It is obvious that I love making things, but mens’ clothes – not that interesting. Unless it is an Hawaiian stye shirt in wonderful fabrics. I chose Islander Shirt #208 and this camping themed fabric.
My pattern is a few years old, I notice that on the new pattern, there is no option for a collar with stand – which is what I like. I better take very good care of this pattern. Janet Pray has an excellent Craftsy class where she teaches industry sewing techniques for the home sewer. Aside from excellent instructions, the Islander company has good men’s patterns, not pants, but some very nice shirts.
I made the shirt in a day. Since it had been at least 2 years since I had used this pattern, I really paid attention to the instructions. I should have done so before. The front plackets are slightly different, which caused me problems in the past. Live and learn, this one came together perfectly.
Janet makes it very clear that one should use shirting fabric, softer and lighter than quilting fabric. Well, turns out that Joel prefers the thicker quilting fabric. Which is great for me, many more print options. Notice the nice top stitching, the clean buttonholes and most importantly, the perfect match of the pocket on the shirt front.
The back has two pleats under the placket, makes the shirt a little roomier.
On the model, very handsome model if I may say so myself.
Roomy, comfortable and I am very impressed that the two fronts meet in perfect alignment.
Both of us are thrilled. I with the professional look of the shirt, Joel is just happy to have another comfy unique shirt for summer. Also, he loves bragging that I made it for him. Win-Win!
Leah