Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Grainline's Archer in Liberty Paisley

I have wanted a smart button-up for ages. My friend Maree in Brisbane wears sharp button-up shirts and wide-leg pants and always looks incredibly chic, and I've always wanted to emulate her look. But I guess I've been a little scared of the old button-up shirt. Plackets, button bands, collar stands - aaaahhhh!! Scary stuff.

When Grainline released their Archer Shirt I knew I would delve into the unchartered sewing territory of button-up shirts. Mostly because it is an awesome looking pattern, and also because Jen did an Archer Sew-A-Long that I followed to sew my first Archer. In addition, I love my Moss Mini pattern so much I knew the Archer shirt would become a long-time friend of mine.

And it has.



I've wanted a paisley button-up after seeing a 70's film star wearing one. I can't remember for the life of me who it was - maybe Diane Keaton? Anyway, I went searching for an appropriate paisley and found this Liberty Lawn on the Shaukat site - it is called 'Bourton'.

So.... the pattern. This is a size 8 with no alterations. Can you believe it? I do have one thing I will change for next time.... I need to make the sleeves slightly shorter.


I was a bit naughty and didn't muslin the cuff. Muslined everywhere else, but not the cuff. So the sleeves are a tad too long. Anna had the brilliant idea of turning the cuffs back - I had been despairing, but this has totally saved the day!! And thank you Anna for these great photos!


I didn't use the instructions that came with the pattern at all. Instead I followed the sew-a-long to the tee. And I will for my next one (fabric is drying on the line for it) and the next one (a yet-to-be-purchased chambray). What can I say? If you are thinking of making this pattern, use the sew-a-long. It totally demystifies every single step of a button-up shirt. Including the collar stand. It is, in all honesty, pure genius.

So - what do you think? My paisley Archer. I think I love you.


18 comments:

  1. I like it too - I still hope to make another. I also had a problem with sleeve length

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  2. I REALLY love that. Uber casual cool and chic. You so need to be walking down a New York sidewalk, on your way to the Met.

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  3. Oh it's lovely! I really wish my sewing wish list wasn't sooooo long. I have a black and white buffalo check set aside for it...

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  4. Wow! love this pattern/fabric combo. You have inspired me to sew a crisp cotton shirt! :-) Agree with Karen, Uber chic!

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  5. You have inspired me to definitely get on the Archer bandwagon. I live in Brisbane like your friend, weather is almost getting too warm for a long sleeved shirt already!

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  6. It's lovely! I agree that the sew-a-long is fantastic.

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  7. I think I love your paisley archer, too! :)

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  8. You've definitely nailed 70s chic with this amazing make! I can totally see why you're eager to make more versions!I've been dying to try it myself, but my sewing list is sooooo long!

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  9. I ADORE your shirt...my two favourite things paisley and a men's style shirt. Fabulous sewing on your first shirt. You are lovely to me :).

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  10. Awesome! My Mum's fried always wears paisley ties and I've always wanted a bit of paisley in my life. Love shaukat!

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  11. Loving the paisley!!! Diane Keaton would totally want to snatch this out of your wardrobe. I love this pattern so hard, I'm planning a sleeveless version soon. Nice work!

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  12. very, very nice. And the chambray is going to make an excellent second!! I do love a good button-up shirt :)

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  13. The paisley is so on point for the fall! Great job!

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  14. This is seriously cool. The 70s vibe and rad fit make for all kinds of awesome!

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  15. Very prettty shirt :) my first visit to your blog I sew and blog@ TheHobbyHarbor

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  16. Fantastic fabric choice!! I love all of Jen's patterns, this one included, and Archer can be done up in so many different ways!

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  17. Very prettty shirts :) my first visit to your blog

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