One Month, One Pattern PR Post of Simplicity 1693 {patternreview.com}

The first shirt in my One Month, One Pattern stitch-a-thon is complete and ready for wearing just in time for the first day of Me-Made-May 14.  I love this light-weight fabric and knew a simple pattern would be the best way to use it, since the embellishments include lace, ruffles, and pin-tucks. The best part of this fabric is the embellishments can be used as finishes, making the use of a facing or bias obsolete.  A glass button was used to finish the neckline along with the ruffle.  This shirt is perfect for the hot weather.  May 1, 2014 was 98 degrees at my house, so it has been put through the heat test already with a passing grade.

This entry was originally posted on patternreview.com.

Pattern:  Simplicity 1693

Version:  There are two basic shirt body silhouettes provided in this pattern.  For this version, I used the straight side seams with no sleeves.

Sizing:  Size 12 with no adjustments makes for a bust ease is 39.5 inches.

(1) cut pieces; (2) removing ruffle from fabric; (3) finished back seam

Fabric:  Embellished, pin-tucked cotton fabric at 1.5 yards was used for the making of this shirt.  I used the pre-made ruffle from the fabric to finish the neck, arm, and hem. For a split moment I debated on whether to match the diagonal, but opted for the easier more casual route of no matchy-matchy. 

Assembly time: 2.5 hours!! I am positive the shirt can be cranked out in a shorter amount of time, but does it really need to be?  I say not.  This pattern is perfect for putting your own twist to finishing it.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy instructions are included, even providing instructions for French seams.  New to making your own cloths?  This is a perfect pattern to start with and there are so many variations that you can make it over and over again.

(1) inside finished seams; (2) French seams and dart; (3) finished shirt

Modification: The instructions call for using store-bought bias tape for finishing the neck and arm.  I recommend cutting your own bias stripes.  Originally, I planned on using bias tape from the same fabric for this version, but changed my mind for the ruffles.  I simply folded over the edge at the seam allowance and stitched the ruffle on top of the fold. 

Would you recommend it to others?  Sure.  If you are looking for something simple, this is the shirt for you.

Would you sew it again?  I am sewing this pattern again.  During the month of May, I am dedicating myself to this one pattern and sewing as many versions as I can muster.  Summer calls for simple, easy to wear clothes. 

More One Month, One Pattern articles:
Introduction: One Month, One Pattern {Simplicity 1693}
Cotton Ruffles 1M1P #1: One Month, One Pattern Simplicity 1693 {patternreview.com}
Simply Exposure 1M1P #2 {Simplicity 1693}
Flutter Sleeves 1M1P #3 {Simplicity 1693}
From B5997 to S1693 1M1P #4 {Simplicity 1693}
Bishop Sleeves 1M1P #5 {Simplicity 1693}
Turned to a Dress 1M1P #6 {Simplicity 1693}
Fabric Matters 1M1P #7 {Simplicity 1693}
Blue Bird Flutter 1M1P #8 {Simplicity 1693}
It's a Celebration 1M1P #9 {Simplicity 1693}