25 Mar Butterick 5526
I’m very pleased to take part in Style Maker Fabrics‘ Spring Blog Tour! Michelle’s latest fabrics represent the best of Spring with fresh palettes and designs in many fabric types.
The Pretty in Pink Gingham Check Cotton Shirting caught my eye and my love of classics kicked in.
As much as I love sewing specialty garments, I wholeheartedly believe the key to sewing a successful wardrobe is constructing pieces one will wear over and over again, which begins with the classics. Classic garments are designed to flatter everyone when properly fitted, and of course that’s one of my chief reasons for sewing.
During my heavy duty RTW days, I was convinced that I could not wear button down shirts, but I was wrong.
Not only can I wear a button down shirt, but I LOVE wearing these classic garments. The concept of ‘classic clothing’ is sometimes misunderstood and translated into uninteresting basics. Not true!
However, I believe after perfecting the fit, it’s important to make the garment work for you.
From my stash I pulled Butterick 5526, a pattern I’ve sewn before, but this time I customized the pattern for a better fit and enhanced visual interest. It’s an easy pattern with no bust darts and a relaxed fit.
Bias cut checks are fun to work with, but my pattern did not have a separate front band. After removing the foldover band from the bodice front pattern piece, I created a separate band which I placed on the bias, along with the cuffs. I love the result.
I added back darts to the shirt to eliminate slack and bulkiness. As you can tell in the photo below, the shirt still has a relaxed fit,
but tucks in nicely now.This beautiful shirting features a very nice smooth finish which remained after the prewash. Although the pattern suggests fusible interfacing, one of my favorite cotton RTW shirts uses a light-midweight non fusible interfacing. The shirt is several years old and still looks brand new due to the collar retaining its shape. I used the non-fusible interfacing in the collar and front band, but wish I had used it on all of the interfaced pieces ….. for now it will be my preferred choice on cotton shirting.
As always, I used Secura Thread for sewing on the buttons. This heat activated thread by Coats & Clark binds to itself and prevents button loss!
While the gingham is perfect with summer whites, I’m loving the pattern mixing out there this season and had several pieces just waiting for this classic to come along.
- White RTW Jeans
- Fabric Sample
- Simplicity Amazing Fit Skirt Pattern
- Lilly Pulitzer skort. I bought this last summer…. one of the temptations that put me back on the 2018 RTW Fast
- Old RTW Jeans
- Patchwork skirt I made during year 1 with Amy Butler Fat Quarters
Many thanks to Style Maker Fabrics for inviting me to join in its 2018 Spring Blog tour. I’m delighted to have rediscovered Pink is the new Black!
The tour continues tomorrow with The Handmade Wardrobe 😊
laura towe
Posted at 07:04h, 25 Marchtoo cute never been first to comment.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:05h, 25 MarchIt’s always fun to be first! Many thanks, Laura 😊
RUTH FORRESTER
Posted at 07:07h, 25 MarchSo stylish and never out of date. Pink is a surprisingly versatile colour that coordinates with a multitude of others. Fresh look and I really like the mix of gingham and florals.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:11h, 25 MarchHi Ruth! So nice to hear from you and many thanks for your comment. I’ve had fun styling the shirt and plan to do more pattern mixing this season😉
Sharon R Killian
Posted at 07:15h, 25 MarchLove this, Sarah! Was the non-fusible you used woven or non=woven and would you share the name of it, please? Thanks!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:06h, 26 MarchThank you, Sharon! I used a non woven interfacing by Pellon.
Sharon R Killian
Posted at 14:50h, 26 MarchThank you, Sarah!
Rebecca Bagwell
Posted at 07:19h, 25 MarchI LOVE gingham! Great shirt! Can’t wait to try the secure thread. Txs
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:07h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Becky! You’ll love this thread 😊
Julie Starr
Posted at 07:43h, 25 MarchLove your new shirt, Sarah! Gingham always looks so fresh and crisp. I’ve been using plain old muslin and a glue stick for shirt interfacing for a while now, after reading about it somewhere. I’ll never go back – it irons so nicely and there’s none of that glue bubbling that eventually happens after repeated laundering.
