I'd like to discuss one thing I do in making my shirts regarding the button bands. On some shirts I use the foldover button bands. On others, I've cut it off and replaced the band with a sewn on band.
What I'm saying is that I don't interface this band whether it's folded over or sewn on. Recently there was a popular sewist on Instagram saying that you had to add interfacing to the band, that the three layers of fabric was insufficient.
I've made over a dozen shirts now using this fold & turn method and never had a problem with buttonholes being wonky or the buttons not being stable on my shirts. So why did I bring this up? Because there are several ways to sew things and no one way is always the "right" way. Try out a couple of techniques and see which one works for you. Then use what works for you.
Materials Used ~
4 yards Rifle & Co Empire Garden cotton border print
Interfacing from Steinlauf & Stoeller
10 1/2" 2-hole navy blue buttons from my button collection
Design Details ~
First I've used border prints before. I really like working with them and collect them whenever I find them. Here's a blog post I've written about sewing with border prints.
This shirt has no exceptional use of the border print but I didn't believe it needed any. This is a bold print that uses a large portion of the fabric. My decision was how to make the print work best for me. So the body of the print is along the bottom and mid-body for this shirt.
The sleeves and back yoke were cut from the starry portion of the fabric.
Collar, cuffs and the inner back yoke were cut from the border print.
This allowed the shirt to showcase the border print with the maximum effect.
A few pictures ~
This is the first shirt completed in the border print shirt series. I have a few more left to make before the series is done. Next up is a cotton sateen border print shirt made from the Fabric Mart fabric haul recently purchased.
...as always more later!
I love this! I never know what to do with border prints but I will definitely keep shirts in mind now I've seen yours. Interesting about the placket / interfacing - I hate the way a placket can sometimes sit a bit rigidly compared to the rest of the shirt when interfaced but I've always just followed the instructions. Time to be daring!
ReplyDeleteSpectacular and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteThat is a seriously stunning border print, and the shirt looks just gorgeous. I would not be able to pass that fabric without having a piece either :)
ReplyDeleteBorder print is fabulous and the shirt is super. Shirt looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful print and a perfect fit. You are an avid sewist and making so many clothes, what do you do with so many them?
ReplyDeleteHow many cupboards you must have!
How many times do you wear them each? And what do you do with them after 1/2/3 wears?
Sadhana - I think I have normal sized American closets so between that and a series of bureaus to store folded things in I have space. Though I'm doing another donation of the last of the sweaters and tops I've been holding onto from when I worked in Corporate America. Which will give me some more space. And since I work everyday, everything gets worn. Of course, some (my faves) more than others but everything gets worn.
DeleteI think this just might be my favorite make of yours
ReplyDeleteFabulous, eye-catching shirt Carolyn!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the print on this shirt! It looks fabulous on you. Also, thank you for the there is no "right way" comment. I completely agree. <3 <3
ReplyDeleteAndie - I think we need to start preferencing things with this is the way/method I do things and how I like sewing them especially when speaking to beginner sewists.
DeleteSo cute! I love the use of the fabric.
ReplyDeleteIt's very frustrating when people insist *this* must be done *this* way. No, you should have a variety of sewing techniques at your disposal (and/or resources to find new techniques) and you use whatever is appropriate for your project.
ReplyDeleteLove the shirt. The print is fun and I hadn't noticed the 'starry' part in your pics before - I like it even more!!
K - agreed! I also think it boxes new sewists in from venturing outside the box and learning something new on their own.
DeleteSo pretty! You use border prints so creatively in your sewn garments.
ReplyDeleteAudrey - you know I love me some border prints! Love, love, love some border prints! *LOL*
DeleteThis is such a pretty shirt! Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteI too love border prints and have enjoyed seeing garments you have made using them. This is a gorgeous border print, one of the more eye appealing ones I have seen lately. Your shirt looks fantastic. I like the collar, inside yoke and cuffs using the print.
ReplyDeleteOh this is beautiful and fun! Great combination. Looking forward to seeing next one! Always a pleasure looking at your projects.
ReplyDeleteThis shirt is an exceptional use of a border print. Bravo! Karen
ReplyDeleteLove this shirt , beautiful fit!
ReplyDeleteFits you beautifully and love that border print! How unexpected to see it on the collar--great way to frame your face.
ReplyDeleteCatherine - it's what I love about border prints. You can cut them apart and use them in various places in your garment!
DeleteI love Rifle Paper Co. prints! I have sewn two garments, a jacket and a skirt, with them, and they get worn often. I love what you have done with this border print, especially bringing the print back at the collar. I love the idea of a series -- can't wait to see the forthcoming border print creations!
ReplyDeleteThis is the most original use of a border print I’ve ever seen! Totally gorgeous. I wanted this fabric too but ended up passing because I couldn’t come up with anything more original than a skirt and I was t sure if the size of the border. You have inspired me to think outside the box now. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLori - that's happened to me too. I've found a fabric and loved it but couldn't "SEE" anything in it. Then been totally bummed when another sewist buys it and creates this amazing garment. I've learned it's probably because the fabric wasn't meant for me...sad to say but true. Border prints are fantastic for out of the box uses and I do buy them even if I can't see anything from them originally, storing them until I do figure out what to do with them!
DeleteSuch a gorgeous print and the way you have used it really shows it off, looks great!
ReplyDeleteThere is never one way to make anything! I do believe that I saw your button placket method in David Paige Coffen's shirt making book. I've certainly seen it elsewhere. This is one of my favorites of your shirts.
ReplyDeleteI really love what you did with this border print, you have given me new ideas how to use them, Thanks a lot. And you look great as always.
ReplyDelete