Good morning, everyone!
Sooo, anyway… remember when I said I was going to use that other chambray to make Butterick 5526 but ended up coaxing it into a Hawthorn instead? Well, I still wanted that damn chambray shirt – lucky for me, I had more in my stash! Check it out!
GOD, I JUST LOVE CHAMBRAY.
Seriously, tho, if you follow my Instagram, you probably noticed a couple weeks ago that it was Unofficial Chambray Week in my sewing room. Part of the reason for that is because I have been experimenting with starting multiple projects at once, then working through them all in succession. That probably makes no sense. What I mean is, I’ll prep 2-3 projects at once (cutting, interfacing, marking), pile them at the end of my table, and then complete each project by itself. I’m still working on one project at a time – but I’ve prepped multiples in the queue, so I don’t have to stop and cut the next one, thus losing my steam (oh, who the fuck am I kidding, I never lose steam. Not when it concerns sewing, anyway :P). This particular week, I was trying to stick with projects that use the same color thread/serger thread, because I dunno. Changing thread isn’t exactly difficult, as we all know.
But anyway, that shit’s fun – to get all the cutting out of the way at once, and then you have a glorious week to focus on dressmaking (or whatevermaking). I’ve blabbed on and on about taking advantage of short time chunks, and I’ve found it’s much easier to do that when you don’t have to set aside time and space every time you want to cut a new pattern (I don’t know about y’all, but I like to do it all in one fell swoop. So when it’s time to get my cut on, I need a long uninterrupted stretch of time to take care of business).
So anyway, I cut a Hawthorn AND a button down, and they were both chambray because they both used the same thread (and dammit, I want both of those chambray goodies in my closet by the end of the week, DAMMIT!) and there’s that.
Also, you probably noticed, but I’m wearing my Crazy Paisley Hollyburn AGAIN. That skirt with this top is just too good.
I’m still tweaking this pattern every time I sew it. Isn’t that what makes something TNT – you’ve used it enough to where you’ve ironed out every little kink in the fit and construction, so you just know it’ll work when you make it up? Butterick 5526 isn’t quite a TNT for me, yet, but it’s on it’s way! I’ve made it 3 times now (see versions one and two), and each version just gets a little better than the previous.
I tried to make the sleeves the correct length on this version. My first one – the white button down – used the 3/4 sleeves that were really more like 7/8 sleeves. Like, wtf, those things looked like they were just a couple inches too short! So, with that in mind, I knew I wanted long sleeves for this shirt (not for now, but maybe in the future, or when I complain about the cold if/when the night temperatures drop to 75 lolz), so I checked against a couple other long sleeved shirts in my closet and transferred that measurement (minus the cuff, of course) to my pattern piece. I double-checked every measurement, but still ended up with something slightly too short! DERP. So the sleeves on this shirt will just be perma-rolled up. And that’s ok! It’s all a trial and error at this point anyway 🙂
They do look good rolled up though, huh? I can’t even tell you how pleased I am with those sleeve tabs. BEYOND pleased!
This chambray is pretty freaking amazing. It’s from The Fabric Studio here in Nashville. Where my Hawthorn chambray has a crisp drape and loads of body, this one is so lightweight and soft that it’s a little bit see through. Which is why I thought it would make a great button down – even with the sleeves – since it’s like I’m wearing chambray colored air. The looseness of the shirt really compliments the drape of the fabric, and the color almost has a sheen. It also doesn’t wrinkle as much as you would think – I took these photos after a full day of wearing the shirt, and while it has some “wearing” wrinkles, they just look comfy and relaxed, you know? I. LOVE. IT.
It’s also, like, $8 a yard. So it’s affordable chambray perfection! (and before you ask – yes, The Fabric Studio will ship! Contact Nancy here!)
For a fabric as light as this stuff, it didn’t take a lot of extra effort when it came to sewing everything together (or cutting, for that matter). It is on the delicate side, so be aware of pin holes (or use fine silk pins, if you got ’em!) and be careful ripping out stitching because you will totally rip the fabric (ask me how I know about that…). But, just like the heavier chambray – it sews and presses like a dream. I enjoyed every single minute of working on this shirt, and it totally shows!
Look at that beautiful topstitched cuff! I only interfaced one side of the cuff (the pattern has you interface the entire cuff piece, so when it’s folded you will have two layers of interfacing), so the fabric would maintain it’s pretty lightweight drape. Too bad no one will ever seen the cuff since the sleeve is too short! Ha!
There’s another one of those sleeve tabs that I’m just stupidly proud of. I think they really make the shirt.
Oh yeah! The buttons are also from Fashion Sewing Supply – just classic white shirt buttons. Very simple, but they look so polished and clean with this chambray.
So, yeah. Another basic closet staple that should be boring (and y’all might be yawning, but oh well, my blog->my rules, aka sorry not sorry), but it’s pretty exciting to me! Chambray goes with everythingggg, so this is a great top to have to pair with all my skirts and pants. I would almost say this is the kind of shirt one could wear for a week straight without anyone noticing, except, I definitely did that as a preteen and someone definitely noticed*. Then again, do I really care? Naw.