Jacqueline Harris
Posted at 09:36h, 25 MarchHi Julie. I too have never liked iron-on interfacings. I love the idea of using muslin fabric as interfacing though, and wonder if you could explain your process? Is the glue stick used for temporary attachment for the purpose of construction process? Does it wash off easily without affecting the fashion fabric?
Jacqueline
Sharon R Killian
Posted at 10:07h, 25 MarchJacqueline, here’s a tutorial on how to use a glue stick for non-fusible interfacing
Hope it helps! I’ve used this method and love it!
Jacqueline Harris
Posted at 10:19h, 25 MarchThank you Sharon. It looks like the link for the tutorial is missing. I look forward to seeing it!
Jacqueline
Sharon R Killian
Posted at 12:05h, 25 MarchJacqueline, attaching the link again:
http://sewaholic.net/shirtmaking-how-to-glue-baste/
If you still can’t see it, go to sewaholic.net, click on tutorials, and search for “shirtmaking how to glue baste”. Hope one of these works! PS – if you have David Page Coffin’s Shirtmaking book, it’s in there as well.
Jacqueline Harris
Posted at 17:29h, 25 MarchThanks again, Sharon. I now have the link! Will also investigate the book you recommend.
Jacqueline
Julie Starr
Posted at 11:40h, 25 MarchYes and yes! Using a washable glue stick in the seam allowance will temporarily hold it in place until the seams are stitched.
Jacqueline Harris
Posted at 17:30h, 25 MarchThank you Julie!
Jacqueline
Heather Myers
Posted at 10:02h, 25 MarchAgreed, I’ve never liked iron on interfacing except for totes.😊 I use cotton batiste or something similar, had not thought of Muslim and a blue stick!!
Heather Myers
Posted at 10:05h, 25 MarchApologies for the autospell errors!! Muslin and glue…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:11h, 26 MarchSo many good ideas! Does cotton batiste provide adequate stability for the collar?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:12h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Julie! How did I miss this wonderful tip from you?? I’ll give muslin and a glue stick a try next time 😊
Nicki
Posted at 07:45h, 25 MarchI love that you’re making the basics look so good! I am always drawn to the fancy patterns and have a hard time getting excited about patterns for the basics, but of course they’re the clothes I actually wear! Thanks for showing how a such a plain-looking pattern can make this fashionable and wearable shirt!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:53h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Nicki! It’s easy to be drawn to the fancy patterns and there is certainly a place for them. There have been too many times in my life where I have had a closet full of nothing to wear, but sewing the classics has changed that thank goodness 😉
Faye Lewis
Posted at 07:47h, 25 MarchSo well made and such a gorgeous color.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:54h, 26 MarchThank you so much, Faye!
Bobbie Calgaro
Posted at 07:52h, 25 MarchWhat kind of interfacing did you use? I remember when I was growing up and just learning to sew using a wonderful interfacing call Sorbonne. What’s out there besides Pellon? I really sometimes hate iron on interfacing.. I never thought it really made things easier. Love the shirt! It is tres cute!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:55h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Bobbie 😊 I used a Pellon non woven interfacing. Read on for other interfacing comments….
Eva Kolpacki
Posted at 08:00h, 25 MarchYou look absolutely gorgeous!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:56h, 26 March🤗 Such a nice comment, Eva!
Sandy
Posted at 08:14h, 25 MarchThis is a gorgeous shirt. I need to try one, because I too think I don’t look great in button up shirts.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:57h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Sandy! Once you get the fitting resolved you might find you like them. I also like button up shirts with princess seams and yokes 😉
Joanne Waldron
Posted at 08:20h, 25 MarchWhat a lovely shirt, great colour!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:59h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Joanne!!
Pamela Joyce Womick
Posted at 08:48h, 25 MarchI LOVE this perfect shirt you’ve made! I am so going to attempt to make one for myself!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:00h, 26 MarchThank you, Pamela – go for it!!
