Nov 2, 2014

The Completed Organic Flannel Shirt!



My orchid flannel shirt is finished.  I couldn't be more pleased with it.

I had originally intended to add breast pockets to the shirt fronts and got as far as making them (though not the flaps).  But this organic flannel is so thick -- I'd label it chamois, really -- that it would have added too much bulk to an area where I'm already somewhat bulky.

I think a men's shirt looks more elegant without pockets, don't you?

You'll recall that I received this fabric from the online fabric store, Organic Cotton Plus.  I've worked with flannel in the past, but never flannel this thick and luxurious.  I interfaced only the outward-facing collar stand and collar, skipping the front button placket and cuffs, which didn't need the extra body.  The fabric was very easy to work with. 











The sleeves have plackets; each cuff has two buttons.





The shoulder and side seams are flat-felled.  I made the entire shirt, buttonholes included, on my vintage Singer 201.



Here I am in the finished shirt.  It's wonderfully toasty -- perfect for a brisk, windy Sunday.  (As always, photos can be supersized in Picasa.)







 

Flannel is one of those fabrics that only get better with age.  I hope to be wearing this for a long, long time. 

Have a great day, everybody!

45 comments:

  1. Let me be the first to say this is a great looking shirt! Sure bet it is very comfortable. You will really enjoy this on the cold drab days this winter.

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  2. WOW that color looks great on you . Great Job...

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  3. Inspired by your shirt, I just bought some of this flannel (grey with yellow foxes) to line a coat (mid-1960s vogue #6554) which i am making with a vintage winter white-grey striped tweed.
    won't slide over clothes as easily as a traditional lining fabric but will be cozy and fun.

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  4. Great looking shirt, and a really good color on you! Flannel is a Christmas favorite around here (PNW), already have the fabric and I need to get busy with it...6 shirts to do for Christmas gifts!

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  5. I really love that colour. And I agree, no pockets make for a more elegant look.

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  6. Okay, I'm having sleeve placket envy. Nice job! Also, organic cotton is a big deal environmentally. Non-organic cotton is a big pesticide/water hog.

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  7. Great shirt in a gorgeous color!

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  8. Great color, beautifully made. You'll enjoy wearing it for many years to come!

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  9. Like everyone else, I think this is a great color. As always, great job of the shirt.

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  10. Like everyone else, I am always so impressed with your topstitching. Men's tailoring is such a foreign concept to me and your work is impeccable. I have one chamois shirt and always look forward to the one day a year in CA when it is appropriate to wear - so comfy!

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  11. Beautiful stitching on luscious fabric. How did you get those small collar point buttonholes so perfectly sewn? Great job. True inspiration for the rest of us.

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    1. I used my vintage Singer buttonholer -- the one that allows to to adjust both the length of the hole and the width (and density) of the stitches (without templates).

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6hTNQmgG3w

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  12. Fantastic! The fit and finishes are top notch. But your topstitching is the cat's pyjamas.

    Spud.

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  13. Love the color, the workmanship and especially the styling. The last photo is especially good.

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  14. This is such a handsome shirt, wonderful color

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  15. This turned out great. It's a wonderful color on you too.

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  16. Oh Peter, it look wonderful. Whats a great color for you.

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  17. That's a great colour on you! Although it wouldn't surprise me if micheal steals it becuase I think it would look lovely on him aswell!
    Frankie
    Xxx

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  18. Wow, super lovely and cosy! Looks great on you.

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  19. SeamsterEast at aol.comNovember 3, 2014 at 6:05 AM

    Peter, you have gone from an eager rookie to a highly skilled craftsman. Congratulations. Yet again a very nice piece of work.

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  20. Gorgeous. Now I have to add one more thing to my "things I need to sew" queue. A great flannel shirt.

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  21. I would definitely wear a shirt like that. Love everything about it. I can almost feel the luxurious softness of it. Beautiful job!

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  22. It's such a gorgeous color on you, it'll brighten up the winter!

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  23. That last picture is frame worthy!

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  24. Fabulous shirt, fabulous color, fabulous workmanship and oh so wearable. Great job, Peter.

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  25. Beautifully made! Mastering a perfect collar and stand is something I've never been able to do. Nice work, Peter.

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  26. beautiful shirt, styled very nicely. workmanship is top notch as usual. all of this on a straight stitch machine. very very impressive.

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  27. The color, the craftsmanship, and cuddliness - another winner in your wardrobe!

    Your 201 did ya proud.

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  28. Looks great! That colour is definitely 'you'. And, yes, no pockets look so much better on dress shirt styles.
    Thanks for the fabric source, too.

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  29. Peter, this is fabulous! I am really impressed with your shirt making skill. The color is also a very good one for you, if the pictures tell the truth. How come only one dog has a sweater on? Sorry, I just noticed that!

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  30. Looks wonderful, how nice to source thick cozy fabric. Flannel is lovely next to the skin.

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  31. AWESOME!

    Professional, tailored, better then ready to wear, Peter you should have been a tailor.

    I think I need to get one of those singer buttonholers that don't need templates. What is the model number on it ?

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  32. love a good flannel shirt and that color is fab on you. another great job

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  33. What a nice shirt and the collar, especially! It looks warm, too. What is your rule about sleeve length relative to your thumb (if you have one)?

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    1. (Referring to a rule, not your thumb(s).)

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    2. I don't have a rule, just have a sense of what feels/looks right.

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  34. Fantastic job. I agree it looks like what I know as chamois. Really top notch sewing. I like doing shirts on my 201 as well. I really like the fit and the collar. And the color. Well, let's just go with I like everything about it.

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  35. Fab! I agree, I don't think it needs a pocket. It lools great as it is

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  36. I love that last photo with the shirt tucked in and the cap! Beautiful job on the shirt, Peter.

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  37. This looks great! I love the color!

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  38. Excellent job - that color is amazing! But where is Freddy's sweater? He looks chilly! Perhaps he would like his own flannel cover-up . . .

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