CREATURE COMFORTS: MCCALLS 8067

McCalls 8067 (#LivMcCalls) is a pretty, simple, loose-fitting blouse with different options for the bodice length and sleeves, as well as the option to add a lapel and collar. I would consider this a good pattern for a beginner looking to make a shirt, as the buttonholes are probably the only daunting aspect — in terms of fitting, there aren’t any darts to worry about!

I made View A (cropped length and no collar) from this gorgeous Lady McElroy cotton lawn; the muted colour palette feels so autumnal and the fun print of armchairs, plant pots and espresso makers gives it a real retro feel! The cotton lawn is light and soft, and I really love the finished look – you can see more photos and details on my blog.

I didn’t make my usual FBA and I cut the size smaller than I usually take, as there is plenty of ease factored in. I finished all my seams as French seams, due to the lightweight nature of cotton lawn, and I also tried really hard to get the pattern-matched on the pockets — I thought it would look too jarring to have a disruption of the pattern at the bust!

M8067 is a lovely pattern and I’m thrilled with my finished retro shirt!