Hello, and curtsey to you all.

I’m a little on the excited side today. In fact, positively beside myself, to the left. I think the word I’m after is proud. After feeling as though I had peaked much to early this year (the first week of January to be exact) with this outfit, I’m pleased to say that I have achieved my most technical sewing feat to date. I am, I’m sure in Jane Austin’s mind, accomplished.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Some said it was brave, although personally I thought it a little reckless using Liberty for a new shirt pattern given it is the third shirt I’ve ever stitched together. But I’m remaining true to my promise to Bruce and the Fabric Gods: I shall not purchase any fabric unless absolutely necessary. Given this was the only piece of fabric that had the right yardage and wasn’t irreplaceable vintage, it seemed like the perfect choice. The stash does not lie.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

I’ve previously made up the Meissa blouse from Paper Cut patterns but the shape just wasn’t me. (Note that I made this one up in Liberty as well, but have since pulled it apart to be repurposed for quilts and other projects). Then Tasia from Sewaholic published the Grainville shirt which is fitted to provide definition and designed for the pear shape. My stay on purchasing patterns was promptly set aside for a full 2.5 minutes to allow for a swift purchase from Sew Squirrel.

Grainville Shirt in Progress

I made my usual pattern adjustment of adding 2.5cm to the bodice length, and even though there were whispers that the sleeves were quite long, I added 2.5cm to the sleeve as well. I’m glad that I did. I’ve never had a shirt with sleeves so long in my life.  They feel, what’s the word I’m looking for… Almost normal. Such a peculiar feeling. I do have exceptionally long arms. No, really. They are that long. It’s the reason I feel so connected to the orangutang. We share that in common. Plus we both are blessed with goofy faces.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Construction was seriously straight forward. I followed the pattern instructions and used this tutorial from Sewaholic on attaching the collar and stand. Such a wonderful, immaculate finish. Can’t speak highly enough of it. I skipped top stitching on the princess seams at the back and on the yoke. My fabric was too pretty and too busy to worry about that. I also used french seams throughout, except for setting in the sleeves.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty, The Sleeves

I adore this shirt. And I can wear it tucked in, something I haven’t been able to do since 1994.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Next on the list is a short sleeve version in a vintage Liberty. Cutting into that one may cause some nerves. But I must hold strong.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

I’ve also got the Oakridge shirt and the Archer shirt to try. My old style of shirt, knitted vest, skirt and tights may be making a return for Winter 2015.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty (Stitching Looks Less Wonky in Real Life)

Do you have a favourite shirt pattern?

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Curtsey and happy sewing to you all.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty, Country with a little Western

Pips xxx

Photos: by Tash and Bruce