Plaid Matching Using Butterick 4463

I decided to try plaid matching using Butterick 4463.

The Pattern

Butterick 4463 is an older pattern that’s out of print (OOP). It’s from 2005 but I think that these days, it would be called a shacket. I have made this multiple times before and it is one of my favorites. I believe it’s available on Ebay and Etsy.

The jacket is unlined. It features two inseam pockets, front and back yokes and collar. There are a couple of lengths and a belt pattern included.

My Jacket: Plaid Matching Using Butterick 4463

I used this fabric I was gifted from Minerva for this project. It is the perfect weight fabric for something like this. It’s medium to heavy weight suiting and is terrific for an unlined jacket.

Since this jacket doesn’t have a center back seam or gathers in the back, it was a bit easier to figure out how to match this plaid. I laid out the back piece first with the fabric folded and pinned so it wouldn’t shift or move around. Then I matched up the back yoke with fabric right-side up. After that, I used the notches in the pattern pieces to do the best I could to match up everything else. Luckily, that worked out.

It’s always nice when all the effort works out and things match the way you want. But I have also learned not to stress too much about it. Nothing is going to be perfect. I would proudly wear this jacket regardless.

Because I wanted the buttons to blend in, I made covered buttons using the dark part of the plaid fabric.

Doing the buttons this way also meant that I didn’t have to worry about matching the plaid on the covered buttons.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an easy pattern and fairly quick to put together. Of course, if you choose to use a plaid fabric, the layout and cutting phase will take a bit more time and patience.

As far as this Minerva polyester viscose suiting is concerned, it is fantastic to sew. As I stated, it is the perfect weight for an unlined Fall season jacket. Here is the post I wrote for Minerva featuring this project.

Butterick 5030 Wrap Dress

I chose this pattern to make as my latest Minerva Fabric project. I was gifted this fabric from Minerva since I’m a Minerva Brand Ambassador. Butterick 5030 wrap dress seemed like the perfect pattern to pair with this gorgeous exclusive viscose linen.

The Pattern

This dress pattern is described as a flared wrap dress below mid-knee and semi fitted bodice. There are variations for neckline, sleeve and collar. I made View F which has the flutter sleeves. This one doesn’t have a belt or sash. The pattern says to use a purchased belt.

My Sewing Process

First, I didn’t make any alterations to the pattern itself. I cut out size 18 on this one and started to sew. Because this is really a wrap dress and not a mock wrap, there basically isn’t anything to hold the dress closed. The pattern says to use hook and eyes (just at the waistline). I chose to use snaps on mine. I felt they would be more secure. Also, I added additional sets of snaps so there are four total on mine.

There are two sets of snaps at the bust line/bodice and two sets at the waist.

It’s possible to add inside ties to the dress to keep it closed. There are different options you can use that the pattern doesn’t suggest.

As it was a bit windy when I took these pictures, I can tell you that adding a large safety pin or something to keep the front skirt closed can be helpful, unless you are trying to have a Marilyn Monroe type moment.

The Pattern And Fabric

Butterick 5030 wrap dress is a pretty quick make. It took me more time that usual simply because I added the sew-on snaps (done by hand).

Butterick 5030 wrap dress front with belt

The fabric I used for this is fantastic! Viscose linen blend is breathable and about a medium-weight fabric. It really has a great drape to it as well. I chose a fabric called “Pollen Passion” and can be viewed here. If you are like me, you want material that will wash and dry well. This one does both! Although the material was soft when I received it, it got even softer after washing and drying. However, be forewarned that there is a lot of lint that will come off.

Butterick 5030 wrap dress belted back view

Here is another dress I made as a Minerva Brand Ambassador that I truly love.

Conclusion

Great fabric and terrific pattern! I hope you will give at least one of these a try.

Butterick 5030 dress Simplicity 8546

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Making Palazzo Pants With Butterick and Minerva

As a Minerva Maker, there are numerous fabric to choose from basically on a monthly basis. So when I saw this gorgeous fabric in a viscose challis, I knew that was the one I wanted. I also knew what I wanted to make. Making palazzo pants with Butterick and Minerva was the perfect combination. The ease of sewing and the movement of the fabric is awesome.

This is a Minerva exclusive viscose challis fabric that is soft, has flow and is oh so comfortable to wear!

Butterick 3460

I made View E for my pants. This is an easy pattern that includes pants, shorts, and skirts in two lengths. Although the pattern is for outerwear, it can be used for pj pants or shorts (I haven’t done that). The fabric selections are offer some variety, but just think flow and movement. I would not recommend a fabric that doesn’t have any type of movement to it. So , mid- to light weight fabrics are best.

My Palazzo Pants

Because the pattern has so few pieces, it’s quick to put together. This viscose challis fabric is perfect for a garment like this. I did use a lot of pins in order to keep the layers from slipping when I was getting ready to sew.

I did serge the edges of the material to keep the fraying in check. If you don’t have a serger when working with fabric like this, then you would want to look into alternate ways of finishing your seams. For example, pinking the edges would work as well as doing French seams.

B3460 back-making palazzo pants with Butterick and Minerva

The only alteration done was to shorten the front crotch seam. Honestly, I could have shortened it more. But it is an easy wear style of pant. It can be used as loungewear or worn very casually. Here is the previous pair that I made.

This pattern, if you have it, or something similar is great for beginners. The pattern is for woven fabrics. This particular fabric is an exclusive viscose challis from Minerva Fabrics that was gifted to me by Minerva.

If you would like to check out my post that I wrote on the Minerva site, click here.

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