Sewaholic’s Granville II

11 Feb Sewaholic’s Granville II

 

Y I K E S !

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How could I have possibly spent so much time sewing this shirt again?  The answer lies in making it fit, but alas, it fits.

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Not quite ready to cut into the silk I planned to sew two garments ago, I bought a bolt of muslin and learned how to fit Sewaholic’s Granville Shirt to my body.

My wearable muslin had several issues, namely tightness through the bust , misplaced darts and bunching in the back.

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Many readers suggested the fit was as good as RTW, which is precisely why I have avoided tailored shirts throughout my life. They look terrible on me.

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My mission was to make a fitted shirt, and it took two more muslins to get it right. Careful measuring resulted in a too tight bust again leading me to make my first full bust adjustment (FBA).

Would you believe a 3/8 “ adjustment affected the fit of the entire shirt? I followed Sarah Verblen’s instructions from The Complete Guide to Perfect Fitting and the alteration took 10 minutes.

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In addition to cutting a smaller size I pinned out 1 1/2 inches of excess from the center back and side back pieces.

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Somewhere during the process I realized I do not fit the Sewaholic pear shape description, but there was no turning back…. plus, I wanted that nicely shaped back receiving rave reviews!

I’m all over the place with this pattern but it works:
Size 4 – neck, back, sleeves
Size 2 – shoulders
Size 6 – front
Size 0 – hips  The size 0 hips is due to the large flair in the pattern, not my slim hips 😉

After making all of the fitting adjustments I added 1 ½ “ of length back to the shirt. Taking the lead from my husband’s dress shirts I curved the cuffs to avoid turning four more points.

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The shirt is sewn from an old piece of linen in my stash and contrasted with a floral Amy Butler remnant and striped cotton from one of Hubs’ discarded shirts.

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Sewing a fitted button down shirt has been quite the process but something I wish I had addressed long ago, for avoidance accomplishes nothing.

So ……… after ten days of shirt-making I have one shirt that fits, one good muslin, but infinite possibilities!

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Until soon 🙂

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
155 Comments
  • Katalin
    Posted at 15:09h, 11 February Reply

    Your new shirt looks divine!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:03h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Katalin!

  • Art Attack
    Posted at 15:12h, 11 February Reply

    Great job. Sarah. Infinitely better fit. All your work paid off and you now have this pattern perfected for any shirt you ever want to make. I’m on my 3rd GV!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:05h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Dorcas! I’m thrilled to have worked through the issues and look forward to seeing your #3 🙂

  • Joan
    Posted at 15:13h, 11 February Reply

    What a fantastic job on your second shirt! I’m so glad you addressed the bust dart location, as well as snugness (I did not want to say anything on the first go ’round). Your shirt pattern fits you like a dream and I love your fun contrasting plackets and bands! Thanks for giving us feedback on the different dimensions of your final fit, as compared to the pattern — useful.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:06h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks for your comment, Joan 🙂 Please feel free to offer constructive criticism to me anytime.

  • SuziB
    Posted at 15:27h, 11 February Reply

    You did a marvelous job of fitting that shirt & you look wonderful wearing it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:07h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Suzib!!

  • Diana
    Posted at 15:42h, 11 February Reply

    Wow, that looks stunning on you. I love the contrasting fabrics on these blouses. Isn’t it amazing how such a small adjustment can make a world of different to fit? I am learning this with the forward-shoulder adjustment. You are such an inspiration, Sarah — I enjoy your positive attitude and commitment to improving your craft. 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:08h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful comment, Diana! I’m still marveling over the results of a 3/8″ adjustment 🙂

  • Anelise Newman
    Posted at 15:44h, 11 February Reply

    The most rewarding part of sewing is being able to make a garment that fits your body exactly, and looks wonderful because of it. The effect that fit has on making a flattering garment really is incredible. Your shirt looks great on you, and I love the delicate lavender. Enjoy wearing it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:09h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks for your lovely comment, Anelise! I’m going to love this one for sure 🙂

  • mollie weis
    Posted at 15:45h, 11 February Reply

    Good work! Your fit is perfect. It can be very difficult to get a perfect fitting shirt. I struggle with that constantly and have a wonderful collection of muslin shirts in different stages of completion. I’m inspired … thanks for sharing!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:10h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Mollie! It was a struggle of sorts until it all came together – very much worth the effort 🙂

