The Boyfriend's birthday was at the end of April so I decided as one of his birthday gifts, I would make him a shirt. I had the fabric picked out since last summer or fall, and was going to make the shirt for Christmas, but ran out of time. Oh well, he now has a winter shirt just in time for summer. :-P
I used the Colette Patterns Negroni Shirt again.
Here is the last shirt I made with this pattern. This time I made the long sleeve version in a beautiful brushed cotton woven plaid. Another swapmeet purchase for $1.50/yd. Can you believe that? If you could feel the fabric through your monitor, I think you would be impressed.
I followed the directions exactly this time, I even felled the sleeves and side seams. The instructions for doing so are quite good. Much better than I expected! I only have two complaints with the pattern. The first is that the area on the shoulder where the facing joins up with the collar is quite thick and bulky. I trimmed and graded my SAs, but there is still some bulk. Second, I think the sleeves are drafted long. Or the Boyfriend has Tyrannosaurus Rex arms, but I'm fairly certain they are a normal length. I really should have measured the sleeves beforehand, but I forgot and I also wanted to keep the shirt a surprise. Every time I worked on the shirt, I meticulously cleaned up so he would not see what I was making. Because the sleeves are a couple inches too long, he prefers to wear the sleeves rolled. It looks cute that way, so I don't mind. :)
The cuffs, outer yoke, and pocket are cut on the bias. I matched up the fronts and sides pretty well, but the sides could be better. I'm totally pissed that I cut the back piece slightly off grain. I hate that you can tell because it is a plaid shirt.
Overall, I'm proud of the shirt and the Boyfriend says he loves it. He's worn it more than I wear my own self-made clothes.
Thanks to my newest Follower, Danette!