When Amy Butler’s new sewing pattern The Liverpool arrived we immediately started pulling out bolts imagining what each would look like made up into this perfect tunic shirt. Susan is already done! Here’s her review:
Cute, cute! The Liverpool pattern was a must try from the start. I am always looking for that perfect shirt pattern and this one is a keeper!
I love the styling and the variations of length. With darts at the bust and waist you get a very slimming and fitted shirt. The only adjustment I made was to lengthen the back length. I am a bit on the narrow side and found the fit great across the shoulders. Watch your back yoke measurement to get a good fit. I was pleased with the ease for the hips.
Yes, it did turn out like the pattern cover. Was it easy?… Well… it could be easier.
I have to be truthful and say that Amy Butler pattern instructions always leave me with big question marks. Why are there no pictures of the back or the 3/4 length sleeve detail? I made up the cuff treatment. Maybe that is what it is supposed to look like, maybe not. Where are the notches for alignment? If you are an experienced sewist I would say…glance at the instructions then make it your way. If you are new to sewing, don’t be scared. It really goes together very quickly.
I made it using the French General Rouenneries Tournesal Turkey Red. The pattern cover shows Love Memento Burgundy. Both fabrics have medallion prints which need to be matched at the sides and front band. Of course…be careful with those medallions…you don’t want them right on your bust apex.
This shirt can become addictive. I want to make it out of every print we have. The short shirt with short sleeves for summer and the dress length made out of the French General linen. Kathy tells me that at Quilt Market Amy Butler was wearing the tunic as a jacket made out of the home dec fabric. I would say if you want to try the jacket, make it a size bigger than you normally wear. Have fun with it!
Thank you to Susan for sharing her review. It’s inspiring me to get to work!
We had a rather lengthy discussion about the lack of illustrations for some of the feature details. It’s taken for granted when purchasing a Big Four pattern (Vogue, McCalls, Simplicity and Butterick). Of course, the styling and detail of The Liverpool is absolutely fabulous! We’re so thankful there are hip and stylish designs by independent pattern designers offering an alternative to traditional patterns. We both agreed that line drawings of the front and back of a design is extremely useful.
I’ve taken close up shots of Susan’s cuff treatment and the back of the tunic. If you ever need assistance with pattern instructions please feel free to call us at the shop and we’d be glad to assist you!
Happy Weekend Sewing! xo Kathy
I’m SO pleased to see a review of this pattern, and such clear photos showing all the details. It’s at the very top of my Christmas wish list this year. Thank you!
just gorgeous! now I need to add that pattern to my wish list
Great looking tunic/jacket! I was wondering whether I’d like this pattern or not when I saw it around the quilt market blogs. Now I feel like I need to get it. Perfect use of the French General fabric.
ohhh thanks for sharing the review!! as soon as i saw the pattern i fell in love with it and snatched it up as soon as they started going on sale!! unfortunately i’ve yet to even cut the pieces!
and what a great idea that amy had to use home dec fabric to turn it into a jacket!!!
Thanks for the review. I have had a similar experience to what you described as having lots of questions when following Amy Butler patterns. I was thinking of trying Liverpool and its helpful to know what to expect. Your top turned out beautiful, I love your fabric choice and gorgeous sewing!
What a beautiful job Susan did! I haven’t used any Amy Butler patterns yet, but it’s good to have those caveats in mind…
It’s so wonderful to have such a great review about a pattern. I intend on making this…so the information you’ve given will be very helpful!
Lovely shirt! Now I want one…great details shots, and I totally agree about Amy’s patterns needing a few more illustrations of certain points. But they are all lovely!
Oh my gosh, Susan’s version is GORGEOUS! Just what I needed to see to kick me into gear and make it! Now where did I put that pattern?
Thanks for the review. I was really puzzling over which version to make and which version was shown on the pattern…
That is gorgeous! That top looks fabulous! Thenks for the review.
I love the pattern too, but was wondering how it would look on a larger figure? Most of Amy’s other patterns seem like they wouldn’t be flattering on say, a size 14 or 16. What do you think?
I love the style of this top! I want one!
