I made this James out of a cotton/linen blend. It’s a bit lightweight, but it was super easy to work with. I used the instructions with the pattern and the sewalong on the Ready to Sew website, and I didn’t have any trouble. I too thought the facing was awkward, but I got it done.
Like the other review mentions, the head hole is small. I can get my head through it, but I have to take my glasses off. I also went up a couple sizes and made a 38, but for my next one, I will go up one more size.
The shirt is awesome. I chose to do a side pocket on this one, and I don’t like it near as much as I thought I would. I plan to make another out of a heavier linen.