Butterick 5928 - Still Needs A Little Work

I hesitated on posting a review for this jacket because I wanted to try it again to work out the kinks. I wasn't completely satisfied with the shape of the sleeves, the finished hem, and the fit in the bust area.

It is rated as very easy. There are some elements that I think may be challenging for a beginner: it's a lined jacket with two pivot points at the neck area that require accuracy for balance across the shoulders and neck area.

 I couldn't find any reviews on it in blog land or on Pattern Review. So I guess I'm the first person to post a review on it. Maybe ours have tried it but have not shared their experience. That being said, I hope my review is helpful.  

Pattern Description: MISSES' VEST AND JACKET: Fitted, lined vest or jacket has front extending into drape and back collar, shoulder pleats, princess seams, and shaped hemline. Lining shows on hemline.  

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22; I used size 14 with "not enough" modifications.  

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it did. I made view A with the sleeves of view D.  

Were the instructions easy to follow? There was nothing difficult or confusing about the instructions.  

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? From the moment I saw it in the Butterick pattern catalog, I knew I would make it. I liked the draped collar and the back peplum. These were the two design elements that drew me to this jacket. I disliked some of the construction steps: #25 Stitching the front, neck and lower edges to the lining. You can't understitch to ensure that the jacket is slightly pulled to the inside. The inside of the drape shows in one of the smooth pleats along the front.  I ended up rolling and pressing the edges slightly to the inside so the lining would not show. #28 Baste armhole edges together. I like to set the sleeve in the jacket to the jacket only. Then attach the lining. Finally, I didn't like to one piece sleeve. I think it should be two pieces. Just my personal preference.  

Fabric Used: I purchased this nubby mystery blend (definitely some natural fibers included)from the Textile Warehouse. It was priced at $6.00 per yard. Because it was stained on the edge, I got it for $3.00 per year instead. It has a soft hand and feels good against the skin.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made my usual FBA and back adjustments (swayback) not included in the illustration, plus I added width to the sleeve. All of which did not proof a great fitting jacket. Above the fullness of the bust, there is a little fabric "bunching". I don't like it and it just doesn't feel right. Maybe a bigger FBA would help, but I think I'll end up with a lot of excess fabric above the bust. Second, either there is issue with the shape of the sleeve or I have more fat on the back of my upper arm than I care to admit. Third, there is too much ease in the sleeve cap.  

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I will. The issues cited are minor and can be tweaked. This first try is not a total failure. I can wear the jacket. In fact, I received a lot of compliments when I wore it earlier this month. For those who plan to make it, make a muslin first. Choose a fabric similar to your fashion fabric.  

Conclusion: I don't agree that this an very easy pattern to sew. That implies a beginner could sew with no problems. Average may be a better rating, given it is a lined jacket and there is some pivoting required around the neck that could be challenging for a beginner to get sharp points and balance between the two pivot points. Make a muslin before you cut into your fashion fabric.