sitting around since October as I purchased it during my last trip to my favorite local warehouse fabric store. Not bad, huh? 

 Hmmm,  now that I look at this photo I'm reminded that I've also sewn the planned pullover top from that fuzzy blue knit also.  I'll tell you about that one another day.  Today it's all about Butterick 5562. 


The pattern itself it a very basic tee with a wide scooped neckline.  The thing that sets this pattern apart is the sleeve variations and the large draped and gathered collar on view D.
Butterick 5562, image from Butterick.com

Now y'all know I went for the large collared version, right? 
Butterick 5562 View D
To be honest, I didn't really think this one through. For my needs - which are to pair this with jeans or yoga pants while sewing or lounging around the house - the collar is actually a hindrance. 


That's because of where the collar ends. Right at the bustline.  Which means if you actually move your arms the collar will either inhibit the movement or pull up. 



However, the draped collar is really great for emphasizing shoulders because of the way the gathers are created.  It consists of two pieces sewed together at the shoulder seams. A piece of elastic is then sewn onto the seam causing the fabric to pull up.
Butterick 5562 side view
This is another "whip it up in an evening" sewing projects. I think it took more time to cut out the pattern pieces than it did to actually sew them together. 


The collar just isn't doing it for me. Not this time anyway. Fortunately I only basted the collar to the neck edge. That means I can recut and resew a smaller cowl collar and the top will be good to go.


That doesn't mean I'm giving this a thumbs down.  I think for a casual evening out this would look great made up in a soft knit - maybe a solid color bamboo knit - paired with jeans, boots and perhaps a fabulous long necklace.


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1/2/11 - Edited to add:

On the silver metallic version (photo here)  in stead of sewing the elastic directly to the colalr shoulder seams (per the given instructions) I sewed a small casing to add the elastic. I think it resulted in a nicer inside look with more evenly spaced gathers on the outside. 

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Comments

  1. Looks very elegant on you, even if it's not working for the purpose intended.

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  2. Shame you don't like the collar. I think it looks great and rescues the top from the 'boring basic' catalogue.

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  3. Wow! I LOVE this top! I actually bought the pattern for the short sleeve view, never for a moment noticing the oversized collar design. And I have the perfect striped wool knit in my stash. This just may be my next project! Thanks for the inspiration, even though it wasn't what you were hoping for.

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  4. Sharon, can you fold the neck under at the bottom - like a turtle neck only upside down and inside out? It may make it more comfortable and practical without having to resew it. I think it looks great, but I hear you about the arm movement restriction.

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  5. I'm glad you can refashion it to make yourself happier with it. I think that large cowl would be awesome in a glittery type knit.

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  6. It looks great on you - stylish and cosy at the same time. But I guess the ability to move your arms occasionally is kinda important...

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  7. That's so cute - too bad about the collar! The fabric looks really soft, though!

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  8. I know what you mean about how the collar moves when your arms move. I'll keep this in mind when I make this up too. Thanks for the review.

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  9. It looks great on you! Wider shoulders make the hips look narrower! I think you are wearing this well, but not sure that I could handle where it falls also.

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  10. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this top!!! And the fabric is wonderful!

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  11. Really love your top. I might have to pick up this pattern now.

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  12. This looks so cute on you, but I can understand the problem. Perhaps you should just stand there and look pretty while others toil away? Unless you can't raise a glass to your lips..then that would be a dilema! Happy New Year!

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  13. Great top. It looks fashionable and comfortable at the same time!

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  14. Just wanted to let you know we liked your two versions of our pattern B5562 so much we posted a link from our Butterick facebook page. Fantastic!

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  15. I'm glad Amanda linked to your top today. I love it! I'm adding this pattern to my wish list!

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  16. Ok - so after seeing this - I liked the pattern so much that I bought it, too! I'm making it out of a brown jersey knit. Almost finished. When I do finish it, I'll send you the link to my post...and I'll be sure to send your blog some love in that post!

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