Lekala Shirt #6026 for Jed

*Please note, this Blogpost contains a moving slideshow, take care if photo sensitive*

 I have made many, many shirts for Jed.

He favours a floral lawn, preferably Liberty, but for out family photos I wanted to make something a little more low key.

So I chose a lovely pick a pick (or shot) cotton and sewed it up in Lekala #6026

This pattern is a classic, button up mens shirt, made to measure but the biggest bonus is that it is FREE!

The shirt has a good fullness (which Jed likes for his belly) and a good shoulder width without being over sized.

The collar and collar stand are a nice size, a tie sits nicely under the collar.

I stitched a double row of top stitching, copying a RTW shirt I saw on Pinterest.

The buttons are smoked Mother of Pearl.

The back has a narrow yoke (I sewed a double yoke as it is my preference)

There is also a decent back vent which gives further ease (especially for the tummy)

The shirt is an average length but I think I will add at least an inch to the next sew, to make sure it stays tucked in.

The sleeve length could be a wee bit shorter on Jed, however I noticed in a light fabric, he needs some sleeve length or he wear out the elbows. I would shorter the sleeve by a few cm if I was using a stiffer cotton.

For my second sew with this pattern I used a lovely Liberty Wiltshire from The Drapery

It made up beautifully. 

This time I added collar buttons as Jed had commented that he thought they looked smart.

I do like the cuff with the button on the placket.

And that lovely tuck for shoulder and tummy room.

I think he looks proper smart.

The Wiltshire looks great with his Lekala waistcoat

Overall, I am very pleased with this shirt pattern and I will definitely be sewing many more.

Thank you for reading.... xx Nicole 

OOP Butterick 3217 Shirt for Jed

I made Jed another Liberty shirt.

But I am not so sure about this pattern any more...

I have made Jed three of these and originally was very happy with the fit.

The oversize boxy fit gave him tummy room without being huge in the shoulders.

The style worked well in lawn as it has good ease.

But the last one I made is just not right.

The collar is lovely, the sleeves are good but the tummy is just not covering anymore.
I think my pattern shrunk ;)

The shirt has rounded sides and I have noticed his tummy shows when he puts his arms up.

So I think it may be time to look for a new pattern!

I picked up Kwiksew 3883 during the last Spotlight sale, so I will try that in a inexpensive gingham.

If that doesn't suit I may try the Vado custom fit.

~My Verdict~
I was so disappointed with this shirt. Jed doesn't have many things sewn for him and I want him to feel smart, confident and comfortable when we go out.

There is no fault with the pattern, it just doesn't suit us anymore.

~Jed's Verdict~
I should try it on again now that I have lost 10 kilos (CSIRO program).
It's a nice shirt, the fabric is comfy made by a professional, sexy seamstress (ba ha ha NMK)

Thank you for reading 
                                     xx Nicole 

Oliver+S Music Class blouse for Beatrix

I have been cleaning up my macbook to make some space and I keep finding cute things to blog.

Case in point.

A gorgeous little Music Class blouse by Oliver+S which has been one of the hardest working pieces in Trixie's wardrobe.

I have lost count of how many of these dear little blouses I have sewn, I know I have sewn every size.

I can cut a size 5, #ninjacutting it with Hugo's Aime Comme Marie shirt.

Which makes Liberty a touch more affordable 

I couldn't quite get the collar out so I decided to use plain white lawn and pieced enough scraps to make a ruffle.

It's a bit frou-frou, it's a bit 80's but I like it!

Trixie's clothes are not fussy, as a rule and I think the little touch of priss is nice!

~My Verdict~
A lovely sew. It's a good pattern to size up as you can flip the cuffs back.
It must be roomy enough to be comfortable as Trixie chooses her own clothes and this is picked every week.
A truly classic blouse pattern.

~Trixie's Verdict~
I like the collar, it is like petals, like a flower. I like the buttons, I like flowers.
It is soft, very soft.
I wish it was purple.
I wish Mumma buyed me that flower hat....

I guess I need to find some purple Liberty...

Thank you for reading... xx N 

Music Class Blouse and Finch Shorts for Beatrix

The last of the bulk corduroy , thank goodness.

Not to mention finally having the perfect project for a lovely Liberty piece sent to me from Jenna.

I have no idea how many times I have sewn the Music Class blouse

It is such a classic looking blouse. The style is slightly cropped so it you want to tuck it, add some length. (I just size up)

The fullness the gathers (or pin tucks) at the yoke, gives, is perfect ease for a toddler tummy OR a gentle allowance for a preteen young lady.

You can see how much longer than the sleeves are than the body, add a few inches length, to be safe.

I used dear little MoP flower buttons and stitched them with pink thread.

The Finch Shorts are another favourite.
I wanted to use the pink buttons on the faux tabs but my little Brienne plumped for the Knight buttons.

I knew she would.
(The buttons were from deep-stash, I have NO idea where they came from, sorry)

I do like to to stitch closely to the edge of the front pleat, just to help hold it in place.

The back fit is comfortable (thanks to the half elastic waist) and easy to fit.

Such a cute look.

 I made Trixie the size 5 in the blouse (we flip the cuffs back) as I wanted a good few years wear from this lovely fabric.
The shorts are size 3 with the length of a size 5. (The Finch shorts are very generous sizing).

I always put an extra long piece of elastic in the back casing and leave an opening so I can let them out, as needed.

~My Verdict~
I love both these patterns.
Both sew up beautifully and have boutique finishes. Both have that classical look but are very wearable.
They also sew up well from scraps of fabric #ninjacutting. 

~Trixie's Verdict~
I like the buttons, I like the princess with a sword.
The flowers are nice (on the shirt) (but) the fighting princess is best.

Thank you for reading... xx N

Music Class blouse tutorial here
Finch shorts tutorial here

Tribe's adorable nellie is knitted by my dear friend Katy . Beatrix has quite a little family of them, we are very lucky.