The Colette Negroni pattern appears to be my go-to for shirts for my husband.  Well, for more casual shirts.

The fabric is really what makes these shirts. This is a seasonal print Liberty lawn, bought online from Shaukat a couple of years ago (so it’s probably from one of the 2013 ranges if you’re trying to find it). All those houses! It’s cool to wear and silky against the skin. Because of the tight weave you do need a nice sharp new needle in your sewing machine. Otherwise, it’s a dream to work with.

There are actually two chest pockets on that shirt – can you see them? There was no deliberate pattern matching involved; the print is so busy that the pockets seem to disappear. I love the buttons – they came from Notionally Better on etsy. I might have to stock up on these when we’re in Thailand.

I sewed size Medium, and took a substantial fold out of the sleeve pattern piece to shorten them. Maybe as much as three inches? They are incredibly long otherwise. I always forget to make the top button lower than I have here – it’s really that bit too high, and he tends to leave it undone.

Colette describe this pattern as follows: For men that like a classic, slightly retro shirt with a more modern cut, this shirt pattern is just the thing. The instructions will guide you gently through every step of creating a well-crafted casual shirt: felled seams, a lined back yoke, and sleeve plackets on the long sleeve version. Subtle details include a convertible collar (also known as a “camp collar”) and midcentury style collar loop detail. This shirt can be made in a variety of fabrics, such as crisp shirting, warm flannel for winter, or cool rayon for summer. Check out the pattern info for more details and suggested fabrics. Version 1 has long sleeves finished with a placket and cuff. Version 2 has short sleeves.

I also leave off the collar loop.  He’s never going to do that up and it’s just fiddly and I don’t think it particularly adds anything.  I do like the burrito style yoke of this shirt.  I don’t do the felled seams – I just assemble on the overlocker instead, and topstitch with the machine.

I have another length of Liberty in my stash waiting to become another shirt. Let’s hope that it doesn’t take three years this time!