Recently I made the Amy Butler “Liverpool” using some Soul Blossoms for a shop sample. I love the pattern! (I made the tunic-length with the elbow sleeves). I didn’t completely keep track of my time, but I know I spent a couple of hours cutting and about 5-6 hours sewing. You could finish in one day if you didn’t have anything else to work on.
My daughter Chelsi agreed to model for me…see this look on her face…this is sooo her! Anyway, on with the pattern review. First of all, I think the pattern runs a bit small, so double check your measurements. I normally wear a size 8, so I made the Medium (8-10)…and it’s just a bit small for me to wear as a shirt. It looks great as a jacket over a thin t-shirt, though, so I’ll definitely be getting some great use out of it. (When I make the next one I will probably make the Large and then take it in just a bit in the side seams if I need to). Chelsi is about a size 5, and the Medium fits her great.
I love the style of the pattern. Amy thinks of every detail; the construction and finishing are very professional. Every seam is finished, and I love the french seam up the back (great directions for this, by the way). There are quite a few darts–8 in all–and they do take a little time to put in, but again, the directions are terrific.
I love the ties in the back–they allow you to get a great fit. I made the elbow length sleeve but didn’t turn up the cuff. Next time I might try the ¾ length sleeve with the button cuff. I was afraid of the sleeve being too long so went with this option first, but to turn up the cuff on this version would make it a little shorter than I wanted. The only directions I can complain about are the collar directions. It’s not that there is anything wrong with the diagrams or directions–it’s just that I think there could have been more directions to make it more clear. I ended up doing a little research in one of my old sewing books before finishing up the collar. I also trimmed the interior of the collar and collar stand sections a lot to remove bulk.
I’m excited to try other Amy Butler sewing patterns now that I’ve made this–I’m just really pleased with the professional results. If you have any questions about the pattern that I didn’t address, feel free to e-mail me!
Nedra says
It turned out great Sherri! Best of luck teaching your class at QW.
Melody says
Thanks for the review. I looks great. I actually ordered this pattern last night so I appreciate your comment about the sizing.
Brenda says
Super cute! I love it! Thanks to your daughter for modeling it for us, she's adorable!
badlandsquilts says
It turned out wonderful… your daughter is so pretty!
Terriaw says
Cool dress! It looks fabulous on Chelsi. I love the idea of the shorter sleeves, and that tie in the back to adjust the fit. Well done with this pattern!
paintworklove says
This is really cute. How much yardage did this pattern take? My husband just brought me back some beautiful cotton from Italy, Pierre Cardin, kind of like a burn out velvet but in a light cotton. He only brought one meter so I'm trying to find a blouse pattern. I love your blog!
Helen in Switzerland says
It looks great – and I love your fabric choice. I think I might well look out for this pattern and give it a try!
Nicole says
I have forgotten how rewarding it is to make garments. I need to ease my way back into it–maybe by making a baby dress or two! The tunic is smashing.
Mama Pea says
Gee, very cute. I sure wish I was a size 5 (or even an 8—I was once and could be again). I like the idea of wearing it as a jacket, too! Sounds par for the course with Amy Butler patterns. Sometimes they seem confusing, but if you just do exactly what it says, they make sense. 🙂 Thanks for the great review!
Annette says
Cute tunic and a very cute model.
Pink Fawn says
Nicely done Sherri! Chelsi looks so pretty in it – maybe you should give her this one 🙂
Melissa says
It's really beautiful! And your daughter? Stunning!
Kat says
wow..looks nice !! :))
great pattern !!
CJ says
Thanks for the review. Your daughter is a beautiful model and that tunic fits her perfectly!
Becky says
Ooh, thanks for the review. I just picked up fabric to make myself one of these today. I saw somewhere that there were some pattern updates for the cuffs. If you make it, definitely check Amy's website. Of course I can't find the link now. Your version looks great!
Stephanie says
Stylish and I love that print. I'm not a clothes sewer but you really give a nice and thorough review.
Sinta Renee says
Your daughter is so cute… and a great model! That is a really fun pattern. Clothing is so challenging for me… but I would love to attempt this!
Patchwork and Play says
Great pattern review..it is one I will try, for sure! Chelsi is so pretty too!
Carol T says
It looks great and your daughter is really cute.
Carrie Siegfried says
I made this pattern too and I agree that it does run a little small. It's a really pretty shirt when it's all said and done though. Thumbs up!
Mary Ann says
Wow, Sherri, what a great job! The tunic is beautiful, as is your dear daughter, Chelsi! I'll bet she'll be raiding your closet now and then to borrow Mom's Liverpool!!! Cheers!
Barb says
You have an adorable daughter and so love the tunic.
Patty says
The tunic looks great thanks for the review,your model is gorgeous.
kate spain says
Wow, Sherri..way to go! Chelsi is beautiful and the tunic looks great on her! Thanks for the detailed review too 🙂
Carla says
Thanks for the great review…and thank the lovely model too! I received the pattern today from Sew, Mama, Sew and appreciate your input, especially about the sizing.
Camille says
Gorgeous girl you have there!! Cute shirt too!
Carol says
It's great Sherri!
Magnolia Bay Quilts says
It's so cute! And your daughter is beautiful!
naoko says
So nice dress! Model is soooooo beautiful,too.
Dawn Heese says
The shirt is super cute. I loved all the patterns like this at Market but didn't pick any up. I would almost rather be beat than do clothing sewing.
Thimbleanna says
That's adorable Sherri! I didn't realize Amy Butler also made women's clothing patterns — I'm thinking I need one of those!
Soul says
Nice blog.
Shelley Jo says
I, too, have issues with the collar instructions. And cannot find much help online. I figured out what I needed to do when I was working on this weeks ago but had to put it down for the day and now cannot remember! Any advice/resources you have would be greatly appreciated!