When I don't know what to make, I make something for Rob. For no other reason than that I love him like words can't say. It occurs to me that this is the most selfish sewing I can think of, because it thrills me to no end to see him wearing something I stitched. And it's gotten a lot more thrilling since I've relieved myself of the pressure of getting it perfect. Don't get me wrong, I believe in perfection! I think that perfection, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Attainable perfection, if you will. But I have yet to make Rob a perfect garment. (To wit: check that buttonhole in the middle shot 😂)
Questionable buttonholes aside, this is largely due to the fact that I just don't have the reps in, man! I've made *who knows how many* dresses for myself, and they get better every time (well, sometimes it's a one-step-forward & two-steps-back kinda thing, but who's counting). Practice makes perfect, but with so few options out there for him pattern-wise, I can only practice so much.
I'm in the middle of McCall's 6044 at the moment, which has been used and abused errrrrywhere. (That's colorful language, there are myriad gorgeous renditions across the sewing blogishpere). It's...okay...but only after I abandoned the directions finish-wise, and removed some of that blousy sleeve cap ease. HOLY GATHERS, BATMAN.
It's hanging out, waiting for a try-on.
Pam at Off the Cuff has some great tutorials on shirtmaking, I recommend devouring the posts on plackets & getting a pointed collar. Plackets! That reminds me, I want to make a tuxedo shirt for Rob! A proper one. To go with all my gowns.
I have no good finish to this post, and no idea how Wednesday snuck up like a stealth ninja! I SWEAR IT'S ONLY BEEN LIKE THREE DAYS IN KALKATROONAAN TIME. I haven't even had time to reply to your comments on the last WIP, but I'm stoked to hear that several of you went out and found that pattern for yourselves. You are gonna have a BLAST. (And I'm gonna rethink this whole self-inflicted Every Wednesday thing. 'KBYEEE!)
In the meantime, I didn’t even notice the buttonhole, because I was blown away by the perfect top stitching!❤️
ReplyDeletethank you Nanci! Of course, I had to rip out the perfect pocket when I realized it was too high 😂
DeleteWhat a pretty color and great detailing.
ReplyDeletethank you Faye!
DeleteIt looks so good! And I love hearing about why you sew for him.
ReplyDelete😊it's the best reason ❤️
DeleteSo, random (seemin) reactions: the button hole looks fine. Put a button through and it will become invisible. Careful, practice makes permanent; you have to practice the right stuff to get to perfect. Patterns for men are generally atrocious. I swear they are trying to eliminate the need to fit the armscye to the man with all those gathers - like if you make the sleeve’s head full enough the guy will be able to move his arm freely even if the armscye is hitting his shoulder in all the wrong places. It actually doesn’t help, in my experience. Forget regular posting schedules: live life freely, and post when you can. I always enjoy reading your perspectives.
ReplyDeleteThis is very true-- the right practice is important! I have yet to find a good armsyce for a guy, at least, one that is fitted.
DeleteAnd thank you! I think I like to break rules so much, putting a posting rule on myslef is sure to backfire 😂
I am loving these posts Marcy! Nothing makes me happy than looking up close at some nitty gritty sewing details and you have done some BE-AUTIFUL work here
ReplyDeleteThank you Fiona! I love seeing other's close up work too...I just have to figure out how to get time to slow down...
DeleteYour precise stitching lines are eye candy to me! Cool color too and your man will get compliments for sure!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness Mrs Mole, thank you! I devour your posts regularly!
DeleteThis looks amazing! I love the buttons.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That reminds me, I din't have hi choose his favorite yet...
DeleteI also noticed that lovely top stitching and really what is wrong with the buttonhole, it is perfectly acceptable. Love that shirting too.
ReplyDelete😊we are our own worst critics! I thought about redoing the flap... and then I came to my senses.
DeleteMarcy I am a big men's shirt maker (This works no matter how you read it btw!) and after trying a bunch of current patterns, my go to is Simplicity 5325. The pattern envelope art is EVERYTHING, so Magnum PI, but it is such a well drafted pattern. It is a fairly slim fit and the collar is huuge, but we just reduce the angle to the point and trim it by about 3/8ths so it isn't quite so deep. MrC has a really long neck so it works for him. It's fairly easy to find second hand. xo
ReplyDeletei'm on the hunt NOW!
DeleteNo one would have inspected your buttonhole if you hadn't said anything! I think the shirt is absolutely beautiful. It seems like sewers in general are always pointing out the flaws in their work. Thank you for posting and inspiring me!
ReplyDeleteyou're most welcome! That buttonhole made my eye go squinky, it did. But, I've let it be!
DeleteI love that fabric. I make a lot of shirts for my husband but he will only wear the most boring colors which takes some of the fun out of it.
ReplyDelete