I just finished my first Archer. I enjoyed the whole process. Printing, taping, tracing, contemplating pattern layout to maximize matching, sewing, studying, all of it. I had the weekend pretty much to myself. Sewing marathon. I bought this pattern quite some time ago, and have been contemplating it. Even bought fabric for it, more than once. Next week we are going camping, and I thought that this pattern would be a great cover up. Cool, fashionable sunscreen! So this was my test Archer, at the very least, I would have a camping shirt!
I bought this fabric on sale at JoAnns. $4.99 a yard. I bought 3 yards. It was 44" wide.
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| Saturday morning |
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| Sunday afternoon |
I cut it out all single layer to make sure that I could match the plaid. Lucky for me, this fabric had no wrong side! This allowed me to use the reverse side as well, so that I could mirror the pattern across the front and sleeves. I used almost all of it!
I traced and cut a size 14. I only made 3 alterations during the making. I made the cuff about 1 3/4" shorter and slimmed the sleeve to match. I added a dart in the front armscye on the fly, to remove excess fabric in the front.
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| Shortened the cuff to be 9" from buttonhole marking to button marking |
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| Added dart in armscye |
I read through Jen's sew along on the Grainline Studio blog. I read the instructions. I decided to follow her techniques for the collar.
Look at this turned point!
Her instructions are similar to one I have followed from Gigi from Behind the Seams. It was easy. I think this is the best looking collar I have made yet. Pretty inside and out.
Since this will be for camping, and my trailer closet is a hanging type, I added a hanging tab for ease.
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| Inside back, with hanging tab |
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| My best collar yet! |
I think this is my favorite button up shirt yet. I love it. I have been wearing all afternoon and it is very comfortable.
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| Added button closure to front pocket (had to shorten them as well due to a miss cut the first time and then fabric shortage) |
I did not follow the recommended button placement. I usually figure out where I need a button across my bust, to eliminate gaping, and then I evenly space the remaining based upon that bust button placement.
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| Love the cuff detail! |
Sorry for the lame selfies, my DH is working.
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| Sleeves down |
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| Sleeves rolled |
Needless to say, I will be a happy camper!!!
Stay Happy,
Keep Sewing,
and if you can't sew
Go Camping!!
I miss my sister!!
