08 Jul Butterick 5889
I just returned from the new Kate Spade outlet store located 20 minutes from my house, and all I found was this necklace featuring a bitten-off popsicle. The store carried zero shoes and the handbags were designed for the outlet store.
Maybe you’re wondering if I am wearing anything besides turquoise, aqua and white this summer. In the past I have been consumed by orange, but this year I’m drawn to anything resembling serenity 😉
Inspired by a friend’s RTW top made from a similar fabric, I recently ordered this lovely Tilda French Viscose knit from the Marcy Tilton website, an online store loaded with beautiful high quality fabrics.
‘Buttery hand, liquid drape, 4 way stretch, light/mid weight with minimal rolling at the cut edge so it will be a pleasure to sew and wear.’
The dreamy description led me to place my first order without a sample, and fortunately the portrayal was spot on. I consider the fabric light-weight leading me to sew a less structured and loose-fitting top.
My pattern is Butterick 5889
The split sleeve caught my eye and what began as a long tunic/dress is now my final blue/turquoise/aqua garment for the summer.
Upon seeing my top Hubby commented that the garment looked easy. It was, I replied, but I’ve seen lots of 30-minute garments that cost $500.
This pattern is fabulous for anyone seeking to perfect the narrow hem technique. The sleeve hems, sleeve splits and bottom hem are all finished with a narrow hem totaling nine opportunities to get it right.
After tacking the shoulders and sleeves together the neck facing is attached and a top is born!
His next comment was that he preferred it belted,
and I get that, but this time around I’m loving the freedom of movement found in this delightful fabric.
What do you think?
I think I’m ready to mix it up a bit and move on – I’ve loved my turquoise and aqua phase but other colors and styles eagerly await!
Until soon 🙂
Nancy
Posted at 08:18h, 08 JulyI like it belted or not – either way it looks very comfortable and fresh.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:15h, 09 JulyThank you,Nancy! I’m enjoying the unbelted look this go around 🙂
Jan
Posted at 08:22h, 08 JulyDefinitely best with your turquoise necklace! That highlights the best and “lifts” the eye. Thanks for sharing!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:16h, 09 JulyGreat advice, Jan! Many thanks 🙂
The Renegade Seamstress
Posted at 08:33h, 08 JulyYou look great in this color, I can see why you are drawn to it. I am loving the split sleeves, too! Great for summer, cool but still some coverage. (Sneak peak: I have a split sleeve dress in my book) 🙂 Now I’m off to dig through my stash to find the perfect t-shirt to do this to. Thanks for the inspiration, Sarah!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:17h, 09 JulyThanks, Beth! Cannot wait to see your split sleeve tutorial 🙂
oonaballoona
Posted at 08:33h, 08 Julyyou look cool as an aqua cucumber, and oh so lovely. i like the popsicle, naturally!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:17h, 09 JulyIf you like popsicle then me like popsicle 🙂 🙂 🙂
ewellons
Posted at 08:44h, 08 JulyAnother fantastic summer top. I like it both ways — but love the unbelted, floaty look best! And the turquoise necklace is perfect with it. It’s no wonder you’re drawn to aqua — it is your color. And if anyone needs some serenity — it’s you, Sarah!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:19h, 09 JulyThank you, Cissie! I’m going for the unbelted version in this lightweight fabric 🙂
Linda T
Posted at 08:47h, 08 JulyI like no belt best. Very pretty!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:20h, 09 JulyThank you, Linda! Me too 🙂
Nana
Posted at 08:52h, 08 JulyI think the aqua and the yellow that you made the maxi dress are definitely your summer colors. I like the shorter necklace. With the long red, it made the top look long and baggy. The aqua necklace changes the focal point and the top then looks best without the belt and gives that free moving comfortable look for summer.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:20h, 09 JulyGreat advice, Nana! Thank you so much 🙂
LinB
Posted at 08:55h, 08 JulyNice that your dear husband has an opinion about what you wear! I can see why he likes it belted — you have a sweet figure. I agree with you that summer in the South demands clothes that float away from the body. Air flow is no little thing to achieve when the doldrums arrive.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:22h, 09 JulyYou’re right about that, LinB! I’m preferring the no belt version during the heat wave for sure 🙂
carolinascallin
Posted at 09:18h, 08 JulyWhat a cute top – reminds me of the one Kristi made that she’s loved wearing so much! Love, love, love the fabric – it looks like it feels divine! I’m with you on the ‘comfy’…it looks terrific unbelted; add the belt when you want a little change.