  • Barbara Carlon
    Posted at 15:50h, 11 February Reply

    Perfection! All your hard work paid off. Hopefully you have a final hard copy pattern for future use.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:11h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Barbara! Indeed i have a hard copy for future shirts 🙂

  • Ginger
    Posted at 16:03h, 11 February Reply

    You nailed it! This looks great! So your next shirt will be a breeze, now that you’ve sorted everything out! I love the scraps you used for the undercollar/collar stand/button band. So cool!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 00:12h, 12 February Reply

      GINGER…………. So nice to hear from you!! Many thanks for your comment and I agree that the next one should be much easier! 🙂

  • Claitree Meeks
    Posted at 16:03h, 11 February Reply

    Very, Very nice! Love the trim touches – makes it so much more special. This post inspired me to add Sara’s book to my collection – Not that I need it, I suppose – have muliple fitting books, but this one intrigued me.
    Again – Very nice shirt!!

    • Claitree Meeks
      Posted at 16:07h, 11 February Reply

      Somehow or other my name is incorrectly spelled on these posts – my clumsy fingers I suppose. It is correctly spelled Clairee – don’t know how to change it on your blog though.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 01:52h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Clairee! Regarding the spelling of your name – I believe the only way to change it is for your to go to the setting on your account. Sadly I can’t do a thing from my end ;(

  • Angela
    Posted at 16:06h, 11 February Reply

    I have that book also, it is wonderful! And I must say – the different between the shirts is a testimony to why it is well worth the time to fit a piece of clothing properly. I, too, looked at the first shirt and didn’t think it was that bad, but compared to the second shirt – wow! The difference is quite noticeable, you did a great job of making small changes that resulted in a big difference. Well done!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 01:53h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks, Angela 🙂 Fit is everything, huh?

  • Becky Maxwell
    Posted at 16:17h, 11 February Reply

    Great Shirt! I’m putting “avoidance accomplishes nothing.” in large print on my sewing room pin up board.Thanks!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 01:53h, 12 February Reply

      LOL – Thank you Becky! I need to put up the quote in my sewing room too 😉

  • Jennie
    Posted at 16:17h, 11 February Reply

    This is a major bullet point on my sewing bucket list. I hope to have a TNT fitted shirt pattern by the end of 2015.

    Yours looks great!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 01:57h, 12 February Reply

      Hi Jennie! I was determined to turn this into a TNT shirt pattern 🙂

  • Margaret Schulz
    Posted at 16:19h, 11 February Reply

    Beautiful shirt! Sarah Veblen is only 40 minutes from me here in MD. and I have thought I would love to take private lessons from her but wouldn’t know where to start. I would say I’m an intermediate level sewer who is intimidated by pattern alterations and such. Any suggestions?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 01:58h, 12 February Reply

      Oh how lucky you are to live so close by! I would contact her and take the lead from Sarah. Keep me posted!

  • Eileen
    Posted at 16:25h, 11 February Reply

    Sarah, This is just one more example of why you have so…. many followers. Your blog is a great source
    of inspiration to all of us. I admire your tenacity. Your lavender shirt looks beautiful on you. Congratulations on sticking with it.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 01:59h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you for such a lovely comment, Eileen 🙂 I couldn’t give up and I’m so glad I stayed the course!

  • Jeannie
    Posted at 16:29h, 11 February Reply

    I thought the striped version was fine. But the fit on this one is exquisite! I wouldn’t have thought a shirt could fit so perfectly. Himmm. You are very inspiring.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:35h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Jeannie! The striped version didn’t feel right but I’m delighted to have worked through the issues 😉

  • Mary Lynn
    Posted at 16:31h, 11 February Reply

    Looks great! I wish someone would design for upside down pears! Looking out my living room window, I think it would be
    snowy egret shaped????? Narrow shoulders, full bust, stomach , no waist, no rear end, bird legs and barges for feet. Sounds
    lovely doesn’t it? At least I’m looking out at no snow, beautiful scenery and really bad golfers!
    Your fitting changes were wonderful and look great! How do you do the back adjustments without help?

