Shirts Shirts Shirts
Working in a fabric store means we are constantly surrounded by plenty of inspiration; each day we all find ourselves imagining fabrics paired with patterns and adding to our seemingly never ending wishlists of future projects - if only we had time to sew all day! So instead of waiting for those extra hours to be added to our days (apparently the earth is on a pretty fixed schedule rotating the sun), we thought we should share some of our thoughts and imagined makes here - perhaps you might be able to check off some of those things on our collective wishlist for us? This month we’ve been dreaming about endless wardrobes full of shirts using the gorgeous cotton and linen shirting fabrics we’ve got in store at the moment.
Shirts can be a little intimidating with their collars, cuffs, plackets and button holes but we have picked a variety of shirt patterns that have these, have some of them or none at all depending on your confidence level or the time that you have available!
You might also want to take a look at our Pinterest Board for a little more inspiration
A CHEAT SHIRT, AN EASY TO SEW BLOUSE
If you were after the look of a blouse but not the work it entails, then look no further than the Dove Blouse by Megan Neilsen Patterns. With the v-neck and centre seam it provides the illusion of a blouse, but is a relatively quick make! We have teamed it with the Junction Cotton Poplin, Yellow which would make a great statement piece.
A CLASSIC BUTTON UP SHIRT PATTERN
A more traditional shirt is the Oversized Shirt by The Assembly Line, it is based on a classic style but with an oversized fit. Teamed with the Seaside Blue, Japanese Cotton Fine Cord Shirting, it would be an incredibly versatile shirt. The fine cord has a lovely ribbed texture to it, which would give the shirt a little structure. You could team it with white jeans in spring or autumn or layer it with an oversized cardigan, leggings and boots in winter.
A SHIRT PATTERN TO ELIMINATE GAPING
One of the downsides of ready to wear shirts can be the gaping at the bust, especially if you have curves. The Harrison Shirt (no longer in stock) by Cashmerette Patterns has been designed to eliminate this problem all together! The Assembly Line Cap Sleeve Shirt and The Oversized Shirt both come in two size ranges. Or Merchant and Mills have the Ellsworth which is an oversized boxy shirt. Any of these patterns would be great in this Bubblegum Blue Crossweave Linen to create a fresh and light look.
A SHIRT PATTERN WITH STATEMENT SLEEVES
It is no secret that a statement sleeve is everywhere at the moment and the Irma Shirt and Dress by I Am Patterns has a lovely bishop sleeve. The pattern also includes a classic sleeve to make it really versatile. The Japanese Cotton Chambray Black would really show off the sleeves and it would be a great transitional piece. We could see it worn as a dress with some chunky jewellery for an easy look.
A CLASSIC AND VERSATILE SHIRT OR SHIRT DRESS PATTERN
This next pattern is a bit of a cult classic and it is no surprise why, with its loose fit and 3 different lengths the Kalle Shirt and Dress by Closet Core Patterns ticks a lot of boxes. It has been made up quite a few times in linen but we think it would look excellent in the Japanese Cotton Sateen Ink, it has a soft finish to it with a subtle sheen and is slightly heavier than the other shirting fabrics meaning it would give a lovely structure to the shirt.
A SHIRT PATTERN WITH RUFFLES FOR A BIT OF FUN!
Lastly this pattern is a bit of a staff favourite and we all have different ideas on how we would make it up! It is the Magdala Top by I Am Patterns. I thought that it would look very cute in the Japanese Cotton Check Shirting. It has also been suggested the Cotton Sateen in Bright White in the dress version or a cotton lawn in Khaki. There was much discussion over what we would all make!
One of our wonderful customers sent a photo of their latest shirt make using our Japanese black with white check shirting to make a man's shirt, which we think looks very smart! She's used a pattern from the Common Stitch - not a brand we currently stock, but perhaps we should? (We love seeing your makes - so feel free to send us a photo or come into the store and show off your latest creation!)
SHOP SHIRTING FABRICS
SHOP WOMENS SHIRT PATTERNS
PATTERNS THAT COULD BE USED WITH SHIRTING FABRIC
We also have a few other patterns that are not shirts but we think would work really well with any of the shirting fabrics that are mentioned above. Take a look at the Clochette, Joy, or Cielo and for some further inspiration we have also put together a pinterest board.
Should you need any notions to help with sewing your shirt, you may find the following useful:
- Pins and Pin Magnet,
- Bamboo Point Turner
- Metal Sewing Gauge,
- Tailors Chalk,
- Fabric Clips,
- Buttons,
- Bespoke Measuring Tape
- Labels
- and hopefully not a Seam Ripper (too much)!