With all the snow that has been dumped on us and the promise of more to come, I have been really missing the breezy dresses of summer! So much so…I have been sewing up a few. When that warm weather hits…I plan to be ready!!
In the meantime and in between sewing up summer dresses, I made a muslin of Burda 6849. I have been drooling over Heather’s Archers (that lady is a machine with the number of Archers and Lindens she has made!) so I thought it was time that I made a button up for myself.
While I think the Archer is great… I thought that I may want something a bit more fitted for myself. I have a few pieces of awesome plaid in my stash and I choose the one I liked the least to test out this pattern. I don’t really like to make muslins and just kept my fingers crossed that it would turn out to be something wearable and YAY! it did!
My Review:
Pattern: Burda 6849
Fabric used: Hmm..good question. I’m not really sure but it is a nice quality woven plaid shirting that doesn’t appear to have a right or wrong side and wears like a dream. No wrinkling at all either!
Instructions: Well…it is a Burda pattern so instructions were so so. I would have liked more direction on topstitching and have since looked into it for the next shirt. I didn’t use the patterns process on the collar and stand. I used Andrea’s of Four Square Walls method instead. I find hers much easier to do.
Changes I made: Being that this was a muslin, I didn’t change anything.
Here is a list of a few things I will consider when I make it (or another button up pattern) next time.
1. I will cut out the back yoke an button stands on the bias. I really like how that looks.
2. I will trim the seam allowances on the collar stand much closer next time! The snaps were a little tricky to install with all that bulk.
3. I think I will add the pocket flaps next time.
4. My topstitching needs some improvement…
5. I would probably give it about one inch more ease through the hips.
Repeat worthy? It is repeat worthy but I just bought the Sewaholic Granville to make next and compare the two. But for the record and so I don’t forget…here is what I really like about this pattern:
1. I like the length…nice and long for my torso.
2. The sleeves are slim..not too bulky.
3. Sleeves are also a perfect length.
4. I like that the front and back pieces are only darted, no plaid matching on princess seams!
5. I love using snaps!! Change your sewing life kinda stuff those things are! A few good therapeutic whacks with the hammer and presto you have closures for your shirt and no button holes the mess with!
It appears that the pros and cons for this pattern are even! The changes that I would make are not even that note worthy so I call this muslin, a wearable win!
Meet the newest member of the family…Skipper.
Thank you so much for posting this – your shirt looks great! I do have that pattern and was waiting for someone to review it – it has all the features I love in a button down shirt and you've convinced me I should wait no more!
Love your shirt! I like this pattern, but didn't like the seam down the center back. I can't tell if you have one because you've done such a nice job on matching your plaid. Did you put a seam down the center back? Once again, great job on your shirt!
I really like this shirt, actually I am a big plaid fan! Looks so nice with the vest and scarf, especially for these Nova Scotia wintry days. Margo, your matching is impeccable. I think Skipper gives it a thumbs up too!!:) Can't wait to see your Sewaholic Granville creation.
Fabulous shirt!
SSB https://facebook.com/sassysewingbees
GAH…I'm already in love with Skipper! There's so much to love about this post, with Skipper at the top of the list…then there' s those {{{SUNGLASSES}}}….and the prettiest fuchsia plaid! You always show us such style from the tips of your fingers right to those stellar boots! One question, do you buy your Burda's at Fabricland or do you download them off their website? I'm hoping that the store has the particular pattern that I want…it's a new one though, so I'm not sure how they work that…
Great sewing technique, and I love the idea of therapeutic snapping! I've been more afraid of snaps than buttonholes, but I will have to give it a go one day. They have the coolest colours out now.
I love a good shirt and I love anice plaid and this is both … a good shirt in a nice plaid. Is there a seam at the CB (the tech drawing shows one) – i really can’t tell if it is, is impossible to see it. I am tempted to belive you eliminated that… otherwise well… chapeau!!!
Skipper is gorgeous!
Well hello skipper – what a gorgeous dog!! That shirt is lovely too – love the colours in that plaid!
I love it!! I think the plaid and the colour of it look great on you! Aren't snaps the bomb?! The pearl ones you chose look great. Pretty much this shirt has everything I would want in a button down for myself! Yay!!
PS: Skipper is so cute!!
