When I started Butterick 5356 for the second time, I was not in the mood to use woven fabric, even for the yoke. But I did, in the name of science… with a knit, I would not have been able to tell as easily if the changes I made were right. This one is indeed a much better fit, and it’s perfectly comfortable because of that. I’ll explain what I did.

In case you missed my last post, I made a straight XXL (24-26) the first time I made this pattern (although my usual size is a 22 with alterations), and I regretted it. Continue reading →

I should have known that I was heading into tricky waters due to the mixed reviews for Butterick 5356 on PatternReview.com. I have learned many a trick, tip, and pattern error/correction from the reviews there, but I try not to assume that others’ experiences — good or bad — will be mine. And although I have a finished object here, my jury is still out on the pattern.

My troubles started even before opening the envelope. I loooove to combine prints — it’s one of my favorite creative elements, and one that I frequently use with non-apparel projects. This pattern presents an opportunity to bring that technique to a garment, but I found it very difficult. Here’s why: Continue reading →