Shirt love

Take one fabulous pure cotton Australian made mens shirt, wash and press.

Choose a great shirt pattern NEWLOOK 6407, view E is the one I went for.

A few hours later and it fits Manny much better than the baggy mens shirt.

Even fits me, but oh so hard to photograph oneself inside on a drizzly rainy day.

The shirt which was in fabulous probably unworn condition was spied at a charity store a while back and I loved the fabric so thought I would have a go at remaking it into something for me. I am not an average size girl so I thought about a style that would flatter and enhance my good points and also give me a waist. I think this shirt pattern is a good one for me and was easy to make.

This week I have done a bit of reading on how to get a good fit when making fitted clothes and the biggest hint I can give you is that when deciding which size pattern to buy in 90% of cases you should do a high bust measurement (well above the nipple line and hard up in your armpits) and then refer to the size chart on the back of the pattern and use this high bust measurement as your bust measurement. Patterns are made for B cup sizing so if you are bigger than this you would still use the smaller size but do a full bust adjustment of the pattern otherwise the whole garment will be too big on you if you choose the pattern size from your bust measurement around the fullest part of your bust.

This project has been very satisfying, the shirt cost $4, I used everything except the cuffs, collar and pocket. I have recycled the old brown buttons into my button jar and chosen 3 cream squarish buttons from the jar to finish the shirt. I had some iron on interfacing scraps in my stash. You know the best thing is I made a fairly fitted shirt that really does fit me very well. I don't usually wear fitted clothes unless they have stretch as they are just too uncomfortable if you want to move. I recommend this pattern to you all, it's one I will be using again I'm sure.

Now back to the sewing studio, I have another top ready to cut out, this time from some lovely cotton voile in my stash.

Click on the photos for a closer look if you want to.