Barbara Williams
Posted at 08:57h, 25 MarchWhat a great color for you! Your shirt is lovely, and so wonderful with the patchwork skirt. Other than the white, the skirt is my favorite combo. My first order from Style Maker Fabrics is on the way. I ordered stretch denim for jeans. 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:01h, 26 MarchThank you, Barbara! I just pulled a few things from the closet but have lots of fabric in the stash to go with this pretty shade of pink 😊
Cissie
Posted at 09:04h, 25 MarchLove your shirt! And it looks like it will go with everything in your wardrobe!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:02h, 26 MarchThank you so much, Cissie!
Yolanda Fastle
Posted at 09:21h, 25 MarchThis is lovely! I was looking for a classic shirt pattern and this is it. Thank you so much for what you do. It has brought more tailoring to my sewing with a more definitive purpose to my sewing .
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:14h, 26 MarchThank you for this nice comment, Yolanda! It’s a good pattern to start with. I also like shirt patterns with yokes and princess seams but I knew the gingham needed as little interruption as possible 😊
Jacqueline Harris
Posted at 09:29h, 25 MarchHello there Sarah,
Great post on a classic: the button shirt. It is true and so important to have the right fit! How you wear that classic shirt also makes it your own, but again, a good fit very important… I LOVE the mix of patterns that have come into vogue! Gucci has perfect examples of what I see as beautiful and wacky combinations that are like eye candy! I wear mostly black all the time, but when I do step out of my dark zone, I go for those stand out prints like plaids and paisleys…
Have a great day!
Jacqueline
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:16h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Jacqueline! I am LOVING the Gucci mix of patterns – it takes a certain confidence and big wallet to wear those frocks, but they are enormously inspiring!
Susan Fogel
Posted at 09:43h, 25 MarchSarah,
This is lovely. The gingham is fresh and lively.. I have this pattern and a Vogue very much like it. Th Vogue is cutout and waiting to be sewn. You have inspir d me to get going.
I love all of your combinations.
And I have drafts but not cut a skirt with a scallop hem..
Hmmm
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:19h, 26 MarchLOL – Lots of projects waiting for your attention, Susan!! Good luck with all and I hope you’ll share some pics. Many thanks for the comment 😊
Heather Myers
Posted at 09:58h, 25 MarchSarah, Thanks for your inspiring post, I’ll try bias on band and cuffs on my next shirt. I tend to think making button shirts are a lot of work, but they certainly are versatile. I’m amazed by the number of existing pieces you have that match, pink must be your secret wardrobe color!.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:22h, 26 MarchThank you, Heather! I so agree with you – making button shirts are a lot of work but as with most projects that require a lot of work, they usually pay off. As for my secret colors – I can’t get enough of pink and orange 😉
Janine
Posted at 10:07h, 25 MarchGreat shirt for Spring, Sarah. Like you, RTW button downs don’t work for me. It’s so rewarding to know that we can make something better than the so-called ‘professionals’ 😉
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:22h, 26 MarchAmen, Janine!
Margene
Posted at 10:28h, 25 MarchLove it ALL. Thanks for “Style Maker” info.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:24h, 26 MarchThank you, Margene! Enjoy Style Maker 😊
Vanessa Thomas
Posted at 10:59h, 25 MarchI really love it with the skort! And the bias banding mix looks great too.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:26h, 26 MarchThank you so much, Vanessa! I bought the skort last summer to figure out the scalloped edge thing (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it 😉)
Ann Brodsky
Posted at 11:08h, 25 MarchSo pretty! I love the pink check mixed with the printed garments. So fresh and modern!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:26h, 26 MarchThank you, Ann! It’s a new look but I like it too 😉
Alice Elliot
Posted at 12:07h, 25 MarchSo pretty. And using the bias makes it visually interesting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:27h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Alice! I think the bias makes it special for sure.