    • LinB
      Posted at 16:44h, 11 February Reply

      I think the silhouette you describe is best named “pouter pigeon.” It was THE shape to have in the late 1890s-early 1900s … women corseted themselves, and padded their chests, and did all sorts of clever dressmaking to achieve the look. Lucky you, to have that shape naturally!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:38h, 12 February Reply

      LOL! I think we all wish someone would design a pattern specifically for our individual shape and size 😉
      Stay warm and thank you for the comment, Mary Lynn!

  • Marrla Parker
    Posted at 16:34h, 11 February Reply

    I absolutely love everything you do!!! Love the cute contrasts on this shirt! Now I know what to do with my hubby’s old shirts!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:40h, 12 February Reply

      Ah…… that’s so sweet 🙂 🙂 I always ask for the right of first refusal on hub’s old shirts. Many thanks for your comment, Marla!

  • Amanda S.
    Posted at 16:35h, 11 February Reply

    Perfect fit! And I love the mix of fabrics you used. I’m filing that idea away for later.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:44h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Amanda! I love to mix fabrics – just wish Amy Butler fabrics were more fashion friendly 😉

  • Ann Schucker
    Posted at 16:39h, 11 February Reply

    You’ve achieved a great fit! And that color is stunning on you. Thanks for sharing.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:44h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks, Ann!!

  • Courtney
    Posted at 16:40h, 11 February Reply

    What a fantastic fit! And the sleeves look great.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:45h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Courtney! I really prefer the rounded cuff to the squared off for this shirt 😉

  • Ellawaine Johnson
    Posted at 16:54h, 11 February Reply

    Your left front arm in your stripped muslin has a wrinkle from shoulder to elbow, but it’s gone in your beautiful lavender shirt. What alteration did you make to the sleeve to achieve this?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:47h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you for your comment, Ellawaine! I believe the wrinkle is due only to the sleeve being twisted on my arm as I made no adjustment 🙂

  • Anita Engert
    Posted at 16:56h, 11 February Reply

    Fantastic job! Carolina Herrera in a white blouse is one of my iconic images of perfection that comes only with the right fit, something I was never able to duplicate in ready to wear. You have achieved it. Demonstrating yet again that the seemingly insurmountable isn’t, we just need to do it ouselves. I am so totally motivated and inspired!. Thank you! Thank you!.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:50h, 12 February Reply

      Thank YOU, Anita for your nice comment 🙂 Everyone deserves clothes that fit even if it can’t be a Carolina Herrera!

  • Melissa Schulze
    Posted at 17:04h, 11 February Reply

    Love it – especially how you used the striped fabric from hub’s shirt. I’m with you – I stay away from tailored blouses~

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:50h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks, Melissa! Hopefully I’ll add a few blouses to my wardrobe now 😉

  • Margaret Winters
    Posted at 17:05h, 11 February Reply

    Well done you!! The FBA is such a small adjustment, but it makes such a world of difference in fit. Your shirt is gorgeous!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:52h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Margaret! I had no idea how much of a difference a small FBA would make. I avoided this alteration – just the thought of it made me feel old and fat. Crazy, huh?

  • Barb Wagner
    Posted at 17:07h, 11 February Reply

    It looks perfect! Comparing it to the wearable muslin (which didn’t look that bad), it’s very evident on this new version how much your adjustments made a huge difference. “Avoidance accomplishes nothing” : Love that!
    I always enjoy seeing what you create, Sarah.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:53h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Barb! I agree that the striped version doesn’t look too bad but sadly it doesn’t feel too good either. 🙁

  • Dana
    Posted at 17:08h, 11 February Reply

    The fit on that new one is amazing! I like a lot of the Granvilles people are making, but it does seem like everyone requires a ton of adjustments so I’m not sure I’m brave enough. Bravo!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:55h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks, Dana! Don’t let the alterations scare you. I recommend buying a few yards of muslin and having at it for a few days before sewing the real thing 🙂

  • Sarah Jo Harris
    Posted at 17:13h, 11 February Reply

    You definitely nailed the fit! Comparing the two, your wearable muslin looks like it’s fighting you but there’s none of that with your redo! I can’t sew Sewaholic patterns because I am a ruler and there’s no way I could get a good fit without many tweaks. I admire your persistence!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:56h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Sarah Jo! Your description is perfect…… I plan to give the striped shirt away to a friend 😉

  • Linda D Moon
    Posted at 17:25h, 11 February Reply

    Wow! What a difference 3/8″ makes! It looks fabulous! What exactly did you do?