Can’t wait to see your next project!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:23h, 09 JulyThank you, Cheryl! Would love to see Kristi’s top 🙂
Carmen Isaacs
Posted at 09:25h, 08 JulyLove the top belted and or not, aqua really suits you. Did you make your pants and if so what pattern did you use, they look great.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:24h, 09 JulyThank you, Carmen. I did not make the pants – bought the Derek Lam pants on a 90% mark down last August. Now THAT’S a bargain 🙂
sewgrandma
Posted at 09:46h, 08 JulyLove your outfit. Ordering Butterick 5889. I have some teal knit jersey left over from a tee I made last month. I love wearing it with sand color capris (RTW from 2012). I must make white capris…have the fabric in my stash but still perfecting fit for my new size. BTW when shopping I saw a gent with teal colored golf shirt & sand color shorts. Teal looked great on him too. Then later that same day there was a 3ftx4ft painting 50%sale. There was a 2ft teal vase on the one side of it. Being that it was at a small shop I was afraid to check out the price for fear I would be buying it. I’d rather wear teal on my bod! Thanks for the inspiration.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 12:25h, 09 JulyThanks for your nice comment and good luck with the top!!!!
Jenny
Posted at 09:46h, 08 JulyI love this top! It’s so pretty. I like it both ways but I like with the belt best.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:26h, 09 JulyOK! I like it with the belt but it is so comfortable without 🙂 Many thanks for your comment, Jenny!
lisa g
Posted at 09:52h, 08 Julythis looks like a great breezy top! i love the split sleeve, such a nice detail!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:27h, 09 JulyThank you, Lisa! The sleeves were the main attraction of the pattern 🙂
Art Attack
Posted at 09:53h, 08 JulyReally cute summer top that looks very high end. I think I like it best unbelted but it’s great either way!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:28h, 09 JulyMany thanks, Dorcas! I’m sure to wear it both ways 🙂
tavkat@netscape.net
Posted at 09:53h, 08 JulyMy opinion – unbelted with the turquoise necklace. Turquoise is a very flattering color on most everyone and it looks great on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:28h, 09 JulyThank you so much, Tavkat!
Sharon Elle
Posted at 10:09h, 08 JulyThe top looks beautiful, the fabric drapes so nicely and the colour is perfect! Nice job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:29h, 09 JulyThank you, Sharon. This fabric has the perfect drape 🙂
Deborah R Penner
Posted at 10:14h, 08 JulyLove this belted. Shows off your slim waist.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:29h, 09 JulyMany thanks! It’s still here but I don’t know how slim it is 😉
SunGold
Posted at 10:57h, 08 JulyNot belted – the belt draws the eye away from the delicious peek-a-boo sleeve.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:30h, 09 JulyThat is an excellent point, SunGold! Many thanks for the comment 🙂
gingermakes
Posted at 11:09h, 08 JulyAqua is so nice on you! I can see why you’ve been into it! I prefer it unbelted, although my husband would surely be pro-belt, too (he makes that comment about alllll my outfits). I agree with SunGold- the belt takes away from the sleeve detail. But it’s nice to have the option to go either way with it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:31h, 09 JulyWhat is it about belts and husbands ? 😉 Many thanks for the comment, Ginger!
