Hi, Helena here from Handmade by Helena with you today sharing my interpretation of the Novelista Shirt! (affiliate link)
As you can tell, I took some liberties with it. I am not wearing it as a shirt. It’s more of a shirt-jacket hybrid. I did not add the pockets and tried my hand at a band collar. I also took some inspiration from men’s fashion.
I decided to use a light denim, a fabric that I love for its versatility. Plus, you can’t have too many denim shirts. As I worked on the Novelista, I remembered a type of shirt my father used to wear when I was a child, it had a band collar and two small buttons close to the top.
This is the first time I’ve made a collared shirt, and I have to say that just like the other patterns I’ve used and followed (I adore the Blanc T-shirt), this pattern was easy to follow. The instructions are clear and the flow is intuitive. The shirt fits great and if you need to alter it, Melly provides details on how to do it.
Throughout the process of cutting and as I started sewing the idea of the band collar or cuello chino in Spanish stayed with me. What I did was just use the band collar piece that comes with the pattern and followed the same steps as the cuff. It is a learning process and I’m sure the next one I make will come out better.
My plans moving forward? To make this shirt pattern again in a Nani Iro fabric I have my eye on. 😉
Have you tried making the Novelista? What did you think about it?
This is my last post as a member of the Sewing Team, it has been a true pleasure working with Melly and Susan and getting to know Blank Slate Patterns. These patterns have given me confidence as a sewist and have helped me make some great pieces to my handmade wardrobe.
Pennyfp
I really like your collar!! The style with the two special buttons really adds a touch of pizzazz. I would totally wear this!! Nice job!