Couple more things-
– Damn, y’all went crazy over my recent Vogue pattern review. There are a lot of good comments on that post – some defending some of the patterns (even comparing them to runway version, which is all kinds of awesome to see), some making their own hilarious jokes, oh, and some from The McCall Pattern Company themselves. Forreal! If you haven’t had a chance to read through the comments on that post, you should definitely give them a lurk – McCall’s (who owns the Vogue Patterns line) has proven themselves to have an amazing sense of humor, as well as a really graceful way of handling some not-so-nice feedback. They have been very active in the comments – not in a butthurt way, so sorry if you’re looking for dramz 😉 – and answering questions from readers. I, for one, had no idea that the designers actually choose the fabric that is used for the designer patterns. Vogue has nothing to do with that (although they do choose fabric for all other pattern categories, just not designer). So some of those awful fabric choices should have their blame shifted to the designer. The things you learn!
– Omgg you guys – my Weekend Pants-Making Intensive class at Workroom Social has officially sold out! Cannot WAIT to meet, hang, and of course, sew with y’all who all signed up! It is going to be a fabulous weekend! Didn’t make the class and are regretting that decision? You can sign up for the wait list here and cross your fingers 🙂 Everyone else – I’ve got a free afternoon/evening on Friday, where I plan to destroy my bank account with fabric purchases. Anyone want to join me in the Garment District and/or possibly for drinks afterward (I hear there is an outdoor bar at Bryant Park nearby, which sounds amazing!)? Shoot me an email! lladybirdlauren at gmail dot com 🙂
– Lastly (and I know this has NOTHING to do with sewing but it’s my blog and duh I do what I want), have y’all ever heard of the ride service Lyft? It’s like a taxi service, except the drivers use their own cars and the costs are much much cheaper. Everything is run through the app, including payment – so you don’t have to deal with cash or credit cards, and you can pay up to 24 hours after the ride has ended. It’s really fun and a great way to get around if you don’t have a car/plan on drinking/hate driving. Anyway, the reason why I’m telling you this is because my best friend recently signed on to be a driver, and that means free Lyft rides for everyone! Really! If you’ve never used Lyft before, download the app and use the code MORGAN1407 for a free ride up to $25. No strings attached (unless you go over the $25 credit, but that would be a looong ride. One person I know here managed to hit $30 once, and that was for a 20+ mile ride), just free ride goodness! It does have to be active in your city, but the company is growing fast so definitely check! Just remember to input the code into your app (in the payment section) BEFORE you take your first ride, so you can actually use the credit. And, sorry babes, but this is first-time riders only (I know!!). But yeah! Go forth and get you some free rides!
*ok, it was a shiny blue polyester button down from Rave, and it was totally my favorite shirt. Also, when it was pointed out that I’d worn the same shirt for multiple weeks in a row (so not technically days in a row, but every Sunday to church. For at least a couple of months, haha), I was so mortified that I never wore it again. RIP, shiny blue shirt.
OMG why did I not think of that? I ALWAYS lose steam when I have to cut! I don’t have a cutting table, so I have to spread everything out on the floor in my apartment, and so I have to have enough time to finish it all in one go. Many a weeknight has been wasted because I didn’t have enough time to get a whole new thing cut out, and I had nothing else to sew. I’m going to do a marathon cutting session this weekend and get all my projects lined up for the week.
Oh yeah, marathon cutting sessions RULE! If you’re gonna sit through the agony of cutting (and in your case – clearing off the floor before you can even get to that point), you might as well cut a bunch of stuff at once so it’s a little less agonizing later in the week 🙂 And it’s definitely good for squeezing in little bits of sewing when you don’t have time to cut an entire pattern out!
Love it! I’m having a serious crush on chambray now.
It’s a good crush to have 😀
The sleeve tabs are wonderful. I have an OTR buttondown shirt that has tabs and how I love them so. Once that shirt dies, I’m going to have to use it as a pattern since it fits perfectly. Note: It has a matching, light weight knit pannel at the sides so it is fitted & stretches with me wonderfully. It’s such a nice combo on a button down.
But back to yours…. Yeah, I’ve been lured over to the world of lovely chambray.
Your top stitching is divine. I was inspecting your button band & princess seams; they’re just perfect. You really are a great seamstress/stitcher/sewer/sewist. (Did I get them all?) heh
Have a great weekend!
Ooh, I love the idea of having a knit panel in a button down! Sounds so perfect for getting a nice fit without sacrificing comfort 😀
And thank you for the compliment! 🙂 You’re so sweet! I gotta say though – most of my topstitching can be credited to the topstitching foot for my Bernina. It makes everything pretty much perfect 🙂
Love your shirt; that TNT is nearing perfection.
