I’ve made this pattern many, many times, but not recently. It’s one of DH’s favorites, and my go-to pattern for Aloha shirts for him. I’ll spare you too many details, since it’s a repeat, but here’s the Reader’s Digest version
Pattern Description: Very loose fitting men’s shirt with short sleeves.
Sizing: Men’s S-XL. I made a Medium.
Fabric Used: Hana Honey cotton from Gorgeous Fabrics. I LOVE this print, and so does DH.
Needle/Notions Used: Universal 65/9 needle, thread, Pro-Tricot interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply, coconut buttons.
Tips Used during Construction: Press that Bad Mamma Jamma, Sew From Wide to Narrow.
Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes
How were the instructions? Didn’t use them.
Construction Notes: DH has lost weight recently, and this pattern is really big on him. My bad for not checking the size, but he likes it roomy, since he can then wear it open over a t-shirt if he wants. The shoulders on this pattern are MASSIVE. Next time I make this for him I’ll make a size S.
Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Yes, and yes. But do make sure to check the size against your measurements. You may want to go down.
Conclusion: Here are a couple of pictures on Shelley:
Front
Back
And on the Man himself. With a tiki glass.
In other news, I spent last weekend in Chicago to attend the annual fashion show for the Haute Couture Club of Chicago. What a wonderful weekend! It was the third time we got together, with our host Patti (who doesn’t blog), Liana and Nancy. The show was wonderful. I didn’t bring my good camera, so I only got crappy cell phone pictures, but the outfits were inspiring, and Cennetta (this year’s fashion show chair) arranged a fantastic show. Bravo, Cennetta!!!!
While we were there, we also went to see “Inspiring Beauty”, the Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit at the Chicago History Museum. If you are in the Chicago area, GO! It’s not a huge exhibit, but it is breathtaking, and you can get up close and personal with couture. There were some stunning gowns and outfits by the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Bob Mackie. For me, the most memorable piece was a gray day coat by Christian Dior. Compared to the other, showier pieces surrounding it, its simplicity and stillness was profound. The construction was breathtaking, and I could have stared at it for an hour and still not have drunk in all the details.
As I say, if you have the opportunity to see it, go. It’s a wonderful exhibit and it will inspire and awe.
Happy sewing!