Sunday 17 October 2021

McCalls M8001, Shirt

I made this shirt using an Abakhan fabric that I liked but wasn't head over heels with. Perfect for testing this pattern and making a wearable toile.

A quick Google search suggested this pattern was quite oversized and cutting an XS would be ample big enuough. The nature of the all-in-one kimono-style sleeves means the shirt is quite loose in the bust area (my smallest proportioned area), so XS seemed like a good idea to me.



The shirt features a bottom band and sleeve bands - I would love to use a stripey fabric next time and mix and match which piees I cut on the grain and the crossgrain. There is also an option to add pockets with pocket flaps so loads more options to play around with the direction of fabric.

Two yokes are cut and sandwich the ack and front inside the seam allowances. Unlike other shirts I have made with yokes, the yoke-facing is not interfaced - I guess as the shirt is so loose fit it doesn't need this extra stability across the shoulders as there is minimal strain, also you don't really need any extra thickness in the kimono sleeves that could create bulk in the arm creases and look a bit odd!!


The shirt is a really fun relaxed fit - with some bright fruity fabric I can imagine this being a total-beach hit! Collar, band and front band were all standard to assemble, the button band is quite wide so I chose these flat, round and failt simple buttons - I thought the pear effect would help to compliment the white in the fabric print. 

The shirt doesn't feel like a groundbreaking accomplishment, I think the pattern is a great stash-buster abd a nice 'quick-win' pattern in between bigger projects. The result is wearable for casual weekends and the pattern a good example of how to change up a traditional shirt pattern.


I am in a total shirt-making spree right now! I have such a stash of short friendly fabric and patterns to work through! What's your recommended shirt pattern? Do you have a go-to? Do you like flounce and frill or do you like to keep it simple?

x

Location: Nr Hecla Works, Sheffield
Currently listening to: Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones, The Hives