Beginner Friendly Button-up Shirt!

by Koetiquemade

3 Materials

$25

3 Hours

Medium

It’s sad to admit that I was in my 40’s before I sewed myself a button-up shirt. I used to really be intimidated by sewing button holes as well as sewing with woven fabric. Also, sleeve installation with woven fabrics was a little frustrating to say the least. Knit fabric is what I prefer, particularly Ponte Knit. However, the Melody Dolman by Love Notions seemed like a fun new pattern to try.

The Pattern

When I saw the release of the Melody Dolman by Love Notions Sewing Patterns a few years back I got really excited. It was a woven button front shirt, but it had cuffed Dolman sleeves rather than typical set in sleeves. I knew this was the shirt for me. So I purchased the pattern immediately. I had been gifted this Lady McElroy Butterfly Poplin fabric from Minerva.com and I knew it would be perfect for this project. I wrote more about it on a blog post for Minerva.com.

I even found the most darling butterfly buttons at Joann’s to go with it.

A Simple Collar

If you’re new to sewing button-down shirts, this is a great beginner pattern. The camp style collar looks clean on the inside and out, and bonus- it’s easy to do! The directions that come with all of Love Notions Patterns are so wonderfully put together and easy to understand. If there’s a part that might be confusing a video link is almost always included. Its so helpful! Probably 80% of my wardrobe is made from Love Notions Patterns.

Lots of Styling Options

My Palisade Pants that I posted previously went perfect with my new shirt. It also went really well with a brightly colored pencil skirt. I love that I can wear this shirt tucked or tied too. Just depending on my mood. There's so many styling options!

Customizing the Pattern!

I also got to thinking about other ways I could hack this pattern to customize it more. Here’s some cute ideas I found while scrolling through Instagram.

I really loved this look and immediately thought of ways to replicate it. I could use more drapey fabric, size up a bit and add a ruffle rather than a cuff to get a look similar to Courtney Shaw. Still haven't done it but it's on my short list.