Recently I have been following more and more clothes making blogs and finding that I wish I could do that myself. I have previously tried my hand at making clothes (with limited success) but I fell in love with the Archer Button Up by Grainline Studios and finally took the leap and decided to give garment making another go.
For the shirt I made view A with veiw B cuffs in a size 2 and graded to a size 4 at the waist. The shirt ended up pretty big in the middle, down to my hips, so I took a little of the extra material out of the sides. The next time I make one I will make a straight size 2 and tailor again as needed since I like the relaxed fit through the shoulders. The only other change I made was to the pockets. The original pockets were big (like I could fit an iPhone in each pocket with room to spare big) and the resulting look made the shirt look huge on me, not to mention it completely flattened me out in the chest (and I need all the help I can get in that department). Instead I replaced the two large pockets with one small pocket and changed the shape to resemble a ready to wear plaid shirt that I own.
The fabric is a flannel grey and teal plaid with navy and yellow accents that I found at one of my local fabric stores. It was the perfect find for me since I already wear a lot of those colors and the shirt looks great over a lot of my lighter weight stuff. The plaid was definitely a challenge to work with, but a fun challenge. I enjoyed working out how to cut to fabric to get the details just how I wanted them (like cutting certain pieces on the bias, matching the stripes on the plaids, etc.). I did a pretty good job, but it definitely shifted a little during cutting and the matching isn’t perfect (although few people are likely to notice that besides me).
I am so glad I decided to go with the Archer pattern even though it is probably more complicated than what is recommended for a fairly novice garment maker. The pattern was straightforward and between it and the sew-along posted on the Grainline website I only had a few places of confusion which I managed to figure out. The best part is I actually wear wear this shirt, and find myself wearing more now that it is getting colder out.
I am so glad I decided to go with the Archer pattern even though it is probably more complicated than what is recommended for a fairly novice garment maker. The pattern was straightforward and between it and the sew-along posted on the Grainline website I only had a few places of confusion which I managed to figure out. The best part is I actually wear wear this shirt, and find myself wearing more now that it is getting colder out.
I think I may have a new sewing addiction besides quilting and there are definitely more Archers in my near future!
Karen @ Pieces of Contentment says
It worked out beautifully Elise. There are so many tricky bits in a shirt like this yet you have succeeded wonderfully.
Elise Lea says
Thanks Karen! I still remember that skirt and shirt you made a while back that were so beautiful. I hope to be able to do that for myself as well and this shirt was a great way to learn.
Maryann says
Jenny from Missouri Star Quilt Company posted a video last week of a maxi skirt. real simple to make. Happy sewing
Elise Lea says
Wonderful! I will have to check it out.
karen b says
Between this one and the next one you showed, you just sold this pattern! What beautiful shirts! I have been nervous to try a long-sleeved button up shirt, but you make it look easy! Nice job!
Elise Lea says
Thanks Karen! I totally recommend that pattern if you are trying it for the first time. I was a little nervous too, but once I understood some of the techniques it was fairly simple. Make sure to check out the sew-along too, since it explains some of the things that aren’t as clear in the directions.