02 Aug Proud of My Peppy – Butterick 5615
I’ve made two buttonholes and zero tailored collars during the last eleven months. Thank goodness I was finally inspired to tackle my fears and add to my skill set.
This Butterick pattern offered all of the qualities I like in a blouse.
Close fitting but not tight, and structured but not stiff. A straight and flattering peplum is attached at the waist, and the tie extensions remind me of one of my favorite tops I paid a fortune for at Sea Island, Georgia. I have always wanted to know how to make these ties. 
I took my time, made a muslin and worked out the fitting issues. 
Bill Cosby is right!
After I saw Sew4Fun’s cute turquoise top I wanted to make this pattern more than I was afraid of making mistakes. I used this orange linen which adapted nicely to the pattern. Now that I’ve finished, I dare say those past mediocre collars and rows of buttonholes were due to sloppiness alone.
Waiting until the final month of sewing my own clothes for a year to make this cute top could be a blessing. I already had the skills but I wasn’t ready to use them…. Perhaps I should search for more 🙂
oonaballoona
Posted at 21:54h, 02 Augusti can’t believe that’s linen. i’m going to sound like a broken record, but whaddaygonnado, it’s EXQUISITE.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:31h, 03 AugustMany thanks, Oona! I’m sending you best wishes for a HAPPY BIRTHDAY early since I’ll be traveling on the 5th. That’s one heck of a shindig you’re throwing!! Have a good one 🙂 🙂
dressesandme
Posted at 22:14h, 02 AugustWow you’ve only made two button holes this year? I don’t believe it! This top is great!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:33h, 03 AugustIt’s true! I’ve avoided buttons for almost an entire year. I don’t mind one every now and then, but making a row of buttonholes scares me. All it takes is one to go wrong and the garment is ruined 🙁 Thanks so much for writing!
Carolyn
Posted at 22:49h, 02 AugustFantastic top! Glad that your skill set has developed enough that you could make something you’ve wanted for some time. I’m looking forward to what will emerge from your sewing machine in your second year of sewing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:34h, 03 AugustThank you, Carolyn! Practice, practice, practice! Something tells me I’m going to be sewing buttons for a while 🙂
Andrea
Posted at 22:54h, 02 AugustGorgeous top! All of your garments are so beautiful. It’s great you conquered your fears!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:35h, 03 AugustMany thanks, Andrea! I’m still reluctant to make anything with a lot of buttons but at least I’ve made something with more than one buttonhole 🙂
Heather
Posted at 22:56h, 02 AugustBeautiful top, and I love it with that necklace! What a year, indeed. You should be proud!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:36h, 03 AugustThank you so much, Heather! I’m so pleased with the top and can hardly believe I’ve been almost a year without buying clothes. 🙂
Cheryl
Posted at 23:27h, 02 AugustSuper cute! LOVE the orange on you, too. Well done, as usual!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:37h, 03 AugustThanks, Cheryl!
Peggy
Posted at 00:16h, 03 AugustGood for you for conquering your fears! Your top is gorgeous!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:37h, 03 AugustMany thanks, Peggy! I haven’t conquered my buttonhole fear, but at least I have addressed it!
Gail
Posted at 01:18h, 03 AugustI really like the lines of this pattern. I self-drafted something similar last year, but the back peplum gives the blouse more definition. Love the burnt orange linen.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:38h, 03 AugustThank you, Gail. I can see this blouse working in numerous fabrics! I may take in the side seams on the next go around.
