ME-MADE CLOSET CORE JENNA SHIRT
Closet Core Sewing Patterns - Jenna Button-Up Shirt
Atelier Brunette Fabric - Mira Dreamy Twilight Eco Viscose Fabric
Closet Core Patterns' Jenna Button-Up Shirt & Dress is one of my favourite sewing patterns to use. I love the different combinations it allows for, as well as being able to modify it easily, according to my desires! The shirt is a design that I can wear on a regular basis throughout the year.
Pattern and Fabric Choice
For this project, I had decided on the fabric first. As soon as Atelier Brunette released their Illusion collection with the Mira designs and colour combinations on the Viscose fabrics, I knew I just had to save some of this fabric for myself! Too gorgeous not to! I chose the Mira in Dreamy Twilight colour, and so needed a pattern to show it off.
As someone who is 5' 3" tall, with a small frame, I felt that a long dress with this busy print would be too much for me, and perhaps, overwhelm me. I then thought of using the fabric to make a shirt, as I love shirts and so, I picked up the Jenna Sewing Pattern by Closet Core Patterns. I instantly felt that the cropped version (View B) of the shirt would work best for the fabric and me; a cropped, section burst of colour and print for the top half of me!
Sewing Pattern Modifications
View B is a cropped button-up shirt with a straight hem. I made some modifications to the sewing pattern, to better suit my body proportions:
- Cropped hem length by 4 inches: The design ends at high hip, but I wanted it to sit just above my waist, so that it looks like an obvious cropped design on me!
- Shorten sleeves 1/2 inch: As I was using a Viscose fabric that has drape, I didn't want long, baggy sleeves, so decided to shorten it slightly by taking 1/2" off the sleeve length.
- Shorten sleeve cuff length 1/2 inch: I felt the cuff was too deep for me (aesthetically) on a previous make, but only by a little!
- No top-stitching: As I was using Viscose, which has drape and looks more of a blouse-like style, rather than a work shirt, I chose to omit the topstitching details, except for the collar stand.
Fabric
Atelier Brunette's Mira in Dreamy Twilight Eco Viscose Fabric
Fabric used: 130cm
Buttons
Button Stand: 5 x Corozo 2-Hole Buttons in Black 11mm
Sleeve Cuff: 2 x Corozo 2-Hole Buttons in Black 15mm
Details
The sewing pattern has good clear, step-by-step instructions to follow. The collar construction is different to what I usually do, and although I do understand its benefits, I do prefer a different way, but just personal preference. And they do give you other ways to construct a collar with links to their website page of tips and advice!
The Viscose fabric from Atelier Brunette is lovely to sew with. Even though it has drape, it is not slippy or silk-like like a viscose challis. It is much more stable and structured. I personally love sewing with this viscose with its eco credentials, perfect amount of structure and drape. My only advice would be to make sure your sewing needle is sharp, and that your cutting tool for the buttonholes is also sharp, otherwise, a blunt needle/cutter will likely pull or snag the fabric.
I love the deep yoke of this shirt, along with its loop on the back. A single patch pocket on the front left chest adds a subtle bit of interest to the front. Small but simple details can really help lift a plain garment, yet not be too distracting for a bold patterned fabric, or vice versa.
Year-round Wear
As it is a Viscose fabric, it has more drape than a crisp cotton shirt, therefore looks more 'blousey'. It can be dressed up or down, depending on what I'm wearing on the bottom half. A slinky long skirt or drapey trousers would elevate it; and a denim pair of jeans would keep it casual.
Autumn into winter, the cropped shirt is roomy enough to be layered on top of a base layer, or even a polo-neck top. I am looking forward to wearing this throughout the year!
Another happy make! Highly recommend both this sewing pattern and the fabric!
Product Links
- Fabric: Atelier Brunette's Mira in Dreamy Twilight Eco Viscose Fabric
- Sewing Pattern: Closet Core Patterns' Jenna Button-Up Shirt & Dress
- Buttons: Corozo 2-Hole Buttons in Black 11mm, Corozo 2-Hole Buttons in Black 15mm
#ClosetCoreJenna #ClosetCorePatterns