Tia Dia
Posted at 11:26h, 08 JulyYou certainly look serene! I love turquoise/white as a summery colour combo. It’s refreshing and reminds me of water. And I prefer it without the belt. It’s more relaxed and has a more easy-wearing vibe that when it’s belted.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:32h, 09 JulyWell, I’m glad I look serene 😉 Many thanks for your good advice, Tia Dia – it’s certainly comfortable without the belt!
zibergirl
Posted at 11:56h, 08 JulyPerfect for summer! Great color and the loose but stylish top looks so nice on you. I prefer the shorter necklace also. A Kate Spade outlet right next to your house? I’ve been googling some of her dresses, for inspiration. Even at half the price, they would be out of my price range, but fun to look at.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:33h, 09 JulyThank you, Barbara! It just opened two weeks ago, but the outlet doesn’t carry the same merchandise as the store ;(
SusanB
Posted at 12:12h, 08 JulyBeautiful top & you look lovely in it! The split sleeves are great. Southern summers are too hot for belted tops. You have inspired me to try this pattern which has been in my stash since last year. How was the sizing?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:35h, 09 JulyThank you so much, Susan! It runs slightly large, but the finished measurements are marked on the pattern pieces. Good luck and have fun with this pattern 🙂
Mrs. H
Posted at 12:25h, 08 JulyThe aqua is pretty. I understand about branching out into other colors, though, as I tend to gravitate to blue. I think the Butterick 5889 looks ok belted, but is best unbelted.
Thanks for the March Tilton website link. I have bookmarked it for future use.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:36h, 09 JulyMany thanks for the helpful comment, Mrs. H! I think you will enjoy the website 🙂
Gloria
Posted at 12:57h, 08 JulyI like it unbelted best. Love how your top turned out! Inspires me to do likewise.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:36h, 09 JulyThank you, Gloria! It was fun and easy to make 🙂
Monica
Posted at 12:59h, 08 JulyI love the turquoise and white on you too and agree with Nana above that the yellow maxi was a great look for you. Now, a question. What is that lipstick that you wear that seems to go with everything in your wardrobe? Your colors are my colors and I want it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:48h, 09 JulyAh…… I’m using a new shade since my favorite Elizabeth Arden (Georgia Peach) was discontinued. It is Clinique Runway Coral and it does seem to go with most everything 🙂 Many thanks for the comment, Monica!
Monica
Posted at 14:28h, 14 JulyThanks, GV! I got it and it is a great color.
Carolyn
Posted at 13:00h, 08 JulyThis is such a pretty top and I love Marcy’s fabrics too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:50h, 09 JulyThank you, Carolyn! I can’t wait to see your new Vogue dress. 🙂
Kathy Z
Posted at 13:03h, 08 JulyI just bought one other Butterick top pattern with split sleeves. May have to go back and get this one! I hate sleeveless tops due to “grandma” underarms but like my shoulders. Why didn’t I ever think of this solution! Thanks for the inspiration!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:52h, 09 JulyGlad to be of service Kathy Z and many thanks for the comment 🙂 🙂
Roberta
Posted at 13:07h, 08 JulyLove the color on you and love the style both ways, belted and unbelted. Great summer look!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:53h, 09 JulyThank you, Roberta!
Fiona M
Posted at 13:24h, 08 JulyLovely top, and I like it either style!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:55h, 09 JulyThank you so much, Fiona!
Amanda S.
Posted at 13:45h, 08 JulyI like it either way but think the unbelted style looks more easy-breezy and summery. LOVE the popsicle necklace and think it pairs perfectly with the top. Oh and the top itself is super cute. I just culled through my pattern collection, getting rid of most tops that are too fitted through the torso. That is just not what I want to be wearing, even if I weren’t pregnant.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:58h, 09 JulyHi Amanda! I do like the pop of color in the necklace and will wear the top with both pieces of jewelry, but I’m enjoying the top without the belt. You’ll be back in torso fitting blouses in no time 🙂
Ann
Posted at 14:59h, 08 JulyI most definitely prefer your beautiful blouse unbelted.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 20:58h, 09 JulyThank you, Ann for your comment. It’s easier to wear without the belt for sure 🙂
seweverythingblog
Posted at 15:00h, 08 JulyThe aqua stripey fabric and the yellow striped maxi are your colors this summer, I must say.
Echoing the commenter above, Southern summers are no times to wear anything belted. Congrats for having your beautiful summer wardrobe figured out!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:00h, 09 JulyI couldn’t agree more though I do have a few belted summer items. Many thanks for your nice comment 🙂
Myra
Posted at 15:01h, 08 JulySarah, this is a great top and looks so very perfect for Summer too! I love the color of the fabric, perfect compliment to your complexion! Great job and definitely under $500 I’m sure!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:01h, 09 JulyThank you so much, Myra!
