J’ai fini! Can you believe that with all these impeccable details that the hardest part was getting my sewing machine to make buttonholes?! My Bernina was being extra finicky and I suspect it was because some layers were not completely even and the buttonhole foot had a hard time compensating.
I have to gush about the fabric a little bit. The slight texture gives the fabric a slightly relaxed feel and I’m dreaming of a whole summer wardrobe with fabric in just this colour. Shirts, dresses, relaxed pants would all work so well. It’s a pleasure to press and can keep those collars nice and crisp. This would be great for beginners who want to start working with textured fabrics, but might be too intimidated with the more crinkly ones or are known to have a reputation of being difficult (double gauze I’m looking at you).
This was my first time working with a Forest and Thread pattern. I’m pretty boring and usually stick to brands that I have used before because sometimes the instructions are a bit sparse for my liking. As I’m more familiar with constructing garments, it’s not as big of an issue anymore. This is rated as an advanced pattern, but I think if you’re intermediate or even a confident beginner you can tackle this. The instructions are very detailed and there’s also a visual guide on the website that I referred to a lot when making this.
I made a size 0 with the only modifications in length (shortened the body 3” and the sleeve 2”). For reference, I’m 5’0. I like how the instructions really go over fit and if you need to shorten the sleeve, to shorten the placket as well. She even goes over how much ease should be in the bicep. Technically I should have reduced the bicep, but I did not do this and I think the fit is fine. There are shorten/lengthen lines on the sleeve, but curiously none on the body. This wasn’t an issue as it’s such a boxy cut, but may throw off some beginners who need to make adjustments. The sleeves are meant to be long with the option of cuffing them, so you may want to shorten the sleeve even more if you’re not going to cuff them. For me personally, I love the long look so I may just leave it uncuffed when styled.
There are so many special details with this shirt: the wide curved hem, the elongated cuffs, french/flat-felled seams and hidden placket. It’s worth the effort to take your time sewing this up.
Interfacing and making shirts is still new to me so I chose a mid-weight for the cuffs and collar and a lightweight one for the hem as I didn’t want it to be too stiff.
Button placement is still tricky and my spacing is not the same for the upper yoke and the body. The instructions say that this is fine. It was my first time sewing a hidden placket and it’s a great way to hide any misplaced buttonholes! The button on the collar is purely decorative though…I did not check my buttonhole placement and opened the buttonhole. When it came to adding the button I didn’t realize I was way off with the placement. I don’t ever do up that button so thankfully it’s not a huge issue. Note to self: check buttonhole placement before cutting! I did find some areas a bit bulky and may change that the next time. Overall, this was a joyful sew because you can see it really coming together and the seam finishes are just chef’s kiss.
I’m so glad I finally have a white button down shirt in my wardrobe – it’ll truly be a staple item.
#MinervaMakes #MinervaMakers #petitesewing #petitesewists #indiesewingpatterns #MinervaAmbassador #forestandthread #mvpbdshirt #indiesewingpatterns #SewnShownSeated
I have to gush about the fabric a little bit. The slight texture gives the fabric a slightly relaxed feel and I’m dreaming of a whole summer wardrobe with fabric in just this colour. Shirts, dresses, relaxed pants would all work so well. It’s a pleasure to press and can keep those collars nice and crisp. This would be great for beginners who want to start working with textured fabrics, but might be too intimidated with the more crinkly ones or are known to have a reputation of being difficult (double gauze I’m looking at you).
This was my first time working with a Forest and Thread pattern. I’m pretty boring and usually stick to brands that I have used before because sometimes the instructions are a bit sparse for my liking. As I’m more familiar with constructing garments, it’s not as big of an issue anymore. This is rated as an advanced pattern, but I think if you’re intermediate or even a confident beginner you can tackle this. The instructions are very detailed and there’s also a visual guide on the website that I referred to a lot when making this.
I made a size 0 with the only modifications in length (shortened the body 3” and the sleeve 2”). For reference, I’m 5’0. I like how the instructions really go over fit and if you need to shorten the sleeve, to shorten the placket as well. She even goes over how much ease should be in the bicep. Technically I should have reduced the bicep, but I did not do this and I think the fit is fine. There are shorten/lengthen lines on the sleeve, but curiously none on the body. This wasn’t an issue as it’s such a boxy cut, but may throw off some beginners who need to make adjustments. The sleeves are meant to be long with the option of cuffing them, so you may want to shorten the sleeve even more if you’re not going to cuff them. For me personally, I love the long look so I may just leave it uncuffed when styled.
There are so many special details with this shirt: the wide curved hem, the elongated cuffs, french/flat-felled seams and hidden placket. It’s worth the effort to take your time sewing this up.
Interfacing and making shirts is still new to me so I chose a mid-weight for the cuffs and collar and a lightweight one for the hem as I didn’t want it to be too stiff.
Button placement is still tricky and my spacing is not the same for the upper yoke and the body. The instructions say that this is fine. It was my first time sewing a hidden placket and it’s a great way to hide any misplaced buttonholes! The button on the collar is purely decorative though…I did not check my buttonhole placement and opened the buttonhole. When it came to adding the button I didn’t realize I was way off with the placement. I don’t ever do up that button so thankfully it’s not a huge issue. Note to self: check buttonhole placement before cutting! I did find some areas a bit bulky and may change that the next time. Overall, this was a joyful sew because you can see it really coming together and the seam finishes are just chef’s kiss.
I’m so glad I finally have a white button down shirt in my wardrobe – it’ll truly be a staple item.
#MinervaMakes #MinervaMakers #petitesewing #petitesewists #indiesewingpatterns #MinervaAmbassador #forestandthread #mvpbdshirt #indiesewingpatterns #SewnShownSeated