the Marc Shirt - a pattern test

Those of you who are familiar with the pattern designer Filles a Maman may be scratching your heads right now - "Didn't the Marc Shirt pattern release months ago?" Well, yes, but somehow I never blogged about my pattern test. That surprises me though, because it was swoon at first sight with this handsome guy... the pattern that is. Of course I think the model is handsome too, but being his mom may make me a little bias ;)

Obviously this post is loooong overdue! So let me tell you about the Marc Shirt now.

As you can see the pattern features this great asymmetrical collar and button placket. It was what first caught my attention with this design. I love it! These simple and unique features are a trademark for patterns by Filles a Maman. And yes, I said simple. There is no reason to be scared of collars and plackets. The way this one attaches along the shoulder line makes it much easier to install than the traditional designs.

The pattern uses both knits and woven. The collar and shoulder accents are both from woven fabric. I took the opportunity to use more of this yummy gray chambray. Then I paired it with a super cool lightning bolt cotton jersey fabric. 

(Let me throw in this disclaimer here - I could not get him to change those shorts for these pictures. I even tried bribery. Ugh!)

The facings across the bottom hem and inside of the collar can be made with woven or knit fabric. I used the gray chambray in mine, but when I make this shirt again I will probably use knits. I know knits like to slide around more but I think it would flex with his body more too. As you can see across the back, along the bottom of the collar facing, the knit is flexing but the facing isn't. No big deal, but it might be prevented.

 Another awesome thing about this pattern is the size range. It goes from 12 months all the way up to a 14. And the keen eye may have noticed that the picture above is a different model. My boys are only 18 months apart in age and their sizes overlap a little. They are getting so big though that many indie patterns aren't made big enough for them anymore. So I get really excited when I see a pattern that goes to a 14!

My younger son was a little ambivalent about this shirt when he first saw it. But after wearing it I think it is safe to say he loves it as much as I do.

I Made It: the Jarvis Top

I was looong overdue for some boy sewing. So, when I was asked to sew up the Jarvis Top I was super excited to oblige. In fact, I made two!

The Jarvis Top was just released, along with the Ryder Trousers, and is on sale for 25% 'til Thursday at midnight (PST). The sale is for all the patterns in Made It's Craftsy store, woohoo! How I wish I could make them all...perhaps in time ;)

What stood out to me right away about the Jarvis Top was the clean lines and the modern look. It was love at first sight!  Made It Patterns is definitely a fashion forward designer!

The pattern can be made with short or long sleeves. I couldn't decide, so for Jonas I kinda made both. I cut the guitar print to a short sleeve length. The black fabric I cut at the cut from one inch above the short sleeve mark down to the wrist. Then I just sewed them up together to make a faux layered look. Both fabrics are a cotton interlock knit.

I was sold on the Jarvis Top right away with the asymmetrical yoke. The front of the shirt is all one piece with the yoke and button placket inserted. I have to admit, I wasn't sure how nicely I would be able to pull this off, but the instructions were very clear. And, well, you be the judge...

Do you love it as much as I do?! The yoke and collar lines are clean and yummy, just like the photo in the pattern. I love the technique the pattern follows to achieve this look. It is easier than you'd think!

However, photographing these two boys together...not so easy! See the look on their face in the photo above? I am not even going to show you the series of photos that ensued after this one! Bah, brothers...

They are so cute! But when I ask Jonas to put his arm around Ethan and pretend they are friends the following picture resulted.

That is SO not what I meant by "put your arm around him"!

For Ethan's shirt I played around with the pattern a bit more. 

 Ethan is on the upper end of the size range (2-10 year), but instead of trying to make it wider for his thick chest I went with the slimmer look instead. It goes well with the modern feel. And he just loves it! He was begging to wear it to school today. (Hooray for the win!)

 I split the front of the shirt and made part with a guitar print and part in a solid red. Then I made the long sleeves from the same red fabric. Both of these are a cotton jersey blend fabric. Actually, the gray yoke and collar is a cotton jersey blend too on this one.

This is an intermediate level pattern. To make it you must have knowledge of sewing with knits and be able to sew button holes. Don't let the yoke and placket keep you away. Even if you have never made them before I feel you should be able to follow along with the well written directions.

^^^ That was alittle spy action for you! ^^^ :)

Okay, back to the pattern. I was able to print the pattern up without problem. Taping it together was almost effortless! Seriously, the lines matched up perfectly. You have to love when this happens! And the fit is great. I would definitely recommend this pattern to anyone who has a boy in the size range.

These last photos are just for fun! I am just so happy the shoot worked out today.

I love these boys...even when they attempt to corrupt the pictures with obnoxious looks. Ha!

Thanks for stopping by today!

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