 Mike. I like Mike. A lot. So much, I sewed for him.  In fact, I love this man to no end. And, it would appear he loves me; enough so to entertain, enable and encourage my crazy ideas. And, friends, there are lots. When he asked to be added to the vacation sewing list, I couldn't refuse. But I had one condition, he had to help.  As a tall but thin guy, Mike typically has to choose between a shirt that is long enough and largely oversized, or a shirt that fits his torso with sleeves that don't reach his wrists. The struggle is real. To sew this shirt, we started with McCall's 6044, chose the size medium width, and lengthened the body and sleeves of this shirt by 3 inches each. Once we made all our flat pattern adjustments, MIKE got busy and cut out his own shirts. Yes, you read correctly! He's a good student. I showed him how to find the grain of the fabric, I explained the markings on the patterns, and I advised him to be mindful of plaid matching across seam lines. He did an A+ job. Though, I caution anyone who plans to teach an engineer how to cut a pattern against using words like, 'exact' or 'precise', for both your benefit. (LOL)  I substituted the sleeve placket with my preferred tower placket. In future versions, we will likely taper the shirt slightly beginning at the under arm to better follow the shape of Mike's body. His hips are considerably narrower than his shoulders, and he could use a bit less ease in that area.  Overall, we are both very pleased with the finished garment. Mike reports that he felt very comfortable in his new shirt. And, if I may, he looked great in it!  On this particular day, I marched Mike around Brussels in search of the best chocolate Brussels has to offer (more on that later). The shirt was a performer, even in the rain. I think the above photo caught the exact moment the rain poured from the sky. Mike's shirt and shoes aren't even wet yet. Fortunately, this was the only rain we saw on our trip, and there was shelter nearby. Mike was rewarded for his resilience with another of Brussels' culinary claims to fame. Frites, or French Fries, as we call them.  Vegetarians beware, these are no ordinary fries. They're fried twice in beef marrow, the secret ingredient. It probably goes without saying, I didn't partake. Mike assures me they are delightful and worth the stomachache he earned from overindulgence. I think the expression on his face while he was eating them says it all.
18 Comments
That looks great on him! And big props for teaching him how to cut out his own pattern pieces. I really need to cut down the selfish sewing. Mel is so hard to fit, so it would be so helpful... but also really hard on clothes, which I'm not, so I think that might stress me out as the sewist! lol LOL. We had a 'conversation' about how he wasn't allowed to wear the shirts I made him to work, where he plays with machinery/oil/exhaust all day. I think it's a different kind of challenge to sew for somebody else. We, as makers, have worked so hard to learn our own unique modifications. But, it is fun to sew for somebody who appreciates it. You and Mel already have some really fabulous coordinating outfits, I can picture how absolutely incredible your couples outfit posts will be if you add sewing to the mix! :-D Love this shirt and the blue is divine! Lile the idea of using a tower placket. I hadnt thought to do that. Wish I had read your post before starting the sleeves on my hubbys shirt this afternoon. Will have to do that for next one. Thanks for sharing! And you got mad photography skills😃 9/24/2015 04:52:41 pm
Stop. Seriously. #1, the shirt is off the wall fantastic. #2, Mike cut the pattern out. #3, well...Belgian chocolate, that's what. Yep...way too much to love about this post Michelle. 9/24/2015 11:04:21 pm
He looks so utterly chuffed with his shirt, though that self-satisfied look might also reflect his ardour for you! Gorgeous shirt, gorgeous pics. I wonder if my hubby would cut out his second Negroni... he did choose a plaid AGAIN!!
Evie
9/25/2015 06:33:30 pm
It looks great! I made my husband a sweater last year that he's not allowed to wear to work either (he's a cook and runs a huge smoker most days so everything he wears smells like meat and smoke). 9/26/2015 02:11:20 pm
I think Mr MiH has a similar body to Mike's - super thin and tall guy, and finding shirts are a right nightmare. Mr MiH has asked for a shirt but to be honest I have always been too chicken to go there... but now there may be a pattern for him! Hope you had a great time in Brussels, it is a wonderful city! What a genius idea - getting the recipient to help! I've been meaning to make Ben some jeans for a while but never got past ripping apart a beat-up but well-fitting pair to make a pattern. He, like Mike, is also a quick study, so I'm sure he'll be able to handle whatever I throw at him. I'll tell him that sewers help those who help themselves! 11/12/2015 08:41:05 am
I love the shirts you make. They are so beautifully stitched. Can I pick your brains, please? What interfacing do you use to get such crisp collar and cuffs? Leave a Reply. |
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