Sew-4-Fun
Posted at 02:19h, 03 AugustI love your top! It’s a great pattern, isn’t it? I dug my pattern out recently thinking I need a version with 3/4 sleeves because I wear my sleeveless version so much. Great job on conquering your fears and just doing it! 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:40h, 03 AugustAll thanks to you! I never noticed this pattern until you make that pretty turquoise top. I’d like to make a 3/4 sleeve version too 🙂
Pauline Droy
Posted at 04:04h, 03 AugustReally pretty looking top – love the colour
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:41h, 03 AugustThank you, Pauline! I’m finding orange goes with most everything!
sue
Posted at 04:12h, 03 AugustThe fit looks great, love the style and congrats on learning a few new techniques!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:43h, 03 AugustThanks, Sue! When I look back I realize I never took the time to be precise – what a difference being careful makes 🙂
Lizzie
Posted at 05:43h, 03 AugustI hope you are not going to give up, once your year is over. You are so inspiring, I don’t want your blog to end. Can it not be “Goodbye For Ever, Valentino”?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:49h, 03 AugustThis is so sweet, Lizzie. I’d have to learn to knit if I called it Goodbye For Ever, Valentino!
prttynpnk
Posted at 06:40h, 03 AugustAnother gorgeous classic. You have such good taste and you fit so well. Brava!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:53h, 03 AugustThank you! Fitting has been my bane and it never seems to get easier for me. Making a muslin is an absolute necessity for all new patters except skirts, BUT it has solved the fitting delimma 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 06:56h, 03 AugustGorgeous top! Love the color and the fit! Now that your year is almost over, please tell us that you’re not going to abandon your machine, race to the nearest boutique, and max out your credit cards!
Elaine
Posted at 11:05h, 03 AugustI agree! However, I’d love to know what GBV wants/feels need to buy after the year is up.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:54h, 03 AugustThank you, Cissie! Please refresh my memory – what’s a boutique?
Coco
Posted at 08:33h, 03 AugustSo so pretty! and so funny that we are both on the same page with peplum blouses. I missed this pattern completely, it is stunning on you. Love orange. Hope you keep sewing and blogging…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:56h, 03 AugustMany thanks, Coco! This pattern is becoming a fast favorite of mine! 🙂
Tia Dia
Posted at 09:31h, 03 AugustYay! Good on you for tackling something you’ve been dreading. The top is wonderful! Orange! Linen! What more could one want in a top?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:00h, 03 AugustMany thanks, Tia Dia! I am completely relieved to realize there is nothing magical about buttonholes ….. I should have done this months ago!
Amanda S.
Posted at 09:39h, 03 AugustIt’s really pretty on you! Great fit any styling!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:01h, 03 AugustThanks, Amanda!
laura shook
Posted at 09:41h, 03 AugustAs always, you totally rock it! I always look forward to your blog – your clothes are lovely. Congratulations!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:26h, 03 AugustMany thanks, Laura! A great pattern + great fabric definitely deserve most of the credit 🙂
Deb Fox
Posted at 10:15h, 03 AugustCould you please come and make all my clothes? Your taste and skill is exceptional.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:06h, 03 AugustWhat a nice comment, Deb! I have learned it’s just not that hard to make clothes I actually like – wish I had realized this 20 years ago!
Allison
Posted at 10:45h, 03 AugustBeautiful as always! Great job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:06h, 03 AugustThanks so much, Allison 🙂
wimmie
Posted at 11:14h, 03 AugustGood morning: Even though I am not new to this site, I have just recently became active.(sort of lol). I say this because I am not aware of your year long commitment, but please don’t stop I have looked at other pieces of yours and you are so inspiring. Orange is one of my all time favorites and so is this style shirt which was once featured in vogue. You seem to be very classy and stylish don’t deprive us of your constant inspirations. looking for more great fashion from you alright. (smile)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:15h, 03 AugustThank you so much for your very kind words! My year of giving up RTW for a year has been one of the best decisions ever. Not only did I learn to sew better, but I discovered so much about my own tastes and style. Sewing has truly enriched my life 🙂
artattack024
Posted at 11:44h, 03 AugustLook at you! Go girl! I hope you have some celebratory event planned to crown your year of achievement. There’s nothing more gratifying than amazing yourself!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:18h, 03 AugustThank you, Dorcas! I don’t amaze myself too often – a celebration is definitely planned 🙂
Lori
Posted at 11:44h, 03 AugustI would of never dreamed you made only 2 buttonholes previously. This blouse is fantastic and I bet you are thrilled with your wardrobe over the past year. Besides a black cardigan, what are you buying? Planning a big shopping spree?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:22h, 03 AugustHi Lori! I don’t know have anything on the list yet other than a black sweater set and I don’t even have a shopping spree planned!!! What I’m afraid of are the sales – I really hope I can maintain discipline and not spend $$$$$$$ “saving” money on sale items 🙂 🙂
Jeyco
Posted at 12:23h, 03 AugustSo beautiful top and the tie looks so cute in front! You look so perfect with the top and necklace. Orange is yours!