    LInda

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:58h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Linda! The FBA is more complicated to describe that it is to make. Search for a google or pinterest image and you’ll see what I’m talking about 🙂

  • Morgan
    Posted at 17:54h, 11 February Reply

    The shirt looks great, I always learn something from your blog. I am ordering Sarah Verblen’s,The Complete Guide to Perfect Fitting. Thanks

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:58h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Morgan! Her book has been very helpful in many areas 🙂

  • Natalie
    Posted at 18:08h, 11 February Reply

    Fantastic Sarah. It fits you so well and love the colour combinations. Thanks also for the tips on adjusting the pattern.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:59h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks for your nice comment, Natalie!

  • Lori
    Posted at 18:31h, 11 February Reply

    You have really worked hard to get the perfect fit, the blouse looks fabulous on you. Have fun making many more.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:00h, 12 February Reply

      Lori, Thank you. I thought I would never get the pattern to fit the way I wanted it to, but now……. I can’t wait to make another!

  • Alex in California
    Posted at 18:37h, 11 February Reply

    Never give up; never surrender. Fight until you conquer. A very fine result. You won!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:01h, 12 February Reply

      LOL! Who would have ever thought these words would apply to sewing a blouse?
      Many thanks, Alex!

  • Laura Arriola
    Posted at 18:38h, 11 February Reply

    Your wonderful job has inched me even closer to tackling a tailored shirt for myself. I’ve only done them for my sons and husband. I really appreciated your feedback on the different size portions of the pattern you used to achieve the perfect fit.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:02h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Laura! You’ve won half the battle if you have already made tailored shirts for the men in your life 🙂 Good luck making one for yourself!

  • Rhoda K
    Posted at 18:51h, 11 February Reply

    Wow – what a difference. I agree with all comments that you truly are an inspiration and thank you for sharing with us. I always look forward to your posts. Now, if I could just get myself moving from in front of this computer and over to the sewing machine 😉

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:03h, 12 February Reply

      LOL -I have that problem too, Rhoda 🙂 Many thanks for your comment!

  • Becky Wch
    Posted at 19:17h, 11 February Reply

    Aside from the darts looking too long, I didn’t think the first shirt look bad at all. After seeing how well the final shirt fits, now I see what you were talking about. Love your result.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:04h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Becky! I too am surprised by the difference in fit between the two garments 🙂

  • Carol
    Posted at 19:21h, 11 February Reply

    I love this blog. You are one of the few bloggers who celebrate sewing.
    My question: Do you take the seams out of your final muslin and use it for the cutting pattern or make the adjustments to your original pattern and use that?

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:07h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much for your comment, Carol! I generally take the muslin apart and substitute the reworked pattern pieces for the original pieces. In this case it’s the front, center and side back pieces.

  • TL Ruiter
    Posted at 19:24h, 11 February Reply

    Wow….that looks great. Your persistence really paid off and sets an example and tone for those of us who are markedly less diligent!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:08h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, TL! Many years ago I didn’t take the time to fit properly when sewing, and that is why I stopped. 😉

  • Maris Olsen
    Posted at 20:22h, 11 February Reply

    Beautiful Sara! I have this pattern on my cutting table – will DEFINITELY make a muslin after your experience. For sure I will need to petite above the waist, and we shall see what other changes are required for me. Always a fitting adventure! 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:08h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Maris! Who knows……….. the pattern may fit your perfectly 🙂

  • Sew, Jean Margaret
    Posted at 20:25h, 11 February Reply

    Very nice work. All the time you have invested in perfecting the fit has really paid off. You now have a perfectly fitted pattern that I am sure you will use over and over again to create many beautiful shirts.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:09h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Jean! It’s nice to know I have a perfectly fitting muslin waiting for me 😉

  • Alethia Hudson
    Posted at 20:54h, 11 February Reply

    Great shirts, nothing but precision and pure perfection!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:10h, 12 February Reply

      Ah…… thank you Alethia!

