My first ever shirt!

A review of Grainline Studio Archer Button Up Shirt

Reviewed by Natasha on 21st May, 2021

Close up Front view Back view Bound hem

I almost didn’t share this project as it’s not my proudest sewing moment. However, making and wearing my own clothes has helped me so much on my journey of body acceptance, I felt it would be wrong to cast it aside or not share because it isn’t “perfect”.

I’ve accepted my own flaws and quirks so here is my first ever shirt – flaws, quirks and uneven top-stitching in all its glory!

Fabric – Lady McElroy Crowded Faces Cotton Lawn – a dream to work with!

Pattern – Grainline Archer shirt – a classic! If you’ve never made a shirt before, I would recommend this pattern to confident novices (like me!) I found the instructions easy to follow and also the helpful hints and tips and videos that are available too were put to use.

Another first was finishing the curved hem using bias binding – such a crisp neat finish!

I really like the pattern/fabric match and how it turned out – living in a world of virtual meetings everyday, shirts are fast becoming my go-to item for work video calls.

I wore this yesterday and no one noticed the wobbly stitching I was so worried about – I even got a few compliments!