Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Plaid Shirt and Linen Shirt - Great additions

The calendar says fall is near but until yesterday no one told Mother Nature in mid-Missouri. I was sick of the hot temperatures and really getting very tired of wearing  summer clothes. Do you get that way too? Feel like you are wearing the same thing over and over?  I am ready for a change, ready for the next sewing adventure? New fabric weights and textures, New pattern looks? I decided to make some fall-like clothes in fabrics that would still be cool but transition to fall. mood fabric plaid voile shirt sq

 My first selection Mood Fabrics' Rasberry-Brown Plaid Cotton Voile by Marc Jacobs
I

\\\
For these fall shirts, my go to pattern is Grainline Studio's Archer Shirt.  I have made this once before and it appeared on a previous Mood Sewing Network post.  Since this one, I have made a few alterations, went down two sizes in the shoulder and body.  Now the cuffs went down 4 sizes and I eliminated the extra length I had originally added.  Now I do have my perfect shirt.
I enjoy making shirts, but I do remember my first time making one, it seemed a bit overwhelming, many pieces and a long list of instructions.  Fast forward to present time and occasionally  it  feels a bit overwhelming.  Especially when you have a long list of sewing you want to get accomplished.   It is time to just take a deep breath and take it one step at a time.
First, I decided to use bias on several parts of my plaid shirt - pockets, cuffs, back yoke and button band.  All these pieces needed interfacing, to stabilize the bias and help with the thinner fabric. I didn't want the plaid to show-through the pockets.  Check out more construction and interfacing details on this blog post
front pocketback yoke4
The details on this shirt  work beautifully with the fabric, a great combination.
mood fabric plaid voile shirt with pearls
So while I sew a shirt, I just remember it is one step at a time.  Remember the little details that make it uniquely yours.  Great fabric - check, thanks Mood Fabrics, details - like bias, matching plaids  Adding a cute dog to the picture - check
mood fabric plaid voile with jr\
And then one last thing I check each time I make a shirt,in fact I double and triple check the cuffs.  Remember that very first shirt I made?  Well, it was looking pretty good until I stitched the buttonhole on the wrong side of the cuff.  Yes, I did and I didn't notice until I put my shirt on and couldn't button the cuff.  Yep, so much for a great looking shirt.
So now I always try on my shirt, act like I am buttoning the cuff and mark the correct side for the buttonhole.   There might be something else not quite right on my shirt but it sure won't be the cuffs.
cuff

The buttons for these shirts came from Pam Erny's Fashion Sewing Supply I love having these buttons in my stash.  They are the perfect size for my shirts.

My plaid shirt will be worn so much this fall, layered with a t-shirt, sweater or jacket.  I will be perfect for fall wearing.


My other Archer Shirt to work with Mother Nature is Mood Fabric's Chambray-look Linen, which has been patiently waiting for me to sew into a garment.
I
I felt this linen has a bit of a purple tint, something that was a positive for me looking toward fall
linen shirt
This picture shows the more true color of the fabric. a beautiful shade. The sun in Missouri was exceptionally bright on this picture taking day.  This resulting in a  washed out look to the color of the linen shirt and deemed my sunglasses  a necessity to combat the squinting.
It has been a while since I have sewn linen, which is a crime  I know.  Such a pleasure to sew, stitches perfectly, presses perfectly, oh how I love to press this linen.  I had some buttons in my stash that had a purple hue to them.
mood fabric linen shirt4
I couldn't be happier with my second new shirt.  I already feel much better about heading into my closet for something to wear, as I have two new shirts for my wardrobe.  They each will give me several possibilities and will be perfect when fall does come.
mood fabric linen shirt3
And yes, I did double check the cuffs on this one.!
Now, it is time to plan my next garment
mood fabric linen shirt




27 comments:

  1. I love your plaid shirt with the pearls!
    My look too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Joan, I thought the pearls were a good idea.

      Delete
  2. Love your shirts! You are always right on trend. I like your jeans too. Mind sharing the brand?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Marie, the jeans came from Marshall's and they are a Nine West brand

      Delete
  3. I love both your shirts too! Was excited to read what you wrote about sewing linen as am waiting to finish up the washing-drying prep process on a new purchase for my first foray into sewing linen... though mine will be a skirt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, you will have a wonderful time sewing your linen. Have fun and thanks so much.

      Delete
  4. Why have I let the Archer pattern sit unused? Your shirts are gorgeous, and so well fitted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mary, I hope you try your Archer soon. It goes together so nicely. It does run a bit big and long.

      Delete
  5. Both your shirts look great on you! I really love this photo shoot, though -- the haybales, the grass, the dog, the porch:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Angela, I tried to switch up the photo shoot a bit.

      Delete
  6. I have to check out this pattern. EVeryone keeps making such cute shirts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, it is a great pattern.

      Delete
  7. Love your shirts, both are great. I bought the Archer pattern very recently and hope to make it soon. Hope it will turn out as beautiful as your versions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sigrid, can't wait to see your gorgeous creation.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous5:12 PM

    perfection!

    ReplyDelete
  9. That's a great planning shot. Both shirts are beautifully made.
    While you're waiting for fall, spring is trying to come through here and you've given me some great ideas to try as the heat builds up. Thanks Lori.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, enjoy your spring and I can't wait to see all the gorgeous garments you create.

      Delete
  10. Both of these shirts are great. This pattern seems to be such a hit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, it is a great one.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous11:17 AM

    I really like the linen shirt. You do beautiful sewing. As I farm girl in the city, I enjoy the background scenery!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jules, it was fun taking pictures in different places.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous6:53 PM

    Not only do I love the shirts - that raspberry and brown plaid is such a nice combination, and that pale blue shirts really suits you- I really love the story you are telling with your locations !

    I agree, I'm tired of my summer shirts. Glad I made a couple new ones I liked a few months back, but I really am tired of taking them out for another visit. I wish I could magic up the two tops I'm working on, kind of slowly, to hey-presto! be done. But now I have this idea that I'm working to improve my sewing and fitting skills, sewing is taking a *lot* longer.

    OK, Lori, I don't think I knew there was a correct side to button cuffs.... I know right over left for the front of a shirt, but I never even thought about that. I will check the couple of commercial shirts I have now.

    Golly, the simple stuff. It always amazes me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the compliments on the shirts and photos. Well, I cannot button the cuff if it is backwards, might be a muscle memory thing! LOL

      have fun making your new garments, I am with you on things taking longer, I seem to be doing more extras on my garments.

      Delete
  13. I love your two shirts. They look very chic ,casual and pretty ,all at the same time! I like taking my time with a garment, being a perfectionist , top stitghing ,hand sewing,etc., and when I'm through, I like to make something quick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Diana. I am with you a quick project is always good, I just finished a Renfrew top in less than an hour, love those quick ones.

      Delete
  14. LOVE this shirt on you! What a great basic! You always do such a great job with the details.

    ReplyDelete
  15. LOVE this shirt on you! What a great basic! You always do such a great job with the details.

    ReplyDelete