It's been a while since we posted from our ambassadors but we are catching up!  Laura has been lured by our washed linen again and has made a made a Paper Theory Olya Shirt colour blocked in five colours. Super cool... Over to Laura:

You can't really go wrong with a linen shirt, can you?  And when that linen shirt doubles up as a rainbow, what more can you ask for?

I loved the washed linen so much the last time I used it, that I was really keen to combine several of the colourways in a colourblocked make - and I am so pleased with how this make has turned out.  As always, the washed linen is not only beautiful to sew but lovely to wear - and I can see this getting a lot of wear in an already colourful wardrobe!

I've wanted an 'overshirt' for a little while - something that I could throw on over a dress or jumpsuit for a bit of extra warmth for when a cardigan felt too heavy (although I might be dreaming bearing in mind the UK weather!)  I'm currently on maternity leave from my day job and close to returning to work and I wanted something that still felt very much my style but was practical for working Mum life.  This Olya will go with everything and nothing all at once, which I think is something I really look for in a wardrobe classic! The Paper Theory Olya shirt is such a versatile pattern - if you look at the #OlyaShirt on Instagram you'll see a wide range of shirts from beautiful classic white to multicoloured makes like this.  The interesting seam lines and construction mean the possibilities are endless.

I love colourblocking and I'm regularly asked how I plan my colourblocked makes.  When I chose fabric for this shirt, I thought a little about which fabrics I'd want more of and which less, but actually had no idea what combination I'd sew until the fabrics arrived!  I let it sit for a while in my mind, moving fabrics around a table and using a small cut out of the pattern to try to play with different fabric combinations.  The only problem with this is that I now want to make several more versions....!

Pattern: Paper Theory Olya Shirt
Fabric: Washed Linen in Sunshine, Grass, Ruby, Berry and Royal
Size: Laura measures Bust 46”, Height 5’7” and made the size 16.

About Laura:
Laura is an engineer and maker based in Hampshire with her husband and growing family of cats. She loves trying her hands at all crafts but sewing her own wardrobe of bright colours and bold prints brings her the most joy.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespeckyseamstress/