McCalls M6044: Update

So this week I've been delving into the otherside of sewing, menswear. This is the first time I've made anything for a man and so far there really isn't anything different.

The only obvious differences is that this shirt is not fitted, so no darts, and the sleeves have been split into 2 pieces meaning when I sew up the sides I carry on sewing to the sleeve hem.

I've been a bit of a slow sewer this week, and have only progressed a small amount really.
This is what I have so far....

So the pockets are on, the yokes are on, front & back are attached and the sleeves are on ready to be sewn with the side seams.

Next are the cuffs, front facings, collar, hem, then the snaps & buttons.

I also wanted to share what I've been using as interfacing for this project, and I'm wondering if anyone else has done this? When buying the fabric for this shirt my husband couldn't find good enough interfacing. The woman working in the fabric shop told him to use Aida fabric instead, which is primarily used for cross stitching. So on her advice he brought home a metre of the stuff, and so far I have to say if you're wanting very stiff cuffs, or pocket flaps etc.. this stuff works!

Howdy Cowboy!

This week will see me take a break from sewing for myself, and will see me tackle my first menswear pattern. As I mentioned before I recently bought McCalls M6044 to make for my husband, who has been patiently waiting for me to make something for him. This pattern has 5 variations, but the most appealing and the one I will be making is Version E which is pretty much a cowboy shirt.

One Saturday when my husband was in town shopping he picked up (all by himself, no less!) some fabric for the shirt. He decided on some lightweight denim in an almost gray marl weave, and for the contrasting shoulder pieces, some black cotton. He also picked up some ready made black piping for the detailing and some pearlised snaps.

Needless to say I was pretty speechless when he walked through the door and handed me the bag! He's certainly a man who knows what he wants!

And as a 'thank you wife for making me this awesome shirt' he'd also bought me some crsip white cotton so I could make another version of my leopard print blouse.

For your viewing pleasure here are some ready to wear denim shirts that I'm using for inspiration

I also stumbled upon this Butterick Pattern whilst 'googling', couldn't resist posting it!

Just look at that onesie! Tres Sexy!

All images sourced through google images