  • Anne Szabo
    Posted at 21:31h, 11 February Reply

    Love your shirt. You inspire me to give it a try.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:10h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Anne! Good luck with yours 🙂

  • Beth
    Posted at 21:36h, 11 February Reply

    Great fit! Also a good color on you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:11h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks, Beth!

  • Eleanor Schreyer
    Posted at 21:45h, 11 February Reply

    Definitely worth your time & efforts! This is why we sew – because it is so much better than ready to wear! We aren’t paper dolls – so often I look at someone in beautiful clothes that if I could just tweek a seam or a hem here & there would make the world of difference. You now have a shirt that is perfect for YOU! Great job!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:12h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Eleanor! I find myself doing that too……..

  • DebB
    Posted at 21:49h, 11 February Reply

    Congratulations on a perfectly fitting, beautiful shirt! Your persistence certainly paid off. After fighting it for many years, I am now devoted to making muslins and working on perfecting the fit on all of my garments. I too have never been fond of fitted shirts on myself precisely because the RTW shirts never looked right. I think I am ready to tackle making one of my own this year. I don’t think this pattern is for me as I don’t have the small waist and flared hips as described, but I do have a couple of similar designs from other companies and you have inspired me to add this to my “must sew” list this year. Thanks for sharing the details on this one!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:13h, 12 February Reply

      Debb, Thank you for your thoughtful comment and good luck tackling your tailored shirt! Muslins do make all of the difference, don’t they?

  • Lola
    Posted at 21:50h, 11 February Reply

    Ah….the happy, perfect result of persistence in a shade that makes you glow! Touche TNT!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:13h, 12 February Reply

      Touche, indeed! Many thanks, Lola 🙂

  • Anna O'Day
    Posted at 22:26h, 11 February Reply

    Beautiful. Beautiful fit and beautiful colors.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:14h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Anna!

  • Karen Helm
    Posted at 22:28h, 11 February Reply

    Perseverance has paid off again! Your shirt is lovely, Sarah, and I love the curved cuffs!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:16h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks, Karen. I too love the curved cuffs – I also noticed a rectangular placket which I may try next time as opposed to the pointed one 😉

  • Kate hampshire
    Posted at 22:43h, 11 February Reply

    Thanks for the inspiration. Now I’m going to try the same pattern for myself.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:16h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Kate! Good luck with the pattern 🙂 🙂

  • Lisa G
    Posted at 01:12h, 12 February Reply

    It was time well spent. What a great fit you’ve achieved! I’m muslining this shirt right now and working through my own fit issues. Definitely worth the effort!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:17h, 12 February Reply

      Ooh…….. I can’t wait to see yours, Lisa!! Many thanks for your comment 🙂

  • Margo
    Posted at 01:44h, 12 February Reply

    Gorgeous Sarah! I really like the curved cuffs. Brilliant. You really have achieved the perfect fit.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:18h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Margo 🙂

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 02:43h, 12 February Reply

    Hi Sarah! Not sure I’ve commented before, but I just had to congratulate you on this shirt. The fit is perfection and what I someday hope to achieve. Excellent technique and beautiful fabric cannot compensate for poor fit. I’m guessing that it’s a very comfortable garment and it certainly is flattering.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:20h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much Yvonne for your comment! You are so right…… what’s the use if it doesn’t fit? The shirt is very comfortable 🙂

  • Sharon
    Posted at 03:23h, 12 February Reply

    The time to get this to fit has paid off enormously, it looks very flattering on you and agree that a very small FBA can make a huge difference.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:21h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Sharon! I had no idea what a difference this alteration could make – I avoided it as just the thought of an FBA made me feel old and fat. Goodness, there are just some ideas that should never enter my mind 😉

  • Karen Harris
    Posted at 04:08h, 12 February Reply

    Great job… What a difference well fitted clothing makes.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:22h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Karen! I totally agree 🙂

  • Andrea
    Posted at 04:43h, 12 February Reply

    Both versions have turned out really nicely. I really want this pattern but the adjustments required for a good fit are slightly terrifying me!

