Plaid Shirt and Linen Shirt - Great additions

The calendar says fall is near but until yesterday no one told Mother Nature in mid-Missouri. I was sick of the hot temperatures and really getting very tired of wearing  summer clothes. Do you get that way too? Feel like you are wearing the same thing over and over?  I am ready for a change, ready for the next sewing adventure? New fabric weights and textures, New pattern looks? I decided to make some fall-like clothes in fabrics that would still be cool but transition to fall.

 My first selection Mood Fabrics' Rasberry-Brown Plaid Cotton Voile by Marc Jacobs

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For these fall shirts, my go to pattern is Grainline Studio's Archer Shirt.  I have made this once before and it appeared on a previous Mood Sewing Network post.  Since this one, I have made a few alterations, went down two sizes in the shoulder and body.  Now the cuffs went down 4 sizes and I eliminated the extra length I had originally added.  Now I do have my perfect shirt.

I enjoy making shirts, but I do remember my first time making one, it seemed a bit overwhelming, many pieces and a long list of instructions.  Fast forward to present time and occasionally  it  feels a bit overwhelming.  Especially when you have a long list of sewing you want to get accomplished.   It is time to just take a deep breath and take it one step at a time.

First, I decided to use bias on several parts of my plaid shirt - pockets, cuffs, back yoke and button band.  All these pieces needed interfacing, to stabilize the bias and help with the thinner fabric. I didn't want the plaid to show-through the pockets.  Check out more construction and interfacing details on this blog post

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The details on this shirt  work beautifully with the fabric, a great combination.

So while I sew a shirt, I just remember it is one step at a time.  Remember the little details that make it uniquely yours.  Great fabric - check, thanks Mood Fabrics, details - like bias, matching plaids  Adding a cute dog to the picture - check

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And then one last thing I check each time I make a shirt,in fact I double and triple check the cuffs.  Remember that very first shirt I made?  Well, it was looking pretty good until I stitched the buttonhole on the wrong side of the cuff.  Yes, I did and I didn't notice until I put my shirt on and couldn't button the cuff.  Yep, so much for a great looking shirt.

So now I always try on my shirt, act like I am buttoning the cuff and mark the correct side for the buttonhole.   There might be something else not quite right on my shirt but it sure won't be the cuffs.

The buttons for these shirts came from Pam Erny's Fashion Sewing Supply I love having these buttons in my stash.  They are the perfect size for my shirts.

My plaid shirt will be worn so much this fall, layered with a t-shirt, sweater or jacket.  I will be perfect for fall wearing.

My other Archer Shirt to work with Mother Nature is Mood Fabric's Chambray-look Linen, which has been patiently waiting for me to sew into a garment.

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I felt this linen has a bit of a purple tint, something that was a positive for me looking toward fall

This picture shows the more true color of the fabric. a beautiful shade. The sun in Missouri was exceptionally bright on this picture taking day.  This resulting in a  washed out look to the color of the linen shirt and deemed my sunglasses  a necessity to combat the squinting.

It has been a while since I have sewn linen, which is a crime  I know.  Such a pleasure to sew, stitches perfectly, presses perfectly, oh how I love to press this linen.  I had some buttons in my stash that had a purple hue to them.

I couldn't be happier with my second new shirt.  I already feel much better about heading into my closet for something to wear, as I have two new shirts for my wardrobe.  They each will give me several possibilities and will be perfect when fall does come.

And yes, I did double check the cuffs on this one.!

Now, it is time to plan my next garment