The New Forty – Garment # 4

08 Feb The New Forty – Garment # 4

Dear Readers,

Forgive my unexplained absence. I knew Mimi’s  January 9th wedding would set me back a few days,  but around the time of the wedding my beloved father, Don Welch, became very ill and died on January 22. I lost my focus on sewing. Dad was too great of a man to be described in a few words, and though I owe so much to my wonderful father, I especially credit him with inspiring me to think outside of the box and to be an original.

As life returns to a new normal, I decided to complete a sewing project I started earlier last month.

GARMENT #4:
There’s nothing especially original about a white shirt, but every woman, no matter what the age, needs a couple in her wardrobe!

I was fortunate enough to receive a new Brother  PC420PRW machine for Christmas.  Known for its superb buttonhole capabilities, the new machine supplements my trusty 20 year-old Bernina 1230. Not surprisingly, I was itching to sew some buttonholes 😉

Last year I spent several days altering Sewaholic’s Granville Shirt  pattern to achieve a flattering fit. Due to ill-fitting RTW tailored shirts, I had avoided this style throughout my life – but no more! (Read more here.) I cut and sewed the shirt following my previous adjustment with the exception of the cuffs.

I omitted the sleeve plackets and buttoned cuffs, and echoed the flared lower edge of the blouse with 3 1/2 inch split cuffs.
My fabric is a stretch lightweight cotton. It sewed beautifully, but wrinkles easily, and I discovered there is little benefit in using a stretch fabric for this pattern.
What I find most flattering about Sewaholic’s Granville Shirt is the back, designed with princess seams which yield a nicely fitted back.

Compare the difference between this photo and the one below featuring an old Ready-to-Wear shirt from Talbots!

Not only is the back gently curved, but it fits flat against the back with no bulk, making this a perfect blouse to wear over jeans, shorts etc….

Brother’s PC420PRW buttonholer lives up to its reputation making 7 perfect buttonholes in less than 10 minutes!

Did you know when sewing garments with front buttonhole closures, to always place the first buttonhole/button at the fullest part of your bust? Properly placing that first buttonhole will assure a better fit and give you more control to style the blouse as you please. I prefer an open collar.

Taking the time to fit this pattern last year was well worth the effort on many levels. Obviously, I’ve developed a go-to pattern, but more importantly, my efforts proved that it’s possible to successfully wear many styles with a proper fit.

 

Until soon ~ I promise!