  • Australian woman
    Posted at 08:08h, 12 February Reply

    Great shirt. Great fit. Great pearls ( Australian?). Thanks for showing us the 2 shirts side by side … Great contrast in fit

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:22h, 12 February Reply

      Many thanks! Don’t be terrified…….. just buy a few yards of muslin first and have at it 🙂

  • PiaK
    Posted at 09:19h, 12 February Reply

    Good call on not settling for RTW fit! What a great shirt you have now and many more to come no doubt. That back view especially impresses…It just makes you look so good!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:23h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you, Piak! Do you not love the back of this shirt? The designer was brilliant!

  • Cindy Aymes
    Posted at 12:26h, 12 February Reply

    You got the fit perfectly on this one! It’s absolutely fabulous. You look great coming and going!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 12:40h, 12 February Reply

      LOL! Many thanks, Cindy!

  • Julie Starr
    Posted at 12:46h, 12 February Reply

    There’s not much left to say that hasn’t already been said! It really is incredible that such small adjustments make the difference between an acceptable fit and and exceptional one. Your determination is always so inspiring to me.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 13:13h, 12 February Reply

      Thanks, Julie! Your beautiful linen Granville was my original inspiration – thank YOU!!

  • Jennifer Miller
    Posted at 14:24h, 12 February Reply

    Oh my goodness, the fit is divine!! Your comment “avoidance accomplishes nothing” applies to so many areas in life right now, including a return to sewing (and tackling a fitted shirt?). Thank you for always inspiring. Jen, NY

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:50h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you, Jennifer for your nice comment and best wishes for a successful return to sewing 🙂 !

  • Lynn Mally
    Posted at 14:36h, 12 February Reply

    I’m so impressed! I’ve never liked wearing this kind of shirt–but maybe I should just take the time to get one to fit me.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:53h, 13 February Reply

      Many thanks, Lynn! In the past I’ve liked them on others but never on me. It’s true – the fit makes all of the difference 😉

  • Karen
    Posted at 14:43h, 12 February Reply

    Yes you have achieved the perfect fit so time well spent! May I also comment on your excellent pressing skills. Sewing is pressing and it’s so nice to see your attention in this detail.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:54h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you, Karen! Actually, I have a tendency to over press, but that’s an impossibility with linen 🙂 🙂

  • Anne McClure
    Posted at 15:26h, 12 February Reply

    Your shirt is excellent and fits so well so your time has not been wasted. I haven’t attempted a proper shirt with proper collar as yet but do intend to – I’m more of a pear so may fit the measurements better, except I’m not small busted and I gather these do run quite small on top – as shown by your need to do your first FBA. Here’s to many more; you do suit it.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:57h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Anne! I’ve learned more about fitting myself from this pattern than any other…….. good luck with the pattern 😉

  • June
    Posted at 15:58h, 12 February Reply

    You persevered and it paid off in spades! I am seriously proud of you.

    I’ve also had the disconcerting experience of being “all over the chart” in size for a single pattern, but it’s a good reminder that patterns are drafted for a mythical person.

    When are you going to start playing with patternmaking software and designing your own clothes? 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:58h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you so much, June for your comment. Would you believe I’m ready to start experimenting with pattern software now? It’s been on my mind lately 😉

  • Gayle
    Posted at 16:25h, 12 February Reply

    Superb Sarah! It looks really sharp on you.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 10:59h, 13 February Reply

      Many thanks, Gayle!

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 17:41h, 12 February Reply

    I am completely inspired to try again. Have similar issues with tailored shirts. Need FBA 3 different sizes throughout and why haven’t I gone ahead and made a few wearable muslins? Thanks for the inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:06h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you for your comment, Alice 🙂 I had no idea how easy the FBA adjustment is! Now I’m thinking I have sewn the wrong size on many garments (too big) when I only needed to make this simple alteration………. Good luck 😉

  • Barbara
    Posted at 04:02h, 13 February Reply

    Fabulous fit Sarah! Love the contrasting fabrics – persistence really does pay off! I have a favorite shirt pattern from the 1980’s – have made it 4 times down through the years, and with my aging shape, have had to do several alterations – keeps your sewing brain from turning to jelly!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:07h, 13 February Reply

      LOL – anything to keep my brain sharp is worth a try! Many thanks for the comment, Barbara 😉

