You can thank Jeremy for that title ;)
This may come as a surprise to no one, but I have two more finished McCalls 6613's today (and the aforementioned sweatshirt). I've basically said it before, and I'll say it again - this is the perfect men's shirt pattern. If you've ever hesitated about making a collared shirt for a spouse/father/son/any man in your life - give this pattern a chance (actually its unisex, so if you're down with oversized shirts...). I've made it many, many times (what is this - 15? 16?) and I can assure you it's a keeper!
Soon, I also need to transfer this pattern to oak tag as it's ragged and falling apart. The sign of a true TNT pattern!
There's not really anything else I can say about this pattern, except that we've really begun just making some variations. And by variations I mean more buttons and different pockets.
For this shirt we used Robert Kaufman Brussels Washer Linen Blend Yarn Dye in Olive. The Brussels Washer linen is a blend of linen and rayon. Not only does that seem to make it budget friendly (we bought 15 yards at once), but it's also soft and doesn't really seem to wrinkle too terribly.
Jeremy chose to have the pocket flap variation used for this version, as well as a contrasty gold-green thread, with some tortoiseshell buttons. For our pictures, we buzzed up a canyon in Malibu on the motorcycle, where there were some surprising fall vibes going on. If only the temps would cool off a bit...
This red shirt was made in the Brussels Linen Blend Yarn Dye in Red. I think of these two shirts, this one is the real stunner. The green is handsome, but the red really pops. I feel like in this color you can also really see the texture of the yarn dyed fabric, and it has more of a chambray vibe rather than a solid color.
We also went with a self drafted pocket - I just took my square pocket template from Archer and redrew it with an angled bottom. Jeremy also wanted buttons on the collar, so I added those. Having never done this, I placed the buttons where the pattern marked them, but I personally think they need to be a bit higher on the neck so the collar doesn't pull down. Jeremy's happy with it though, so they'll stay.
And finally, a new sweatshirt! The pattern is the same raglan pattern that I've made a few times (here and here), again with some new modifications.
The fabric is a really nice, and I suspect rayon-ish, French terry from The Fabric Store. Dudes, they had a massive sale a few weeks ago, and I wish I'd picked up more fabrics (I did get some amazing wool suiting for a coat at a great price, and met Beth of Sew DIY during one of my trips though).
The main design feature of this sweatshirt is that it was sewn loops out with contrast cuffs/bands/collar (aka the right side of the fabric). Jeremy saw a loops out sweater on Iron & Resin's website (a local-ish motorcycle/outdoors inspired shop) - so he requested a similar one after seeing the French terry. I also added a pocket from M6613 and a V neckline detail (stitched on with a dense zigzag) and it was complete! Easy peasy!
Overall, Jeremy seems very happy with these three new shirts, and hopefully they'll take him in to fall and winter. I'd like to make him (and he's requested) a new flannel shirt - but other than that, I think we're pretty set for collared shirts for awhile. Next is pants and sweaters for him!
Do you have any menswear items on your Fall sewing list?
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