Byrdie Button Up by Pattern Scout- with pin tucks

I have loved this make. Both the pattern and the lovely cotton/linen fabric.

This is The Byrdie Button Up Blouse by Pattern Scout. It’s a new to me technique and a new to me pattern company.

The Byrdie Button-up Blouse (and Dress) is a button-up, collared blouse with optional pin tucks, in a fairly loose fit with subtle shaping and optional bust darts.

I was drawn to it because I could see this easily in both my work and home wardrobe, as both a relaxed and polished look and I fancied a bit of a challenge.

Version A is a classic button-up shirt with a straight point collar and optional breast pockets. Version B features tuxedo shirt-style tucks across the bust, bishop-style sleeves, and a simple band collar.

I went with Version B but with the simple sleeves of A. The beauty of having pattern pieces for both the pin tucked version and the version without pin-tucks meant that I could compare my pin-tucked front to the plain pattern piece to ensure the finished garment measurements were still on track and the collar would still fit beautifully.

For ease I drew all my pin tucks onto my fabric with heat erasable pen. Then I realised that this was not quite the best idea as I would need to iron after sewing every single pin tuck. However, I suddenly had I brain wave and used my Clover roll and press gadget to press my pin tucks, without going any where near the iron, so did not loose the marks and saved so much time! I found doing the pin tucks quite therapeutic.

As you can see, I wasn’t as accurate as I could have been with the pin tucks but the overall effect is pretty stunning.

I was very fortunate to receive this gorgeous quality cotton linen mix fabric from Fabworks in Dewsbury, in exchange for a blog post and general social media posting.

It’s an ex designer white linen/cotton mix, described on their website as a ‘first-rate ex-designer linen and cotton blend fabric with the lightly textured style of linen in a classic in a natural white tone, expertly woven in a light Oxford-style weave.’

It feels so beautiful and soft to wear. Very high end.

I would definitely use it again. It would be fabulous in a button down summer holiday dress like this McCalls dress M7950

For my Byrdie button up I went with the size 8. The pattern advises to choose the size using the high bust measurement. However my measurements are a little odd, with my high bust only an inch smaller than my bust although I am a DD cup in bra size. I’m a bust 34” with a high bust of 33” so I choose the size 8 so I was sure of a good fit across the shoulders where I’m quite muscley. It’s perfect, if not a little roomy.

I love the detail of the pin tucks that can be found also in the back. I found the instructions thorough and very intuitive.

I shall definitely be wearing this at home and at work and even with a pair of shorts as a summer holiday cover up.

A real winner.

Love, Lucie xx