Vanessa
Posted at 15:06h, 08 JulyI think the top unbelted is beautiful!! I like that it has more movement and flow!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:02h, 09 JulyOoh… thank you so much, Vanessa! I like the movement of this top too 🙂
Cindy C.
Posted at 15:06h, 08 JulyBelt it or not, follow your whim of the moment and please yourself. And what’s with this “final blue/turquoise/aqua garment for the summer”? Are you afraid you have too much blue? Not possible — it looks absolutely grand on you. Make and wear all the blue you want; that’s the whole point of sewing for yourself! We all celebrate and support obsession with pretty colors!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:04h, 09 JulyLOL! When I cleaned my closed last week I could not believe how many turquoise and aqua clothes I own 🙂 It’s definitely time to branch out, Cindy! Many thanks for the comment.
The Smuggler's Daughter
Posted at 16:35h, 08 JulyYou look great in turquoise! This pattern is a great idea for lightweight knits.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:04h, 09 JulyThank you! I generally stay clear of sewing loose fitting garments but this fabric seemed perfect 🙂
Sheree
Posted at 16:41h, 08 JulyI think most men would say “belted”. Shows off the figure more! For me, unbelted is best and the turquoise necklace is a good finishing touch.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:05h, 09 JulyMany thanks Sheree – I appreciate your advice 🙂
Almeda
Posted at 16:46h, 08 JulyEither way, this top is certainly a “hole-in-one”. Super cool top 🙂 Enjoy!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:05h, 09 JulyNow that’s clever, Almeda 🙂 🙂 🙂 Many thanks!
AJW
Posted at 17:51h, 08 JulyAnother winner, Sarah! Gorgeous, as usual.
We are dealing with a very humid summer week and the mere though of belting anything is giving me the willies, but it’s such a beautiful top that it could go either way.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:06h, 09 JulyThank you AJW , and I’m sure I’ll wear it both ways (depending on who I’m with 😉 )
Amanda
Posted at 17:55h, 08 JulyI think it looks great both ways, you have a great waist to show off either way!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:08h, 09 JulyThank you so much, Amanda 🙂
Maddie
Posted at 18:57h, 08 JulyI’m with your hubby, I like it belted. Whether you chose for or against, great top!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:09h, 09 JulyHi Maddie! Belted, huh? I’m likely to wear it both ways all summer long 🙂
Maureen Clayton.
Posted at 19:57h, 08 JulyPerfect little piece. I’m going with unbelted.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:09h, 09 JulyMany thanks, Maureen 🙂
Alice Elliot
Posted at 20:20h, 08 JulyI like it loose and breezy. But I can understand why your hubby likes it belted. <:~)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:11h, 09 JulyMany thanks for your comment, Alice! ‘m likely to wear it both ways (depending on who I’m with 😉 )
Kate
Posted at 20:32h, 08 JulySaw you in Vogue Patterns Magazine. Well done. Looking great!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:11h, 09 JulyThank you, Kate!!
Julie Starr
Posted at 22:38h, 08 JulyWhat a cute pattern, Sarah! I’ve never noticed it before and the cut outs are great for showing off your great shoulders and summer tan. I, too, just can’t get enough aqua and blue this summer!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:11h, 09 JulyTis the season, I suppose, Julie! Many thanks for your comment 🙂
Katalin
Posted at 02:49h, 09 JulyLove your new top! I can’t decide whether belted or unbelted, both versions look nice!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:12h, 09 JulyThank you, Katalin! I’m likely to wear it both ways (depending on who I’m with 😉 )
Jean
Posted at 05:44h, 09 JulyAqua and white are the perfect summer combination. Love your new top, especially the split shoulder feature.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:12h, 09 JulyThank you so much, Jean! The split shoulder was the main attraction to the pattern for sure 🙂
Becky Bagwell
Posted at 07:12h, 09 JulyI hope you have a scrapbook with all these pictures in it. You you fab as usual!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:13h, 09 JulyHmmmm……….. right now it’s just an electronic scrapbook, but that’s a great idea 🙂 Thanks, Becky!
