Pattern Description:
MISSES'/MEN'S SHIRTS: Fitted (men) shirts have collar, collar/front bands, self-lined yoke, forward shoulder seams, and narrow hem. A: stitched hem on sleeves. B: flaps, pleated pockets, opening for pen/pencil. C: bias front band/pockets, snap closings. B, C, D: long, two-piece sleeves with pleats, button cuffs (seam opening). B, C: rolled sleeves (wrong side shows). Collar, collar band, yoke, tabs B, C, cuffs B, C, D: cut on crosswise grain of fabric.
I chose to make view A, but with the curved shirt tail hem as per views C and D.
Pattern Sizing:
SML - LRG
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, I think it does.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Well, here is my complaint about this pattern. I bought this pattern because it is a Palmer and Pletsch pattern for McCalls, and I was hoping the instructions would really excel. Whilst the instructions do make adjusting the pattern easy (adjustment lines are indicated on the pattern e.g. to do a FBA, sway back adjustment, rounded shoulder etc), the instructions DO NOT allow you to create a tailored shirt. That is why I disregarded the instructions completely and used Pam Howard's Craftsy Classic Tailored Shirt tutorials, which I HIGHLY recommend (see my blog for a review of the Craftsy class). If you followed these pattern instructions you would end up with a shirt which would need to have seams finished e.g. serged and the sleeves would not be inserted flat but eased in - you would not end up with a men's shirt as you would find in RTW.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
See above! Also, things to note is that the front bands for this shirt are cut SEPARATELY from the shirt fronts, on the bias, interfaced, and then attached to the shirt fronts. I can see how this makes more of a design feature of the front bands e.g. if you use a plaid, but if you don't want this extra step then you probably should avoid this pattern. Also, there is no separate undercollar piece (do I sound like I know what I am talking about?! This is all thanks to the Classic Tailored Shirt lessons!). I cut the undercollar about 1/8" smaller than the upper collar to allow for turn of cloth.
Fabric Used:
A checked cotton from my local market. I also used Vlieseline H250 for the interfacing....it seems ok, but I would love to know what anyone else uses for shirts?
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Absolutely none. This was really a wearable muslin to see how to fit the husband, and it fits fine. The only thing I would change next time is to add maybe an inch or two to the length of the sleeves.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes.
Conclusion:
So very proud of my first ever shirt, but couldn't have done it without the Craftsy course! See my blog for more details and pictures. |
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Pattern with more than 5 reviews!
Wow! Your shirt looks so expensive. Very nice job! Isn't it the best when the muslin turns out better than you expect.
3/7/13 11:00 AM
Your shirt looks great. I love the bias plaid on the front. Really looks nice.
3/7/13 3:02 PM
I'm proud of your 1st shirt, too! Fabulous. With such a great outcome, you make a good salesperson for this crafty Craftsy class!
3/7/13 3:12 PM
You did a great job! I have made my husband some boxers but have not been brave enough to make a shirt yet. So impressed!
3/7/13 3:48 PM
What a great shirt! Thank you for such a great review and the review of the class on your blog. I have bought that one too, but haven't had a chance to view it.
3/8/13 10:56 AM
Nice job with matching the plaids. Be proud of this shirt.
3/8/13 3:54 PM
Thanks for this detailed review. Good job on the plaid matching!
5/9/13 10:51 PM