I think this was about my 6th Tessuti pattern, but this was the first one with some complexity. I’ve not made many shirts but I decided to make it in my “good” fabric straight away, a beautifully soft and easy to sew cotton from Selvedge and Bolts, as I’d tried on a sample at the Knitting and Stitching festival so I knew the size 12 would fit me without alteration.
The Tessuti instructions are always quite detailed and well-illustrated and that was the case here, although some of the labelling on the photos was in very small type face, and a high contrast thread would also have helped a bit. The pocket is not a straightforward patch pocket, it’s sewn so that there are slight pleats at the side and bottom edges (I think they described it as “floating”). There is a more detailed set of instructions on the website, but even using that, one of the bottom corners of my pocket didn’t quite work, which is why I’ve only given the pattern four stars. However the nature of the print means it’s not noticeable unless you’re looking and overall I’m pleased with the result. The sleeves finish with a slit in the edge which was an interesting detail to sew, and has an effect I really like, I’d definitely consider trying to replicate it on other garments. The other unusual aspect (to me at least) was that the bottom edge of the shirt has a facing rather than a hem. This worked well.
I don’t usually like high buttoned shirt collars on me, but this one I do, and it also sits well with the top button undone. I may well make this pattern again – I have some silk in my stash which I think would suit it, but I’m slightly nervous about attempting the pocket pleats in a slippery fabric.