X
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 14:23h, 03 AugustThank you so much, Jeyco! I’m flattered that someone with your talent would pay me a compliment 🙂
NinaLBoston
Posted at 15:36h, 03 AugustThis top is amazing. Great fit, beautiful sewing, classy fabric and color.
Look how far you’ve come in a year! Thanks for sharing your progress — I really look forward to seeing what you sew next. Your work is such high quality. You inspire me to try techniques I fear and even have me re-thinking orange. Congrats on conquering buttonholes!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:02h, 04 AugustThank you for this nice comment, Nina! I am very pleased with my sewing progress this year and know I wouldn’t have come this far if I had been able to rely on RTW. It has been very worthwhile. 🙂
robindenning
Posted at 17:57h, 03 Augustsuper cute top! I love the peplum and the ties, too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:03h, 04 AugustMany thanks, Robin!
Kari
Posted at 21:49h, 03 AugustI love the color! I am intimidated by buttonholes too; they come out alright, but I still feel like they’re a bit messy.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 04 AugustThank you, Kari! I made at least a dozen practice buttonholes before sewing them onto my blouse 🙂 I’m not comfortable yet! 🙂
Kathie Bennett
Posted at 09:51h, 04 AugustLove style and color!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:00h, 05 AugustThank you, Kathie!
Karen
Posted at 11:25h, 04 AugustBeautiful orange linen, fabulous pattern, wonderful fit – and buttonholes, too!! What a great combination! You wouldn’t be able to buy a nicer blouse… for sure!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:03h, 05 AugustWhat a nice comment, Karen! I might be able to buy a nicer blouse…… but not at a nicer price. I continue to be inspired by the small expense invested in making clothes.
Amanda
Posted at 22:08h, 04 AugustI would have never chosen this color fabric, but I LOVE it! I might just have to make a top in it as well. I’ll add the quote from Bill to my “daily quote” list in my Physics classroom!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:10h, 05 AugustThanks, Amanda! I was inspired to make a top with the linen after seeing a woman in a beautiful orange shirt with white jeans. She looked so crisp and summery! ……and this quote is worth remembering 🙂
gingermakes
Posted at 22:18h, 04 AugustI LOVE this! The color and fit are so perfect! I’m a big chicken when it comes to buttonholes– I haven’t been able to work up the guts to try them yet!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:11h, 05 AugustThank you so much, Ginger! I’m pleased with the result 🙂 🙂
chicenvelopements
Posted at 09:54h, 05 AugustThat color looks fantastic on you! I am afraid of button holes, too, but my newest refashion calls for two of them. You’ve inspired me to go ahead and just do it!
Thanks, Beth
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:37h, 06 AugustThanks, Beth! Can’t wait to see what you do 🙂 🙂
Maggie Edger
Posted at 15:14h, 05 AugustEverything you make is so Perfect – and your’re having fun. AMaggie
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:38h, 06 AugustThanks, Maggie! I have had great fun during the last eleven months!
cuorecucina
Posted at 17:26h, 05 AugustLove your blog! I’m helping a friend clear her wardrobe out soon and all the ‘upcycle’ stuff you do is great! Wondered if you had any ideas on how to upcycle small to a bigger size though?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:33h, 06 AugustThank you so much! I’m flattered you would ask for my advice about refashioning clothes 🙂
Going from small to large is tricky although full skirts can be turned into tops and smaller skirts. The skirt portion of a dress can be used to add width between the seams of the top portion of the dress if it’s being recycled into a top. Sleeves can be used for this too or turned into sashes.