McCallPatternCompany (@McCallPatternCo)
Posted at 09:28h, 09 JulySara, love it! Mind if we post on our social media? Email me at Facebook@butterick.com. Thanks!
Lindsay
Posted at 11:13h, 09 JulyI want to make this! I love it! I also love your overall styling with the white and gold – perfect. 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:14h, 09 JulyThank you so much, Lindsay! You can make it in a jiffy so I hope you’ll give it a try 🙂
Eileen
Posted at 12:31h, 10 JulySarah, What a cute top! I love it without the belt. Wouldn’t this pattern make a cute swimsuit
coverup? I’m off to the store to pick this pattern up. Do you have any tips for making the rolled hems? What sewing machine did you use? Did you use your serger on this top at all….guessing
you did. You are an inspiration to many of us who are venturing back into the world of sewing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 21:26h, 10 JulyThank you so much, Eileen! This pattern features a narrow hem vs. the rolled hem. I followed the narrow hem tutorial on A Challenging Sew. ….. and you’re right, this pattern would make a great swimsuit coverup! Good luck!
Sewellen
Posted at 08:42h, 11 JulyLovely as always!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 12 JulyThank you, SewEllen !
Joen
Posted at 15:09h, 11 JulyLooks great! I’m a fan of navy and white for the summer too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:26h, 12 JulyMany thanks, Joen! I like navy and white for summer as well 🙂
Margaret
Posted at 00:33h, 12 JulyLove the new top — so summery and pretty in aqua, one of my favorite colors. I agree with Eileen – it would make a great swimsuit coverup as well. And you used a knit instead of the woven they suggest on the pattern envelope, which is super. I agree with those who say unbelted.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:24h, 12 JulyThank you Margaret! I think any fabric that is lightweight and drapes nicely would work for the pullover version 🙂
Mary H
Posted at 08:31h, 13 JulyI love this top pattern. You are so inspiring. I am getting such great info from your blog Thank you!
Julie
Posted at 02:22h, 14 JulyThis outfit looks so lovely on you! Aqua and white are certainly your colours. I love view B. Is it possible to sew the sleeve seams up without any major pattern alterations? I prefer to keep my arms covered up these days :-/
lizafrica
Posted at 12:01h, 14 JulyLOVE it, Sarah. And the colours are so cool & summery. We are currently almost “melting” in Vancouver (very hot for us anyway) so I am looking lovingly at this top thinking it would be just the thing for hot summer days. Love your blog!
Liztafrica
kenniswong
Posted at 18:56h, 14 JulyIt looks so summery in you. I love the pop of color from your new necklace. Did you do the narrow hems using some special foot, or are you just doing the folding and stitch carefully?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:24h, 22 JulyThank you! For narrow hemming, I follow the tutorial provided by Leisa from A Challenging Sew. It works every time!
Ebi Poweigha
Posted at 19:58h, 16 JulyAnother great look — good job!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:23h, 22 JulyThank you, Ebi!
Kathy Z
Posted at 23:37h, 21 JulyP.s. I did get this pattern and cut it out today. I usually take an XL-XXL pattern but need to use the smallest cutting lines for this. It’s huge!!! Did you alter your side seams at all to make it fit so nicely? I’d like your input on the fit..
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:23h, 22 JulyKathy,
I cut out a small and made little if any alterations other than in the length. I knew my fabric would drape beautifully and didn’t worry about the oversized fitting on this one. Can’t wait to see yours!
Jeannie
Posted at 18:22h, 02 AugustWhere are you? It just occurred to me that “Goodbye Valentino” has been mighty quiet. Maybe you are just enjoying this unusually cool summer for the East Coast. Or madly sewing on wedding stuff?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 22:19h, 02 AugustMadly sewing on wedding stuff is correct. I never knew I could be so busy, but I’ll be active again very soon! Thanks for checking in Jeannie 🙂
ME
Posted at 00:23h, 05 AugustMiss you Sarah – hope all is well !!!!
Vicky
Posted at 14:40h, 23 AprilHi, I love this top on you. I have just made a toile version and found that it was very revealing when I lifted my arms (you could clearly see much of my bra) – did you find this problem too? I’d love to hear your experience and thoughts on this. I shall return to my toile and see what I can do. Thank you. Vicky