My goodness ~ thank you, Readers, for solving the pajamas vs. shirt dilemma! You overwhelmingly suggested that I stay true to my original intention, and I am taking your advice. I will wear the top as pajamas 
The decision, however, left me without the boyfriend shirt I was craving. Enter garment #6.
Indeed ~ another shirt.
Greetings from the campus of Johnson and Wales University in beautiful Charlotte, NC. We happen to be staying in a hotel that connects with the campus, and if I was a student again, I’d fill my closet with cozy and comfortable button down shirts. This one is sewn in a chambray from Fabric.com.
The pattern is the classic Vogue 8689, and it’s definitely a keeper.
I made View B (featured in the larger photograph) with the bracelet sleeve length and combined with the longer hem length from View E. The princess seams and front and back yokes allow for optimal fitting.
What I really enjoyed about sewing this pattern was the professional result due to the flat-fell seam finishes used throughout the shirt’s construction.
Having sewn only a few traditional shirts during the last 4 1/2 years, I’ve been working hard to sharpen my skills needed to master shirt making. The sleeve plackets, collar, collar stand, cuffs and front band all require precision, but practice makes perfect and I may have turned the corner with this one.
I have no tips to pass on through this experience….. only a thought regarding the necessity of sewing a button and buttonhole on the collar stand.
Since I don’t wear a tie and prefer an open collar, I find this detail not only unnecessary, but distracting. Am I wrong?
I know… it’s a matter of personal preference and thankfully, the gift of sewing graciously permits choices.
I’ve been on quite a shirt obsession this month thanks to my new sewing machine with its fabulous buttonhole capabilities,
but the obsession has concluded, and the result is a trilogy of tailored patterns to accommodate different fabrics and style preferences. From left to right: Sewaholic Granville Shirt, Butterick 5526 and Vogue 8689
The Granville features front bust darts, the Butterick has no darts, and the Vogue features princess seams. I have achieved the best fit in the back with the Granville pattern, but plan to keep all three patterns for future use.
Call me an optimist, but now that we are nearing the end of winter, I’m ready to change directions with my sewing and think Spring – how about you?
“Despite the forecast, live like it’s spring.”
Lilly Pulitzer
Until soon 