Butterick 5954 was a pattern that was pretty much destined to enter my stash.  Luckily it was also destined to be used sooner rather than later!  I saw a few versions floating around the blogosphere, and was inspired.

Since we are heading straight into winter at the moment, I decided on the long sleeved version. And I love the cross over front! This pattern does take a ton of fabric. There is a seam through the centre back where a considerable amount of flare is added, and the front pieces flare out as well. I used a knit from Darn Cheap Fabrics, which worked out to be the perfect fabric for this style.

I cut and sewed the size Medium. I did however remember to “petite” the pattern by folding out the full amount at the “shorten/lengthen” here marking. Otherwise I didn’t make any changes. This view of the pattern has you sew the side seams before sewing the shoulder seams, so that you can sew that long hem down one front across the bottom and up the other front in one long hem. I used Vlieofix to stabilise the hem before twin needling it into place. After that the construction was fairly straightforward and mostly done on the overlocker.

The cowl collar sits beautifully because it is shaped. I’ve sewn a few garments with cowl collars lately, and am always intrigued to sew how the collar is drafted. There is more variety in the shaping of a cowl collar than you would think, and it definitely makes a difference to the ease of wearing. I recently made a top (as yet unblogged) where the cowl collar is a simple rectangle, and it definitely does not sit as well and is not as easy to wear as the other tops I have with shaped cowls. Something for me to file away for future reference!

And speaking of the flare inherent in the design of this top – check out how it twirls!

I have decided to spare you the photo of the front opening almost right up, exposing my stomach completely. A point to remember if you are planning on making this version – consider sewing the overlap down, or make sure that you wear a camisole underneath on a windy day!

I have a long-sleeved version of view B cut out ready to sew, in a glorious soft golden-mustard jersey. One of those colours that probably isn’t the most flattering on me but a colour that I adore. Looking forward to making it soon!