The tunic looks great and the review of the pattern very informative and inspiring. Thanks!
Cindy: Well if I get mine made we’ll know the answer to that one! I do think this is going to work for all bodies but I have a feeling mine will need a bit more adjustment here (through the bust) and there (at the waist)
Kathy
Wow, that is stunning. Absolutely perfect choice of fabrics, but I think I’ll need a bit more practice and confidence before working up to this one!
That is just gorgeous! What fantastic sewing skills – I’m envious!
What is the difference between the tunic and short dress for this pattern?
I was wondering what you thought of this shirt for a more plus sized figure. I tend to wear an 18 for pants and an XL for shirts. Is it something that would fit me? Because I think it’s adorable!
Hi there–
Isn’t this fabric the best! I really want this made from linen, but lined with faded red as a jacket. Glad to know it’s easy! See you in two weeks.
I’m so glad you did a review on this pattern. I am starting it and don’t understand what the tie is. I don’t see it on the pictures and I don’t think I want one. Did you do a tie??
oh ladies,
this is amazing. i wish i had the sewing skills. it seems very intimidating. the collar picture is stunning and shows the incredible craftsmanship. thank you for always inspiring me.
Holly: I need to have Susan respond to that in more detail. She mentioned she couldn’t really figure out the tie or how it would be useful and ended up leaving it off. I will see her again on Monday and then add more detail to the review
Thanks for sharing this review. This is on my list.
That is very nice. I might have to start sewing clothes again.
It’s beautiful!
This is so lovely – great style and absolutely wonderful fabric. Your photography is great too. Very well done indeed and thanks for sharing.
Looks great!
That is a really great shirt! Thanks for the notes about the pattern. I don’t make many clothing items, but I might be tempted by this one.
So happy to see the French General fabric being used as a shirt this way! Love the Turkey Red . . .it’s that time of year! and the pattern . . .
I’ll be using some of their fabrics in my next group of bags along with grain sacks from France – great combination! you’ll find them at http://www.SweetPeaPockets.com
Looks like a winner! I too pull my hair out over poorly written directions and diagram-lacking pattern instructions from some patternmakers. Technical writing isn’t easy, but Amy Butler gets a premium price for her patterns. I would expect a her to do a better job than that.
Just gorgeous,thanks for sharing,what an inspiration
)
I live in Portugal and i´m just waiting …
thanks for the info on the pattern.. i may just tackle this one!
i have this pattern and have had every intention of making it. then winter hit. bad. i can barely stand to not wear huge sweaters and turtlenecks when it’s this cold.
how on earth did you make that perfect color? mine are always just slightly rounded at the points. do tell. just gorgeous!
i mean perfect COLLAR.
Hello , nice to meet you. I love the arm built in style and linked to your site to show “how to do it” and offered your photo example ( recognizing the source”. This is usually open source allowed, I hope you like it , if not please advise me and I will remove ( sorry me in this case)
http://corsidicucito.blogspot.com
Kind regards,
Anna
Tips on the collar?
That’s remarkably perfect….I’m cutting mine out today and wondering how that collar came out so well. Must be a few tricks to this AND I’m wondering if the interfacing I bought will work as well. That could be part of the formula for PERFECTION like that one! Wish me luck on a cold rainy afternoon here in Florida!
I find that most of the Amy Butler patterns are really hard to follow, even for an advanced sewer! There are never enough illustrations, and I have found that often, the language used isn’t correct (for example, the term “topstitch” is used to sew seams?)
Thanks so much for the review of this pattern!
[...] have any number of shirt dress patterns in my stash as well, including Amy Butler’s Liverpool pattern that I used to make the dress pictured above. The blurry picture with the strategically placed [...]
I don’t know how I missed this one. I need to find this pattern!
How can i get this red fabric?
You, my pal, ROCK! I found exactly the information I already searched everywhere and just could not locate it. What an ideal web-site.
I’m glad it’s not just me with the cuffs! I’m kind of making them up as I go along. The cuff directions aren’t very clear. Her patterns always turn out lovely, but I think she needs someone to edit her pattern writing more carefully.