My smaller boy left primary school in July… end of an era for both him and I!  Obviously, the kids have not had all the end of term celebrations that they would normally, but the prom (or end of term disco as I prefer to call it) was organised by parents and although the date was bumped once, we did manage to get it in on the very last day of term.
The theme was ‘just be you’ and my smallest boy is killer when it comes to dressing. He loves an outfit, he loves to wear shirts (over a t-shirt any day) and likes all that is whacky and fun. This makes him very rewarding to sew for.

We picked out this fabric together in the shop (now sold out). It is a quilting cotton which is perfect for shirts as it gives a crisp finish and is a total delight to sew with… so easy: no slipping, no shifting, no stretching!!
I wanted to sew a classic shirt and short sleeves is thankfully his preference so I didn’t have to wrestle with cuffs or plackets, but having now make the shirt I am sure the process would have been a joy if I had done so. The construction of this shirt was such a pleasure. Really, Oliver+S patterns, like Liesl+Co ones, are so well drafted and constructed and the process so clear and informative that this came together without a hitch.

I made a bow tie to match because, well, why not?! The bow tie was super simple and is an adult size so he can wear it throughout the rest of his life – ha!
I think it’s a cracker of a shirt and I think he looks totally mega in it. To top it off, one of the mums picked E out in the WhatsApp group photos and demanded to know ‘Where do I get this shirt – I need one’. Sadly, as us dressmakers know, you can’t buy shirts this good!

Pattern: Oliver + S Buttoned-Up Button-Down Shirt (digital pattern)
Fabric: Quilting Cotton (now sold out but we’ve so many other good quilting cottons to choose from)
Size: E measures Chest 27.5”, Height 4’11”. I made the size 12.
Version: I made the button placket view B but with the single, simple pocket from view A
Modifications: I made this a short sleeve and omitted the buttons/ buttonholes on the collar.
Notes on construction: The construction for this is so, so good. You learn so much about tailoring a clean finish with this make.

Pattern: A free burda style bow tie pattern
Fabric: Quilting Cotton
Size: One size