Kwik Sew: 2935 (Men's Shirt) - Type:Mens - Shirts  | | Viewed 174 times
| 31 more reviews | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 8 people | | Reviewed by: | quixoticpixels | 
 | About quixoticpixels | | WA USA | | Member since: 4/2/08 | | Reviews written: 31 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 13 people | | patterns reviewed: 30 | | Bio: more... | | | Posted on: | 7/5/09 3:01 PM | | Project Photo: |  | | Pattern Photo: |  Kwik Sew Pattern InfoMore Info provided by quixoticpixels | | Pattern Rating: | Great Wardrobe Builder | | See other patterns in this category: Mens - Shirts Mens | Available for sale on PR: $11.49 (See envelope) | | | | Related Links | Click on to add a link |
| All photos of the shirt can be seen here.
Pattern Description:
Men's shirts and hat. Shirt has extended shoulders, yoke, convertible collar and short sleeves. View A has side hemline slits and pocket. View B has shirt tail hemline and pockets.
I mixed up elements of the two styles due to an inability to decide which version I liked better.
Pattern Sizing:
M - L - XL - XXL. I made the XXL size for DH, who is is 6'4" with a 49" chest measurement and a prominent tummy. The finished shirt has plenty of ease, but doesn't look humongous on him at all.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except I mixed up some details from the two views.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Kwik Sew's instructions are fantastically clear. I wasn't stumped by vague language or confusing diagrams, as I am so often when working with the instructions provided by other pattern companies.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked how EASY this shirt was to sew, how quickily it went together and how well it fit my husband.
I'm not a big fan of the quarter inch seams. For this version, I was glad to finish everything with serged seams, since I have a brand new serger; however, for woven shirts, I think it's nicer to use French seams whenever possible. When I make this next time, I'll add wider seam allowances to allow me to give the shirt a more polished finish.
I also didn't like the positioning of the back pleats. That feature looks like a mistake to my eye. Next time, I'll position them closer together in the center of the back piece.
Fabric Used:
Quilting cotton - print by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit Fabrics. I washed the fabric a couple of times before sewing it, but it still seams a little bit stiff. I'm hoping it will soften up significantly in future washes.
For other shirts, I would like to try softer shirting fabric.
Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any pattern alterations this time around.
I did finish the inside collar facing by hand instead of by machine. I tried both, but thought the invisible hand stitches looked nicer 
I also used a plain cream cotton fabric for the front facings. I didn't want the dark black trees showing through the top layer and muddling up the design. I thought I was being so cleaver! Now, I'm not so sure I like how it looks--especially where you can see the facings peaking out near the collar.
Here's a photo of that area. (My husband is such a clown...)
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, my husband really likes this shirt and has requested more. He has a very difficult time finding clothes large enough to fit his big and tall frame. He's very happy with the fit of the XXL--no alterations required!
I would recommend this to others, but encourage them to check the size. From other reviews, I understand this runs one size larger than typical RTW--which was a bonus in my husband's case, but not necessarily for others.
Conclusion:
I'm happy with how this turned out and especially pleased that my husband likes it! | Buy this pattern for $11.49 Add to Bag  |
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews! << Previous Review Next Review >> | Reader Comments | | Ariadne | 7/5/09 | Clever and careful, A wonderful combination! Thank you for the sizing details, and comments about the ease of use. I think you are right about the back pleats, too.
My dh is 6'3'', and I bet he'd like a shirt that fits with some ease, rather than tight, as well. Thanks for the heads up. I've never made a piece of clothing from this pattern company.
| | * * * | | marec | 7/5/09 | :-) What a ham...he and my husband would get along! I think this shirt rocks-especially with the careful attention to detail which you must have. I like the contrasting facings very much, and actually disagree with you (and Ariadne) on the back pleats. I like them, and would only move them in a tad bit. Great shirt. | | * * * | | Christas | 7/5/09 | You've got a great model there! The shirt looks fantastic and it appears your husband loves it! | | * * * | | Sewnknit | 7/5/09 | Great review. I also like the contrasting facings. You have inspired me to want to sew this shirt! :-) | | * * * | | quixoticpixels | 7/5/09 | Thanks everyone! | | * * * | | Irene | 7/5/09 | Nice looking shirt! The pleat location is common for sportier (e.g., "aloha") shirts and provides ease over the shoulder blades. I usually face the pleats in the opposite direction (away from the center). | | * * * | | quixoticpixels | 7/6/09 | Thanks, Irene. It's quite possible I got that backwards... LOL :) That would make it look a lot better. | | * * * | | quixoticpixels | 7/6/09 | Good grief. I have no idea why my posts are being duplicated. Sorry about this! | | * * * | | Pam~Off The Cuff~ | 7/6/09 | Great looking shirt ! | | * * * | | Ronda Rae | 7/6/09 | Great shirt! This is my TNT for my DH. He also loves the fit. I've made this pattern about 5 or 6 times. I also altered the shoulders for my broad shouleder guy. Your hubby is a great sport. Love the poses! | | * * * | | mssewcrazy | 7/6/09 | Nice shirt - you will have lots of these to make in the future. I like the contrast facing as well- a good variation that has a rtw look. I am adding this pattern to the stash after reading your review and the others that I just read. | | * * * | | Nurse Jane | 7/6/09 | Nice job! Love the review and your husband's playful pose. Think I'll buy this and see what I can create for my guy! | | * * * | |
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