Pattern Review by Clara: Amy Butler's "Liverpool Tunic"

Amy Butler Liverpool Tunic pattern

I have a confession to make: This is the first time I have ever sewn clothing. Quilting is actually what brought me into the world of sewing, and that is what I've always been comfortable with. My friend Tonia brought me into the world of Fashionable Fabrics and inspired me to try something out of my comfort zone.

I looked at two different tunic patterns. One pattern had instructions that looked like a foreign language to me. I chose the Amy Butler Liverpool Tunic sewing pattern because there were clear illustrations and I felt that for the most part, I could understand the terminology.

I was very intimidated at first, but I just took it one step at a time. Everything went smoothly until I got to the collar. Thanks to my neighbor, Charlene, who ripped seams for me, pinned and read the instructions with me over and over, we finally got that collar on after about an hour and a half!

I thought the hardest part of the whole process would be attaching the sleeves. Grandma Pat showed me how to pin on the first one, and the second one was no problem at all. I can do sleeves! Everything was put together, and on Saturday night I planned to do the button holes and hem the dress. Then after a miserable hour of trying to learn the fine art of "button holing"(and failing), I was ready to throw in the towel. But mom came to the rescue and did those button holes beautifully. I hemmed the dress Sunday morning and wore it to church!

I felt as bright as an Easter egg that Sunday, and in fact, one lady a church said my dress reminded her of a robin's egg. My friends were very impressed that I had made the dress, and I have to say, I felt very good that I had made it, too!

I would definitely make this pattern again. I plan on helping my friend Beth make hers in the near future. It was definitely challenging for me, being a beginner. It took me about 12 hours total. But if I can do it, anyone can! If you are an experienced seamstress, you could probably crank this one out in an afternoon.

Here are my grades for this pattern:

Clarity of Instructions: A

Helpful Diagrams: A

Overall Satisfaction: A

Other Comments:

The fabric I used was Delilah Wheels by Clothwork Fabrics, $6.50/yd.

The Liverpool Tunic is very versatile. There are 4 different lengths (shirt, tunic, short dress, long dress) and 4 different sleeve styles (short, elbow length, 3/4, and long) The one that I made (below) was the short dress length with elbow length sleeves.


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