Sunday 24 November 2013

Button Up Shirt for Me

After my foray into sewing for others "The Birthday Shirt" and "The Madeline Dress", I have gone back to selfish sewing and made myself a button up shirt. This is a make I have had on my list for quite a while now, but haven't quite had the confidence to start.



I used the Archer Shirt Pattern from Grainline Studio. I was inspired by so many other Archers out there in blog land. Check these out PinterestGoogleFlickr. So many shirts for inspiration. I chose to make View A. The pattern has a collar and separate collar band, a back yoke, a pleat in the centre back, a separate button band, pockets, long sleeves, angled cuffs and a continuous cuff placket.



I chose a lovely sheer cotton/poly voile in white which I purchased online from The Remnant Warehouse and it is still available. I love this fabric. Although it is very lightweight, it was easy to sew and pressed beautifully and it feels very soft and floaty to wear.

Although I did follow the Archer Sew Along which was great, I still found myself referring back to the Craftsy Class "The Classic Tailored Shirt". This class had so much more detailed instruction and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone new to sewing button up shirts.


Front view (worn with a white tank top underneath for modesty)


Side View (Notice the huge sleeves)


Back view

I sewed a straight size 12 which was the correct size for my bust measurement. This shirt is loose fitting, but the sleeve proportions are ridiculous. I have long arms yet these sleeves are way too long and full and the cuff circumference was huge. No wonder so many reviewers had said they used a smaller sleeve size.


Oh dear, sleeves are too long.
Angled cuff detail
Back yoke and pleat
I sewed the seams on my sewing machine (note this pattern has 1/2 inch seam allowances) and then overlocked the seam allowances together with my overlocker, pressed to one side and then top stitched. This gives the look of flat felled seams without all the work. I did consider doing french seams, but with the 1/2 inch seam allowances, and french seams being a new technique for me, I chickened out.

Front detail and close up of fabric.
After reading Art Attack's blog about one of her Archer's, she inspired me to try "snaps" instead of buttons. I ordered the Snapsetter tool and snaps from SnapSource.com. I was very impressed with this company. The website is very easy to navigate and place an order. It took two weeks exactly from placing the order to receiving the order on my doorstep (that's USA to regional Australia). So this is the first garment I have tried them on and I am very happy with the result.



I'm sure I will be sewing more Archer's down the track.


Happy Sewing

15 comments:

  1. I love your shirt. Are you able to take the sleeves up a little? That would make it absolutely perfect. Although it looks very snazzy with the cuff turned up. The fabric is gorgeous and you have done a fabulous job with construction. Must get myself one of those snappy dodits.

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    1. Thanks for your kind comments BeaJay. I don't think I will bother taking the sleeves up as I will probably just wear it with the cuffs rolled up anyway.

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  2. Lovely work as ever. I keep thinking about sewing this pattern and don't know why I delay. Yours looks very fresh and love the snaps too.

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    1. Thanks so much sewmanju. I look forward to seeing your version.

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  3. Such beautiful fabric. Voile is my all time favourite and I think the snaps are a great alternative for something just a little different. Your mock french seams is something I am now going to try. Congratulations - you look lovely. Cheers, Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen. I love both the look and the feel of this fabric.

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  4. Lovely shirt and I like your trick with the seams.Perfect with blue jeans - classic.

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    1. Thank you Ruth. I know I will get lots of wear out of my white shirt as it goes with lots of other things in my wardrobe already. I will have to get brave next time and try french seams.

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  5. Such a nice looking shirt. The fabric is really lovely.

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    1. I love the fabric too Beverly. Thanks for your kind comment.

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  6. Beautiful work on this! I have that snap setter thing on my wish list. Love them on your shirt:)

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    1. Thank you Angela. The snap setter was very easy to use and gave a professional result. Maybe you should add it to your Christmas List.

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  7. I've been thinking about the Archer for a while, I think you've convinced me to the investment. You have made a lovely shirt. Love the shoes too!

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    1. Thank you Paola. I look forward to seeing your version of the Archer. I love my shoes too and I got them for a song at Kmart. Gotta love a bargain.

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  8. This blog website is actually valuable. iam very happy to read your blog. Nice post and absolutely outstanding. good work keep it up.Kissa Goi Ajrakh Patchwork Jacket

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