A denim shirt has been on my wish list for awhile. The ones I've seen and have liked online are too expensive for me right now, and the ones I've tried on in stores haven't fit all that well. It seemed that the answer would be to make one, but I wasn't hopeful about finding the type of denim that I wanted. It couldn't turn out like a jacket - I definitely wanted a shirt. On the next visit to Fabricland, I saw this lightweight denim that would work well for a shirt, but it was more than $20/meter - more than I was willing to pay. I waited until it was significantly marked down before I purchased it.
For the pattern, I used Burda 04/2010 #114, the same as I used here (and for another shirt that I have yet to blog about). I wanted breast pockets with flaps and borrowed the ones from New Look 6704.
The insides of the cuffs, the undercollar, the inner collar band, and the underside of the pocket flaps are all cut from a blue and white stripe fabric.
They're a bit overexposed in all these pictures, but I used pearl snaps instead of buttons for the closures. I like the western feel they give.
Two problems I had with the snaps: I think slightly smaller ones would look a bit better (these were my only choice at Fabricland) and the prongs were not long enough to go through the top of the pocket. With the pleats and the hem, there are several layers of denim there. The prongs just barely poked through and there was no way they were going to grab the back of the snap to stay attached. So for now the flap is just, well, flapping. I may tack it down later, but I first wanted to see how it wears and washes. Maybe leaving it free will look better.
The fabric still cost more than I usually am willing to pay, but it seems to be good quality, isn't an impulse purchase, and I think it will prove to be a good value. I used regular (not heavyweight) taupe thread and a plain straight stitch for topstitching, hoping for a subtle bit of contrast rather than a bold line.
The weather has been very hot lately, so I haven't worn the shirt yet. But, I'm happy to have it hanging there in my closet waiting for an opportunity.
They're a bit overexposed in all these pictures, but I used pearl snaps instead of buttons for the closures. I like the western feel they give.
Two problems I had with the snaps: I think slightly smaller ones would look a bit better (these were my only choice at Fabricland) and the prongs were not long enough to go through the top of the pocket. With the pleats and the hem, there are several layers of denim there. The prongs just barely poked through and there was no way they were going to grab the back of the snap to stay attached. So for now the flap is just, well, flapping. I may tack it down later, but I first wanted to see how it wears and washes. Maybe leaving it free will look better.
The fabric still cost more than I usually am willing to pay, but it seems to be good quality, isn't an impulse purchase, and I think it will prove to be a good value. I used regular (not heavyweight) taupe thread and a plain straight stitch for topstitching, hoping for a subtle bit of contrast rather than a bold line.
Great shirt! I love the details.
ReplyDeleteAmazing job on the shirt, the denim looks beautiful. Your cuffs are so professional, great job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful shirt. The details are far better than you would have in RTW.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I just love the details and you have done great job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely shirt. Your top stitching and contrast collar and cuffs really make it special.
ReplyDeleteThis shirt is lovely! Such great attention to detail! Looks as good as a Brooks Brothers!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love love love your shirt! Excellent details and styling.
ReplyDeleteFab details and I don't think in the long run, you will begrudge paying the extra for the fabric.
ReplyDeleteLove this denim shirt. You did a great Job.
ReplyDelete