After our new Recital Shirt sewing pattern started taking shape, I got an idea for a version I wanted to make just for myself. I decided to go with a fabric that might seem unexpected: silk organza. Why? I’ve always been drawn to the crisp, sheer, and slightly unruly nature of organza. It’s odd, though, because in these pictures, it doesn’t look all that sheer, but when I first tried it on, my daughter insisted I needed to wear a camisole underneath. I thought it would be fun to experiment with the transparency of the fabric and pair it with a champagne-colored bra that would peek through from the sides and back but remain hidden from the front thanks to the pleats. S wasn’t having any of it. (I guess I need to get used to this pre-teen phase where everything mom does is embarrassing.) In the end, I went with the camisole this time around.
Anyway, back to the organza. It holds a crease beautifully, which made it a pleasure to work with, even though it lacks any crosswise stretch. I had to account for that by adjusting the facings. If you decide to try this yourself, use the regular collar and cuff pattern pieces for the facings instead of the specific facing pieces. Working with a fabric that’s both sheer and prone to fraying meant I had to think carefully about how to handle the seam allowances, since they’d be visible. I opted for French seams for the sides and princess seams, while for the other seams (like the collar, sleeve cuffs, and yoke), I trimmed the seam allowances down to about 1/8 inch and used a tiny zigzag stitch to finish them. I even added an extra layer of organza as interfacing for the cuffs and collar. Overall, it wasn’t overly complicated to sew, though it did take some time. It was definitely a fun challenge!
This shirt is also a joy to wear! I love pairing it with my ripped and torn jeans, as shown here, but it also looks fantastic with dressier trousers and pencil skirts. Every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments. I think it would look amazing with my formal tartan skirt for holiday events too—black tie optional, of course. Maybe it’s time to host a little gathering so I can show off this combination?
I also made another version of the shirt using denim chambray, and it’s quickly become a staple in my wardrobe. I probably wear it at least twice a week. For this version, I used Robert Kaufman’s Folsom Crosshatch Denim. My favorite way to wear it is paired with black trousers or a pencil skirt. Speaking of pencil skirts, I’ll share more about this specific one next week. The shirt is long enough that it looks great untucked or in a half-tuck, but it also feels polished when tucked in. You know, the classic, put-together look.
So there you have it—I’ve created two versions of the Recital Shirt, one in silk organza and the other in denim chambray. It’s amazing how different fabrics can completely change the vibe of the same pattern. Have you given this pattern a try yet? I highly recommend it!
As an aside, I’ve been experimenting with some new techniques lately, including adding decorative embroidery details to my projects. It adds such a personal touch and elevates the finished garment. I’ll be sharing more about that soon. Until then, happy sewing, and let me know if you have any questions about these projects!
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