Doesn't Gingham & Grainlines sound like a blog? There are so many _____ & ______ blog names. If you wanted to start a sewing blog but didn't know what to call it, you're welcome.
Anyway, this is the famous and beloved Grainline Archer button-up shirt. I think everyone in the universe has made one. There are a million different version of this all over the place, in everything to Liberty lawn to black silk to quilting cotton. Mine is a navy Robert Kaufmann gingham. It feels nice and it was easy to work with as I approached my first sleeve plackets and collar stand!
I've been growing my skills like crazy this year and really trying to do new things, and having lots of fun with it. Sometimes you're just like, sewing is so great!!! you know?
I spent all weekend in the car with my husband Alex and Wooster the dog and my friend as we drove down to Athens, Georgia, for a wedding. It felt interminable and my brain is totally gone right now--my friend and I are writing a middle grade fantasy-ish novel and we spent about 10 hours reading it to each other (and Alex, and the dog) to try and spot any weird phrasing and typos and stuff. We were all a little loopy at the end. The wedding was really fun but the driving and reading aloud were tough! All of this just to say that I don't really have much to add to the Archer canon. It was great to put together, well drafted, etc etc. I made a straight size 4, no modifications, and I'm pretty happy with the fit. Next time, I'll make real sleeve plackets--I think this style would be good for a silk blouse or something, but I don't like it for a menswear-style shirt. Then even in my remake I will be learning a new skill. I did seem to have a lot of extra cuff fabric--I may have done my pleats wrong.
I was thinking about making Alex an Archer, just in a larger size. I tried googling but I couldn't find anyone who made one for a man! I think it would work fine though--there's not really any drafting that would make it inappropriate for a man, especially if you use the alternate steps Grainline provides to make a real sleeve placket. Has anyone seen a men's Archer, or have a reason why this would a bad idea?
xoxo,
allie
ps: if anyone knows a middle grade fiction agent that would like to read a manuscript, send me an email! our quick pitch is: "reverse harry potter, or, what would happen if the malfoys had a squib daughter and decided to send her to boarding school in america." i'm biased, but it's awesome.