Hi Everyone,

Like most other things coming out of my sewing room at the minute, lets add this to the category of “things I have sewn which probably won’t get worn until after lockdown gets over”. I will have a fierce wardrobe, post lockdown! 🙂

This is McCalls 7838 made in a soft striped cotton from Fabworks. I think it might be this one. I love the finished result, although it did take a few alterations to the pattern to make it work for me – most noticeably, the tops of those glorious sleeves come up small, so watch out for that.

Other than the sleeve issue and other standard fitting alterations, this is a fabulous shirt which will get you noticed. Don’t make this shirt if you have an aversion to buttonholes though: mine has 16 of them!

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

Loose-fitting button front tops with back yoke and length and sleeve variations. B: Wrong side of fabric shows on shaped hemline. C: Button cuffs.

I made view C.

Pattern Sizing:

6 – 22. I cut a size 18 through the bust, arms and shoulders and graded out at the waist.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the finished shirt with the statement cuffs and sleeves. Zara is full of statement shirts at the moment so this is perfectly on trend. I was disappointed initially in the fit of the top part of the sleeve. Fortunately I had enough fabric to re-cut them (see below for details).

Fabric Used:

A striped cotton shirting.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• 5/8ths inch full bust adjustment
• I cut the smallest size cuff
• I initially did a 1 inch full arm adjustment to the upper part of the sleeve only (the cap part) but it was too tight. I knew I wouldn’t reach for this shirt if it wasn’t comfortable. Fortunately I had enough fabric to re-cut that part. Second time around I did a 2 inch full arm adjustment, following this tutorial from Cashmerette which also instructs you how to add height to the sleeve cap. Worked a treat and the altered sleeve went back into the armhole with no issues.
• Added 1 inch extra width through the lower sleeve
• Used 0.25 inch seam allowance from hem up past the high hip
• Burrito method inside yoke finish

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I don’t know if I need another shirt like this in my wardrobe, but with 3 other completely different sleeve options in this envelope never say never. Also, making this again in a different fabric (e.g. something with more drape) would give a completely different look. I definitely recommend.

Conclusion:

If you like to wear button up shirts and fancy something…fancy…then give this a whirl.

Stay safe, practice social distancing and hand washing and see you soon!