I don’t have many ‘traditional’ woven collared shirts in my wardrobe. I often think of those magazine articles about wardrobe ‘must-haves’ that always seem to include classic shirts. Every now and then I think that I need some of them, make some, then pass them on. My most recent collared shirt is definitely not being passed on – it’s scored a firm place in my wardrobe!
This is the Ready To Sew Jane shirt. It’s a French pattern company that I haven’t used before. Enough of these shirts had popped up on Instagram to pique my interest, and I gave it a go.
From the website: Jane is a wrap top with a boyish flare. With a boxy fit, slightly dropped sleeve and a round neckline, Jane has the perfect mix of masculine and feminine styles. The bust is made up of only one piece of fabric without side seams. The unique pattern and beautiful draping paired with the need to only undo four buttons make Jane the perfect top for breastfeeding! Its versatility means that it can be worn tucked into high-waisted jeans or left out for a more relaxed look. Jane can be made with ¾ length puffy sleeves, straight long sleeves with a boxed pleat at the wrist or short sleeves. This pattern requires a reversible fabric, so choose one that has a similar face and reverse side. Or if you are feeling inspired, you could try something new like a crepe fabric with a shiny and matte side.
As you can see, I chose to sew the version with straight long sleeves with the boxed pleat at the wrist. The fabric is cupro, with a woven check, bought from Darn Cheap Fabrics a while ago. This pattern needs a fabric that looks pretty much the same on both sides, or where the reverse side is a feature in some way.
I found it hard to decide on what size to sew, because the main pattern piece is quite an unusual shape. I chose to sew size 42, which is really a size down from my measurements, and the shirt is a little snug across the back and through the bicep. It’s still completely wearable, but I will size up the next time that I sew this pattern.
It wasn’t possible to match up the checks along the centre back seam because of the angle of that seam on the pattern piece. This shirt has surprisingly few pattern pieces – the front and back body is all cut in one. I find that the shirt looks best on me unbuttoned, or with only the lower button done up. If I had sized up a bit that may have been better.
I really like this style on me, especially as it gives the overall vibe of a front tuck without having to actually do one! I much prefer these proportions. The instructions were good, and there’s even a sewalong with plenty of step by step photographs if you like some extra assistance.
The jeans that I’m wearing with my Jane shirt are Stokx Square Pants, previously blogged here. I thought it might be worth sharing a few more photos.