Have you visited Beth at the Renegade Seamtress? Almost all of her projects are refashions……. and the Refashionista is a wonder woman…..(but a tiny one!)
Good luck and thanks for writing!
Calico Stretch
Posted at 04:15h, 06 AugustOh nice buttonholes? Look at that collar too. Who knew?
Is it really nearly the end of the 12 months? What are you going to do after that milestone? Keep on or stop sewing/blogging/etc?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:36h, 06 AugustI knew but wasn’t ready 🙂
I’m deliberating what to do at the end of the year but will make a decision soon. Many thanks for writing!
Honor Thy Mother-in-Law | Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 21:54h, 07 August[…] Goodbye Valentino hello needle and thread Skip to content HomeAboutGALLERYOriginal Post ← Proud of My Peppy – Butterick 5615 […]
Lisa P
Posted at 11:26h, 08 AugustWhat a great colour , I love Orange and I wish people would wear it more as it’s such a happy colour. Congratulations on a great looking set of buttonholes. ( I also had exactly the same fear but quickly overcome it with a new sewing machine )
Jen
Posted at 13:19h, 08 AugustI have this pattern set aside to make up. Yours is so cute I may do it sooner than later. Gorgeous color, too —
cuorecucina
Posted at 15:19h, 08 AugustHi I have read your whole blog! Really inspiring stuff 🙂 I love the simple ‘upcycle’ things you have done. I’m helping to clear a friends wardrobe and was wondering what you can do to upcycle from a smaller to bigger size (as that’s my friends predicament)
cuorecucina
Posted at 15:20h, 08 AugustIngnore this my phone is playing up something rotten
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:45h, 08 AugustThank you so much! I’m flattered you would ask for my advice about refashioning clothes
Going from small to large is tricky although full skirts can be turned into tops and smaller skirts. The skirt portion of a dress can be used to add width between the seams of the top portion of the dress if it’s being recycled into a top. Sleeves can be used for this too or turned into sashes.
Have you visited Beth at the Renegade Seamtress? Almost all of her projects are refashions……. and the Refashionista is a wonder woman…..(but a tiny one!)
Good luck and thanks for writing!
CherryPix
Posted at 21:26h, 10 AugustI’m late to the party on this post…but love this style of top – and of course, your ever-fantastic choice of colour/fabric. I think peplums are universally flattering. Have yet to see one where I think “hmmm…no”.
oldthing
Posted at 13:21h, 13 AugustHi–just found you via patternreview.com and I also love this pattern. It’s so flattering and you look amazing!
The Plaid Peplum – B 5615 | Goodbye Valentino
Posted at 22:19h, 20 March[…] pattern is Butterick 5615 which I’ve sewn twice (blogged here and here), It is now OOP but easily […]
Nancy
Posted at 22:08h, 20 JuneHi again Sarah! Like so many others, I loved this blouse on you so much, I just ordered it from Butterick – out of print patterns are not cheap! but I figure that it’s such a cute blouse it will be worth it. I’m wondering what the issue is with the front peplum and the ties. Everyone on Pattern Review seems to have had the same problem with it being difficult to figure out. Any advice you can give would be helpful. Thanks for your wonderful post – it is a constant source of enjoyment and inspiration for me.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:19h, 21 JuneThank you, Nancy! This is a great pattern but attaching the front peplum and ties is tricky. I have no words of wisdom other than just do it or maybe try it out on a muslin first. I also found the blouse runs slightly big in the sides. I’ve made it three times and forgot to take it in the last time I made it (the plaid version). At any rate I’d like to make it again despite the tricky attachment of the front! Good luck and send me a pic when you’re finished 🙂