I’ve been cutting multiple projects (3 at a time seems to be my magic number) and then sewing them up in succession for a couple of years now, and I love it. Will never go back to one-at-a-time. I go hang out in my basement for a few hours, watch some Gilmore Girls marathon-style, and get the pattern tracing, FBAs, fabric cutting and marking (AKA the DRUDGERY) out of the damn way!
Yes! It’s so nice to get all the drudgery out of the way and have a stack of stuff ready to sew for the remainder of the week 🙂 I think it makes me a lot more productive!
You’ve not only convinced me to use Chambray in my next project, but to get this pattern as well! It’s really, really flattering! What type of interfacing did you use? Also, what camera remote do you have? I’ve been contemplating getting one, but there didn’t seem to be too many options on Amazon (or perhaps I didn’t search correctly…).
It’s a great pattern! Just ignore the line drawing on the front… it’s pretty bad 🙂 haha! I use this lightweight fusible interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply and it works great – in fact, I use it on nearly all my projects (unless they are knit or require a heavier or lighter interfacing… but this stuff works for like 99% of my stuff). For my remote, I have this one from Amazon. It was the only one I could find that works with my Canon G12 🙂 I haven’t had any issues with it, but be warned that it is pretty huge 🙂
Multiple cutting is definitely not for me Im afraid. Cutting is my least favourite thing. I find it such a TRAUMA! I swear to god but I must pace around my cutting (aka dining) table at least a dozen times checking and rechecking that Ive pinned and placed everthing correctly before taking the plunge with the first cut. Taking deep breathes and a glass of wine also helps I find.
Well, wine makes everything better 🙂
It looks great! I love chambray shirts as well.
I love your chambray shirt Lauren, but even more, I love your attention to detail with your top stitching, cuffs and tabs..perfection! Oh yeah and I do so enjoy your penchant for swearing…makes me laugh !!!
Attention to detail is my favorite part of sewing 🙂 It makes even kinda boring projects (not that I found this one boring, but some people might!) more fun and challenging 🙂 I’m just glad that someone else appreciates it tooo! 😀
Well then, I suppose I have to invest in some chambray! Your blouse is fantastic, I loveeee the cuffs!
Thanks for letting us know about the great exchange in the comments on your Vogue Patterns posting. Fun reading.
I plan on cutting out a kajillion projects this weekend. Mainly because all my sewing stuff will be packed up and shipped far far away come Monday. (We’re moving in two weeks and then again in 6 weeks.) My machine is traveling with us on the plane while moving, so I figured that if I cut a bunch of projects, I could sew them along the way, and I would use the fabric to stuff around my machine in it’s suitcase, so that it doesn’t get hurt. I just have to decide what to cut! Anyway, I bought the Vogue Ralph Rucci coat pattern now that the patterns are on sale. Love the navy hair by the way.
That is a fabulous idea! Perfect for making the best of all situations- and it’ll be easier to work on your projects since you don’t have to deal with cutting 🙂
You’ve nailed the chambray shirt, no doubt 🙂 really enjoying your blog!
This is such a great staple shirt and I’m loving the chambray, I need this pattern! Your top stitching is The Biz. Showing my ignorance those….what’s TNT??
Tried n’ True! 🙂
Oooooo I love the princess seams! I’ve been on a button-up shirt kick lately. MUST SEW ALL THE SHIRTS! I also have some dotty chambray in my stash that needs to get used up soon too. You’re just inspiring me all around 🙂 p.s. your blue hair is the coooooolllleeessstt.
I *think* I have that same dotty chambray myself 🙂 I’ve been wanting to make a shirtdress with it, but then Landon saw it and now he wants a manshirt. Which means obviously I need to buy more 🙂
Chambray Love. Loving this shirt. Tho now I feel guilty for not touching my chambray to make my Archer, but not fully guilty. Lazy summer.
Don’t feel guilty! Summers are for being lazy, and sewing is for when you are feeling inspired. If you’re not feeling it, there’s no point in rushing. But… I can’t wait to be your chambray twin, just sayin’ 😉
Your hair plus the chambray plus the skirt! Perfect colours! The shirt is impeccable! I made a muslin of this pattern and don’t know if I’ll ever get a real garment out of it, lol! I can live vicariously through you 🙂
What! Girl, the muslin is half the battle! haha!
I always prep 2 or 3 projects ahead of time – it’s a great time saver especially with a 2 year old at my ankles
Oh man, I cannot imagine doing ANYTHING with a 2 year old at my ankles! Hats off to you!
I love to cut out loads of things, fuse interfacing, and collect all my supplies, Then I can BLAZE thru projects when I get some actual sewing time!
Hear hear! Get the dirty work out of the way so ya can spend the rest of the week enjoying the construction process 😀
You are a freaken gun, topstitching queen 🙂
My secret is in the foot 😉 haha!
You know that Heather Lou and I are going to be shopping the district / drinking in the park with you. And I’m sure we will all be the model of restraint and decorum during both activities.
Hell yeah we will! CANNOT WAIT! 😀
Awesome blog! following!
paywithpolkadots.blogspot.com
I love how casual and elegant this looks on you all the same time. Beautiful!