The first item on the list for my little Summer 2018 Capsule wardrobe is a simple notched collar shirt. In my last post I shared some pattern ideas, so go check that out for some inspiration and links to four different patterns that fit the bill. I plan on making all four shirts, but since all but one had a pdf download option, I have started with the Hey June Willamette while the others find their way to my mailbox.

Willamette Details:

• You can choose a cropped or regular length.
• Loose pullover style, so you don’t need to do buttonholes (but you certainly could add them if you wanted to!)
• dolman sleeves, so there is no sleeve insertion.
• Nice sturdy cuffs, or no cuff option
• breast pocket option
• shaped hem for a professional and flattering style
• pleat at the center back
• Easy to construct and adjust

Fabric: I chose the Linen & Viscose Slub in “Natural” from Blackbird Fabrics in Canada. You can also purchase this fabric on Fabric.com if you’re in the US. It’s a little cheaper, and you get free US shipping if you order over $49 (which isn’t difficult to do!). I only learned this after purchasing it from Blackbird, but it’s okay since I do like supporting small, woman-owned businesses. This fabric is simply heavenly. It’s a medium-weight with lots of drape, and feels like butter against the skin. It is also super easy to sew and press.

I sewed view A without the little button. I have a 31.5″ bust and sewed size 2. Lengthened the body by 1″, since I have a long torso, but the length on this is pretty generous, so I don’t think this would be necessary for most people. I chose not to interface the collar or front placket, since the fabric was already quite thick, and I wanted a more floppy collar. Very happy with this decision. I also think I made the neckline slightly lower, but this is very easy to adjust, and directions for doing so are included. The instructions are incredibly clear. Usually the seam ripper is my best friend because I misread the instructions or don’t understand them, but with this pattern, I didn’t have to use it all!

I do think this would be appropriate for a beginner, as long as you’ve made a couple things.

The shirt took my about four hours to make from cutting out to finishing. Now that I’ve made it once, I think I could easily do it in 2-3 hours. The fact that you don’t need to insert sleeves or do buttonholes was a huge time-saver!

I can easily see this becoming one of my favorite garments this summer. It’s so minimal, classic, and understated…and yet sexy somehow. I wore it all day yesterday, tucked into the front of my jeans, and felt cool and comfortable in the 80+ degree weather.