Angela
Posted at 13:15h, 25 MarchSuch a cute and fresh shirt! I’d love to read a column someday about fusible vs sew-in interfacing. And my own preference here – I LOVE LOVE that you write so much out on your blog rather than a quick run of pictures on Instagram. I do not hate Instagram, but I get so much enjoyment from reading what the author says about the process.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:29h, 26 MarchThank you so much, Angela.. I’m a huge Instagram fan, especially for a quick reference, but I enjoy writing and documenting the process too. I guess you might say I love blogging 😊
Mary Anne
Posted at 13:29h, 25 MarchI love this classic style shirt…. And so versatile.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:29h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Mary Anne!
Laura Casey
Posted at 15:37h, 25 MarchGreat post, Sarah….makes me re-evaluate the idea of classics, being the workhorse of any wardrobe. Love all the combinations using your new gingham shirt…makes me want to have one! Thanks everso, laura
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:30h, 26 MarchThank you, Laura! I like this gingham shirt enough to make another one 😉
Diane G
Posted at 15:44h, 25 MarchSimply gorgeous!. Beautifully made and so versatile as it goes with so many other lovely garments. You have a lovely style
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:31h, 26 MarchMany thanks for your nice comment, Diane 😊
Margaret Winters
Posted at 17:20h, 25 MarchYay! Pink is the new black, I love it!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:34h, 26 MarchAudrey Hepburn says it best!
Marcia Clever
Posted at 17:32h, 25 MarchSarah, I love your pink checked shirt. I have the same pattern and am now motivated to get sewing it. Your sewn Basics are always lovely.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:36h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Marcia! It’s an easy pattern and runs a little large. Good luck 😊
Kathy
Posted at 18:00h, 25 MarchHow to you do your fitting? Someone help you or dress form, etc.
Very nice fit.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:38h, 26 MarchKathy,
Sometimes I have help from a friend but I often do it alone. I make a muslin from which I make alterations, and I do have a dress form. It’s not an exact duplicate but very helpful. Many thanks for your comment 😊
Patty
Posted at 18:08h, 25 MarchI love the bias bands for buttons and cuffs! What a difference it makes. Love it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:39h, 26 MarchI agree Patty – those bias bands give it just enough oomph to take it from plain to pretty 😊
Linda LaMona
Posted at 19:31h, 25 MarchGreat looking shirt! Love that pink color!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:39h, 26 MarchThank you so much, Linda!
MaryEllen
Posted at 20:44h, 25 MarchAs usual Sarah another winner – I love that you also showed how you styled this gorgeous workhorse shirt.
I’m also enjoying g all the info about using Muslin for interfacing .
Lots to learn !,
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:40h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Mary Ellen! I’m loving the interfacing/muslin info too😊😊
Alethia Hudson
Posted at 23:38h, 25 MarchO absolutely love this gorgeous shirt and the many ways you have modeled it!!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:40h, 26 MarchMany thanks, Alethia! It’s going to be a wardrobe staple for sure 😉
Cynthia Gilbreth
Posted at 11:46h, 26 MarchBeautiful! I love the checks and the bias touches. It makes the shirt really special. I have that pattern, now to find some nice shirting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:25h, 28 MarchThank you so much, Cynthia! Enjoy sewing this pattern😊
Alicia Burrus
Posted at 11:17h, 27 MarchBeautiful shirt, Sarah! Does it go with your Birdie Jacket? Or your white jacket you made a few weeks ago? Anyway, I love your shirt and I love all the combinations you wore in the pictures!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:24h, 28 MarchMany thanks, Alicia! This shirt works well with both pieces!
Melissa Archer
Posted at 22:24h, 27 MarchWhat a pretty and oh-so versatile shirt, it looks a million dollars on you Sarah! I like that you’ve paired it with some RTW bottoms as well. It’s a good reminder there’s no crime in making use of previously purchased RTW wardrobe items, even in a fasting year ( :
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:24h, 28 MarchThank you, Melissa and you are so right! The RTW FAST is not about fasting from wearing the clothes you already have. As a matter of fact I believe we can learn so much from the RTW pieces hanging in our closet. 🙂
Spring Style Tour 2018 Recap – Style Maker Fabrics
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