Well…. this was a sewing experience that pushed my brain cells to a new level. I have sewn for years and can practically sew with my eyes closed and with minimal instructions, but this pattern put a spanner in the works. In a good way…..
One of my greatest loves in life is learning new skills and to be challenged. So as dramatic as my last paragraph was it was “the best” feeling for my sewing brain to be challenged. I loved that I had to stop and think, to read and re read again before sewing the sleeves of this shirt.
I was initially drawn to and inspired to make this shirt when I spotted it on the feed of Gyasti. I have been looking for an oversized button front shirt pattern for a while and to be honest I really struggled finding the perfect pattern. The Olya Shirt by Paper Theory Patterns was pretty close to the look I was chasing.
I went up one size and cut a size 12 in a gorgeous Silk Noil gifted to me by the lovely Trin from A + R Fabrics. I absolutely love the colour and the rawness of this fabric. In hindsight I wish I had added about 10 to 15cm in length to the shirt. I really like the oversized width but proportionally wished it was quite a bit longer.
Although some of the techniques in this make are slightly tricky, or more to the point are something I have never done before, I do feel the instructions are very clear once you get your head around them. My recommendation is to sew one side and check it is correct before sewing the other. Don’t presume it is correct and sew both sides up at the same time.
The way the sleeve is set into the shirt is really clever so congratulations to Paper Theory Patterns for creating a pattern that is little left of centre. There is no seam at the front armhole. The front sleeve is part of the front body.
I finished my shirt off with some wood buttons from Spotlight Stores to keep in with the raw, natural vibe I was going for with this make.
I have worn and washed this shirt and the Silk Noil fabric washes up well. I did wash mine in the washing machine because I can’t deal with clothing that is to precious to wash is a machine….
I will definitely give this pattern another go in a different fabrication like a printed crinkled Viscose crepe when I find the perfect print. And hopefully cut my sewing time down by a third now I understand how to construct this beauty.
Happy sewing this one. You will learn a few new techniques which in my books in a win all round!
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