Butterick 5561 top

Ah bliss.... in contrast to the tussle with the not-at-all-easy 'Easy' Burda top in the last post, Butterick 5561 is a dream.  I bought this pattern some time ago but had never tried it.  It's definitely worth a try.

Envelope Description: Loose fitting tops have front neckline gathers, raglan sleeves with shoulder darts and deep front pleat. I made view A with short sleeves with pleats. 

I plan to wear it with narrow black trousers rather than a skirt but they were in the wash for photo time.

I made a 16 but would try a smaller size next time as it is a very roomy top.

It takes 1.3 m of 150cm fabric.  I've used a silk charmeuse that was a find on half price sale at Textile Traders Balcatta.

The front has a fold and gathering. 

Particular likes:   It's very easy and quick to make and needs next to no fitting.   And the sleeves are very cute with an interesting tuck feature at the hem.

Dislikes:   As a matter of pattern drafting the front gathering is clunky.   You make the large fold then put the gathering stitches through the 3 layers.  So you end up with a very thick gathered piece.  I had to catch stitch under the fold where you can't see the stitches, to get it to lie flat.

My one other reservation was that I maybe didn't do justice to the fabric. The back looks so nice.  The pattern is probably best for plain fabrics or the fold and gathering get a bit lost.

I'll definitely be giving this pattern another outing.