PR: Hot Patterns Butterfly Top/Cape

Posted on:	5/2/07 3:18 PM
Pattern Size:	Regular
Project Photo:
Pattern Photo:	HotPatterns Pattern Information Pattern Information provided by Ann Smith
Pattern Rating:	Easy to sew
Pattern Description: Here is the Butterfly Top with the cape collar from the Hot Patterns new collection of No Sweat Easy Sew garments. Like the other top I reviewed this is designed for drapey T-shirting or silky jersey. This tie-neck top has a cape layer over a gently shaped bodice with cap sleeves and a toe at the deep V-neck. I don't know what that means "a toe at the deep V-neck"? Do you? The front drape is stitched into the band at the bottom. Maybe that is the "toe". Like the cowl top, this has a hip band and pulls on over the head. Here's the back. Pattern Sizing: Sizes 6 through 26 in one envelope. I cut the 8 at the top and 10 at the sides. However when I tried it on I decided to down to the 8 at the sides as well. It runs very large. 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? Instructions are good except they forgot to mention finishing the back neck. I turned the raw edge under and top-stitched. This top is a wee bit trickier than the cowl neck top due to the neckline/cape construction. If you follow the instructions to the letter it works out correctly but it could be a little puzzling. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the unusual, retro character of the cape collar and tie-neck. I feel it is very flattering and graceful. It drapes very well in my fabric. I love the neckline which is not too low on me and the tie at the neck. However the one thing I'm not happy about is the fact that my fabric doesn't look good on the reverse and it tends to show. Since the cape is a single layer it flips out easily. Also, although I understitched at the neckline it wants to roll out and show the underside of the fabric. There really isn't any place to tack it to prevent this. Perhaps I should topstitch it. This complaint is just about my fabric, not the pattern. Fabric Used: Rayon jersey animal print, well aged in my stash. Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I changed the edge finish from a turned under, top-stitched hem to a 3 thread overcast. Very easy and quick on that long cape edge. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I like this alot and would sew it again someday. It is very distinctive so maybe not for a while. Definitely recommend it to you. Conclusion As others have mentioned the sizing is large on this top. Also I didn't have any trouble with the band stretching out at the bottom. The top eased into it nicely and it fits well (with the smaller size).