Saturday, April 12, 2014

Welcoming Spring with B6026


Another really good pattern from Katherine Tilton for Butterick. And a good color to wake up my wardrobe to spring. I think it is a classic and so will become a TNT for me.

Spring in the southeastern US comes in color waves. It seems that each week there are new shades of spring.


This green shirt-weight linen is from Sawyer Brook, probably purchased a year or so ago. As is always the case with a good linen, it was a delight to sew. With linen, I find I can easily finger press little spots needing it without actually steam pressing. Then when it was complete, the steam iron performed its magic to show off a crisp summer green. And, of course, I'm good with linen wrinkles - rather fond of them, actually.



And this pattern is just so sweet. I love the use of the pin-tucks in the side seam (creating the illusion of a waistline) and in the neckline (framing the face). And there are pin-tucks on the elbow length sleeves, giving the sleeve some shape and style.

The pin-tucks are to be 1/16 inch wide. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't even have a way to accurately measure 1/16 inch. So of course I worried a little. I think mine range from 1/16 to 1/8 inch but it seems to have worked out OK.

The next time I make it - oh, yes, I definitely want to make it again - I will not make tucks. Instead I'll use a double needle to create channels, much as I did on a Chado Ralph Rucci shirt two years ago. I should have made some samples to see if it drew the fabric in enough. I'm betting it would.

This pattern is fitted including fish eye darts in the back. This is refreshing after sewing so many loose-fitting tops. There is enough ease, I think, but I will see if I actually reach for it regularly, or if I retreat to those other tops.



I sewed a size 12 through the shoulders, grading out to a 14 through the bust and then to a 16 through the hips. And I ended up using 3/8 inch SAs in the side seams. So in reality, this is probably size 12-16-18.

Here it is on me. I'm even including a back picture. Normally I would not. But I really like all aspects of this classic sweet summer shirt.


23 comments:

  1. First, let me say that blouse is just lovely! Beautiful construction and it looks terrific on you! I was so pleased to see your post on this pattern as it was on my list to think about purchasing. Sounds like a winner!

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  2. There is nothing like Spring green made in such a beautiful pattern. It looks like a winner!

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  3. Perfect! i agree this is a classic shirt, makes me sad how much my bod fights with buttondowns ;) I love it in the green linen you chose, i enjoy wearing and sewing linen just as much as you do!

    Wonderfully non-stuffy button down. Have fun wearing this one and making the next! steph

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  4. Beautiful! I have this pattern and I'm pleased that it worked out well for you.

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  5. Thanks for posting those full length pictures. I mulled over this pattern during the last 99 cent sale at JoAnn's but put it back, thinking it might be too boxy. Now I can see it is not. This goes into my stash next time.

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  6. Oh, how lovely, Martha! I'm putting that pattern on my list to buy!

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  7. What a nice way to welcome spring! Love the green linen.

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  8. Wonderful choice of fabric and color. You look great in it, too!

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  9. I just love your shirt and agree it is perfect for spring/summer. I have this pattern and hope to eventually get to it. Right now, it's just stacked (with many others( in the "to do" box.

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  10. This is a very lovely pattern, and as you say, gives the illusions of waist in the right place - we all need help here, I think. The shape of the back is beautiful - skims and again, gives a nice line.

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  11. Really nice, Martha! Thanks for previewing this pattern for us!

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  12. Its a lovely pattern and looks very spring like in your green linen. I think I will have to add it to my wish list :)

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  13. Beautiful Martha! Great pattern and beautifully executed.

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  14. Really nice top ..beautiful color and fit. I have that pattern.
    Marciae

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  15. I remember that fabric! It's so beautiful in this pattern, and the color flatters you well. I've toyed with the idea of making this pattern. Your post has helped me see it just might work for my body. Thanks!

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  16. Very slick! You know how to pick'em. Impeccable stitching.

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  17. I'm waiting for this pattern to arrive at my house, and will come back to your lovely green blouse for inspiration.

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  18. Looks wonderful! The tucks scared me a little, but after seeing how great it looks on you, I think I'll go for it... thanks for the inspiration

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    1. What do you think about this top sewn in lawn, btw? I have some I'd like to use, but haven't sewn with lawn before....

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  19. Oh my, I'm sold on this one! Bought linen in NYC several years ago that has been aging - might be perfect if there is enough! Hope JoAnn's has Vogue on sale this weekend!
    Martha Ann

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  20. Martha, I didn't get a chance to tell you at the CWC meeting that this blouse is perfect! The color, the details and It is so flattering on you! I love it!
    Martina

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