Closet Core Patterns Kalle Shirt

I can’t quite believe that I’ve put off making a Kalle shirt by Closet Core Patterns for quite so long!!!!

And in this heat ( I’ve told you previously that I am completely swayed by the current weather of the day) I was desperate for another blouse that only touched me where necessary!

I picked this soft embroidered cotton from Lucky Fashions from Dewsbury. There was a choice of 4 or 5 similar prints in the same colour way. I didn’t quite appreciate that the fabric was a little narrower than normal (45 inches) and also that the embroidery didn’t quite cover from edge to edge. Non the less, 2m at just £5/m was perfect for what I needed. The lovely Manjit, who owns Lucky Fashions , will send out anything from her IG page but unfortunately does not have a web site.

I wanted to make the short version with the hem facing but after my usual long trawl through Instagram there was no way I was going to dive straight into the highly cropped shirt with the huge length difference front to back.

I found several stylish ladies of appropriate age (my age!) who had lengthened the short version. I finally went with lengthening by 4 inches on the front and 1 1/2 inches on the back – at the shorten/lengthen line. This left the back 3/4 inch longer than the front.

I think I’ve hit the length at exactly where I wanted it.

I made a straight size 8 (I sized up slightly in accordance with my bust measurement) with the classic button placket and classic collar.

Do you like my yellow buttons? They are probably the last matching set in my stash and I wouldn’t have thought of yellow, given any choice, but they work well!

It was a very enjoyable make. You don’t have to think too hard with Closet Core instructions.

I love the deep wide hem facing and the sleeve cuffs.

I was very concerned about the lack of bust darts, as I usually pass on patterns with no bust darts but for me, that self-imposed rule is now busted!!!!

I’ve cut out another already. The longer dress version in a flowy chambray looking crinkle poly which I plan to wear with a belt. Watch this space!!

Love, Lucie xx