Thursday 7 September 2017

Soft Stripes // Sew Over It 'Alex Shirt' Pattern Review

A loose fitting, everyday shirt is a staple wardrobe piece that can be worked into many outfit scenarios- go rogue and leave it untucked for an easy breezy effect or dress that item up to rock it for an evening affair. I do love a great cotton shirt but it's a sewing project I had yet to put into practise for my own closet. That is, of course, until I found my dream pattern from the ever stylish Sew Over It after treating myself to the diverse collection My Capsule Wardrobe: City Break!


I'm a huge fan of the patterns from this company and loved making the Erin pencil skirt in a sumptuously dark denim; actually that skirt would be matched perfectly with the Alex shirt, the subject of today's post!


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Again, emphasising the flexibility of these simply fantastic patterns, this little fella can be drafted as a basic button up or into a free flowing dress version. With its folded sleeve detail and easy fit, this pattern can be constructed by confident sewers and beginners alike. I found it such a pleasure to create and enjoyed the finer details such as the collar band and button panel, to really push my skills and stretch a few dressmaking muscles.


The button band reaches no higher than the bust point giving a softer, less formal look, it's cute pocket offers a fun detail and the pleat in the back allows it to move and fit like a dream!


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


I worked mine up in a thin cotton, using the wrong side of the fabric to achieve a faded blue stripe as opposed to a bolder hit of colour, just another detail I feel lends itself to that 'throw it on' vibe. I applied simple blue buttons and added a nautical feel with a tiny hand appliquéd anchor to the pocket.


The pattern came together perfectly, I found the instructions (as always) a delight to use and was helped along the way by one or two Sew Over It videos, including how to fold and stitch the yoke... I mentioned I liked a good challenge, right?


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Alex shirt pattern review. Sew Over It London, handmade, striped shirt, dressmakers, fashion, autumn winter, latest make, sewing maching, over sized shirt, blue white striped, lbloggers, fbloggers, craft bloggers, sewing


Over all I had a blast making this striped beauty and found the pattern and instructions fabulous, the fabric stitched and irons perfectly and I'm thrilled with the finished result! I've already worn it to death as it fits into my current seasonal and day to day wardrobe and given the nature of the shape it is super comfy!


This could be made up using many lightweight materials, although if you are a complete beginner I'd always suggest keeping a low budget for your first attempt- you can always make many more as you build confidence, experimenting with different variations and details as you develop. I look forward to whipping up the dress version and can't wait to see what looks I can achieve when switching up to a linen or even something softer and flowier!


For now though I can't praise this ebook of patterns enough and will continue to test them out and revel in my ever growing handmade closet!

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