I finished it before I finally figured out it was named for a cocktail which just shows you I need to get out more, or drink more.
It is a slim fitting, modern shirt without a collar on a stand (I figure to make it a bit easier) but a proper placket on the cuff and some interesting alternate pocket styles you can get for free here to download (I used one of those with a slanted flap for my shirt).
This pattern has sort of a cult following and I must say the pieces are wonderfully drafted - everything fits together like perfect puzzle pieces.
How often do you see that?
The instructions are also very good but since this may be a first shirt for many sewers there could have been some more explicit pressing instructions, like how to turn and press a collar for example.
What I really found interesting were the cool directions on how to bag a lined yoke when you are using a convertible collar and facings, like you have with this shirt, and not the regular collar on a band and the front bands you would have on the usual men's shirt. Worth the price of the pattern to get that one figured out. I am not a fan of back neck facings in blouses and many patterns I have seen to date (I just finished a pattern by Palmer and Pletsch like this) that have a convertible collar and a yoke involves a lot of messy hand sewing.
I am pretty pleased with the result, although the pattern matching at centre front was not up to par - the challenges of a diagonal print and limited yardage did that objective in.
I can't decide if this shirt is so ugly it is cool, or just ugly.
It did seem to me that the print was something my dad would of worn in the '50s and since it was that kind of style I decided it worked.
Ignoring the fact my dad didn't really have very good taste. Nice man but sort of was drawn to orange polyester plaids if you get my drift. I always meant to sew him a proper shirt.
He would have worn this one.
On that note here is my Negroni:
Barb, there is a reason there is a cult following on this shirt and it is because it goes together very well. This shirt has become the "go-to" shirt pattern when sew a shirt for the offspring or the husband. Unusual pockets on yours but they look good.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
I love the look of your version on this extremely popular shirt ~ the fabric is just perfect for the males ... J
ReplyDeleteYou said "I must say the pieces are wonderfully drafted - everything fits together like perfect puzzle pieces.
ReplyDeleteHow often do you see that?"
I would like to respond "Very rarely!"
I get so annoyed when I pay £10 or £15 for a pattern to find that it's badly drafted, inaccurately marked and has misleading or even plain erroneous instructions. In any other sector of the retail market such an item would be returnable for a refund as 'not fit for purpose'.
I sure wish you were having a class here! I like that shirt...the fabric and the pockets. Thank you for the pocket link.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on this pattern. I was musing over the coolness of this shirt, too. I think it depends on who wears it and how...possibly best at a very casual event by someone slim, rolled up sleeves and shorts? It's unique and I'll bet your sons could pull this one off! Would love to see it on someone.
ReplyDelete