What a lovely shirt. I love plaid and you did a lovely job in it. Nice backdrop and an adorable Skipper 🙂
I'm afraid Skipper has stolen the show, as far as I am concerned. He (is he a he?) is gorgeous – I love Golden Retrievers, such lovely natures.
The shirt is fantastic – I nearly purchased that pattern today. The colour you have chosen looks wonderful on you – nothing quite like a classic plaid shirt – timeless quality.
Yes Skipper did steal the show, but not before admiring your very pretty plaid shirt.
A great trial garment. And three cheers for Skipper – poses perfectly!
I wouldn't have believed this was just a straight muslin if you didn't tell me. It looks wonderful. I'd like to see you sew the Granville up just to have a compare and contrast session.
That is so pretty! You make even the most casual clothes look elegant! I just found some plaid fabrics that I brought home with me a few years ago when my Dad passed away. They belonged to his late wife. I think they are more "wool-y" but maybe one of them would work for this! And Skipper…gorgeous!
Margo, do you or does anyone else know where I could find a pattern to sew a bodywarmer like the one you are wearing in these photos? As for your plaid shirt, it's a definite hit! I love the fabric choice with that pattern. Can't wait to see your Granville next!
Lovely shirt, I've been thinking about making a few myself and this style is just what I was thinking so thanks for the review of it. Skipper is beautiful!
Thanks! You should try it. It is a great shirt but I forgot to mention in the post that I removed the CB seam. I didn't like the look of it.
Thank you! I totally forgot to mention in my post that I left it out of my shirt! Thanks for the reminder, removing it didn't make much difference in the fit for me.
Thanks Almeda! Skipper is such a blessing to our family!
Thanks!
He's so cute isn't he!! Thanks Sue! I did buy my pattern at Fabricville ( same as your Fabricland) so head over and pick yourself up one! Snaps are just that….a snap! Heather of Where Heather Grows inspired me to try them and even when I made a mistake, I was able to pull it out.
You're right Sasha! I did eliminate the CB seam! I completely forgot that I did that.
Skipper says hello to you! Thanks Kathryn!
Thanks to you Heather I am a snap convert! I will be checking out Snap Source as well. There was a limited selection at my local store. Skip is a pretty awesome dog and we are still getting to know his quirky little traits….
Thanks Hana! We had a very brief break in the wintry weather for these pictures out in the yard. I'm looking forward to warmer weather.
Skipper always steals the show around here! lol I adore Golden Retrievers too. Skipper is out second, we lost our last boy, Thatcher, three years ago so it felt like now was the right time
Plaid seems to be a timeless piece in a wardrobe, I agree!
Thanks Sharon! He is pretty cute and I'm a proud Mama so I don't mind that he steals the show at all. 🙂
Hip Hip Hooray! Thanks Gail.
I'm looking forward to trying the Granville. Thanks Heather!
Awww…thanks. This pattern is a good one for sure! The plaid you have sounds great for a warm shirt.
Thanks Sally!
Thanks Emma! I thrifted this vest and didn't find a good pattern when I looked but I know that Oona just made a great quilted vest, check it out here http://www.oonaballoona.com/2015/02/a-valentines-day-break-up.html
It's looks great!! I really really want to buy the Granville. I love the more fitted style of it. I've refrained so far but I may give in as soon as I get this current project off my table.
Hey Emma! If you are interested Butterick has a vest. Pattern number 5957.
Margo, they are perfect! Thank you! I'm going to order the Butterick pattern right away and see if I can get my hands on Oonaballoona's burda pattern too. I LOVE how you have paired the bodywarmer with a Granville shirt. I hope you don't mind if I blatantly copy your fabulous dress style and make and wear exactly the same outfit! I'm in Europe so I don't think anyone will notice 😉
By Granville, I mean Archer obviously 🙂 It's early… I need to grab a coffee;-)
Wow. I love your new shirt. Great plaid choice and matching. It's a fabulous colour for Winter.
I really like the idea of a fitted shirt. I have so many shirt patterns that I should be able go draft something myself! I love the pink plaid fabric you have used and the shape. You have me thinking!
Your shirt looks fabulous! and the colour is beautiful for you. I think Burda patterns are excellent 🙂
As always Margo, your outfit is amazing. The shirt is beautiful. I don't always love plaid but this shirt is spectacular.
Margo, you are too talented! The shirt looks awesome! Now, if only we could wear plaid at work…