Flannel Lumberjack Shirt

 

 

I had purchased this flannel checkered fabric from Harts Fabric several months ago, knowing that I had wanted to make a classic button-down style shirt. You would think that every run of the mill pattern company would be able to offer such a beast to fit the description. However, finding the perfect pattern proved to be a more difficult task than I had imagined. The only button-down styles I found in the Big 4 companies were over sized, dowdy, and/or unisex. While flipping through some old Burda Style issues, I found a few styles that would do but I've been too lazy to trace a pattern and add seam allowances. While on a pattern sale run at Hancock Fabrics, I stumbled upon this design while looking through their Burda envelope patterns. It's perfect! It is a basic button-down style but has a more feminine shape with the darts. Just what I was looking for!

 

Burda 7136

 

This shirt was not particularly difficult to make but I definitely put in more hours than I thought I would.

 

I cut the pocket, cuffs, and slit cover (what's this thing really called?) all on the bias to add some interest to these areas. In an effort to uphold one of my New Years Sewing Goals, I took extra care to finish all of my seam allowances. Believe it or not, I did my first true flat felled seams on the side and sleeve seams. It turned out really nice looking!

 

 

Front

 

 

Back

 

Close-up of Cuff and Slit Cover Thing

 

 

Flat Felled Seam

 

I did something new when choosing which size to make.  Based off of the size chart, I probably would have made a 44. However, after reading Mimi G's advice I took a shirt I already owned and measured the bust and waist. I then compared these numbers to the finished measurements on the pattern and went with a size smaller. Sounds like a no-brainer but I had never thought of doing it this way! I ended up with a closer, more stylish fit in my opinion.

 

On matching the stripes... they don't! So I painstakingly cut out each pattern piece in a single layer of fabric instead of with a fold. I did this to insure that all of the stripes lined up. I'm not quite sure what I did wrong but it didn't really work out for me. This is especially noticeable on the side seams and the sleeves.  Oh well- I really don't think it's too noticeable to anyone except for you guys! I checked out some RTW plaid and checkered shirts and they seem to have the same problem so I'm not too broken up about it. 

 

When I wore this for the first time, I discovered that I look like an axe toting lumberjack! Haha! I wore ballet flats and a pretty necklace from the hubby to soften up the look. I'm very pleased with this shirt. I'm really happy with the fit and the flannel is so comfy!

 

 

 

~Jenny