  • Lauren Loughlin
    Posted at 05:04h, 13 February Reply

    I love your finished blouse! I may need to make this one…. I love the ones I see at Lands End. They come in great colors but never fit me quite right & I’ve tried on every size….. If I find a size that has the perfect sleeve length, the shirt is too short.. If it fits narrow enough across the back, the bust is too small. I guess I will have to follow your lead and make a nice blouse that is tailored especially for me! Thanks for the inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 11:09h, 13 February Reply

      Sounds like you need to make a shirt, Lauren! My blouse shopping experiences are very similar to yours, but making this pattern work has been enlightening 🙂

  • MaryEllen
    Posted at 15:08h, 13 February Reply

    Great job Sarah – you are always so inspiring ! I need more time in sewing room & less being afraid to try fitting

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:52h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you, Maryellen! Buy a few yards of muslin and have at 🙂

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:52h, 13 February Reply

      ……. have at IT 🙂

  • Sarah Wilson
    Posted at 20:57h, 13 February Reply

    Another fantastic shirt, well done.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 02:16h, 17 February Reply

      Many thanks, Sarah 🙂

  • Vernelle Nelson
    Posted at 15:35h, 14 February Reply

    Sarah –

    It’s been a little while since I made a tailored blouse for myself. You just inspired me to use some of this fabric in my stash to make a couple. Thanks for the inspiration.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 02:16h, 17 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Vernelle 🙂 Look forward to seeing your new shirt !

  • Mary Glenn
    Posted at 16:27h, 14 February Reply

    Perfection. Time well spent!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 02:14h, 17 February Reply

      Thank you, Mary!

  • Sandra (Sewist-Stitch)
    Posted at 22:59h, 14 February Reply

    Your shirt looks fabulous Sarah. I made a couple of shirts above five years ago and they were just terrible and I didn’t know why. Now I think I’m ready to take on the shirt again, so to see your subtle changes and what a difference they make is inspiring. I think I’m ready to embark on shirt making again, this time hopefully with more success.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 02:14h, 17 February Reply

      Thank you, Sandra! I can’t imagine you having trouble with any pattern but regardless, I bet your sewing has reached a new level over the past five years 🙂 Look forward to seeing your new shirts!

  • Nancy Karpen
    Posted at 14:59h, 16 February Reply

    Worth all the work; you’ve got a great shirt that fits you perfectly. I like Sarah’s book as well. It makes wonderful sense.

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 02:17h, 17 February Reply

      Many thanks, Nancy! Her book is the best 😉

  • Sharon
    Posted at 20:31h, 16 February Reply

    Great shirt & fabulous fit Sarah! Would you mind sharing which types of interfacing you used? Thanks!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 02:19h, 17 February Reply

      Thank you so much, Sharon! I do not have a favorite interfacing and generally buy whatever feels the best. 🙂 I’m happy to hear any suggestions you may have.

  • Marsha Hill
    Posted at 17:56h, 21 February Reply

    Congratulations on a shirt well done. I had the opportunity to study with Sarah Veblen and I have her book. She has taught me so much in a short time. Had her all to myself for one day and drank in every bit of wisdom she offered. It is great to see you are happy with her as well.

    For those that are leary of doing a FBA or SBA, it is the greatest gift you can give yourself to learn this. It really is quite simple once you read through the process and apply it step-by-step to your pattern. Best of all, once you know how to do this, you can use the altered pattern again and again and not have to reinvent the wheel.

    I am really glad I started reading your blog. Your work and effort is impeccable.

  • Wrenaissance Art
    Posted at 03:09h, 22 February Reply

    Wow! I liked the first version in pink stripes, but now I can see what a difference your fitting changes made!
    As a small band-size, large cup-size classic hourglass, I’ve been dreading the FBA. Glad to hear it wasn’t as complicated as I thought.
    You mention that different areas conformed to different sizes. Does that mean you graded the pattern from one size to another? Or did you just alter to fit, then compare to the printed pattern afterward?
    Again, love the contrasting trim–it’s so very British! 🙂

  • Linda Apps
    Posted at 09:37h, 22 March Reply

    Thank you for sharing your experience with this shirt. I’ve always wanted to create a tailored shirt that really fits me. I’ve purchased the Granville pattern and I’m excited to start.

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