Archer in a snug-as-a-bug flannel


Merry almost-end-of festive season friends! Are you feeling suitably stuffed and lethargic? All I can say is that I'm glad I took these photos BEFORE Christmas kicked off..ha ha! I can also safely say that I've been wanting to try the Archer Button Up Shirt by Grainline Studio ever since it was released, so I jumped at the chance to join in with Archer Appreciation Month, hosted by Miss Crayola Creepy and Lucky Lucille.

Normally I need plenty of notice before I can join 'sewalongs' and don't take part in as many spontaneous ones as I'd like to. But for Archer, I had already assembled and cut out my pattern and I had a soft flannel from Cyprus already earmarked for it.


Before going into specific construction details, I'll fill you in on my sizing. I'd heard about the roominess of this pattern and I knew I needed it to be slightly more form-fitting on my shape, so I sewed it up in a straight size 6, after shortening the shoulders by a couple of centimetres and taking off some length both the shirt and sleeves. Overall I'm pretty happy with the fit, but I would definitely grade the hips up to a size 8 or 10, as doing up the last button is tres unflattering at the moment. But I can live with that for this version.



**Full-on gushing alert** 

The making of the shirt was such a satisfying and relaxing (yes, relaxing) process. There's a good reason why this pattern has been universally well-received...everything just comes together so beautifully and the time-consuming details I would usually opt out of, I gladly took my time over. Having never made a shirt like this before, I followed Jen's Archer sewalong posts religiously and they are just superb! I don't know whether I was feeling unusually zen during the making of this shirt, or whether Jen's tutorials are just the best thing ever!?! They are so methodical, well-paced and...well...easy! I found her video tutorials particularly soothing as she has such a calm way of speaking. Anyway, I seriously recommend the sewalong posts if you are nervous about making a shirt like this.

I opted to cut my pockets and back yoke on the bias, which I think adds a bit of interesting detail and Jen has a cool tip for a bias-cut yoke. I also love all the topstitching detail which gives the illusion of flat-felled seams, as well as a really professional-looking finish. The collar is just the sweetest little thing, but I think my favourite detail has to be the pleated sleeves and cuffs...too cute!


Oh, and did I mention how soft and snug my fabric is? It literally feels (and looks, my boyfriend assures me) like wearing pyjamas! Not sure that's a look most people would be going for, but I really, really, really love this shirt! Possibly more because I'm proud of the care I took over making it, rather than how flattering it may or may not look on me, but either way...I love it!


I consider this Archer my successful practice go and have very special plans for my next version. I'll be using a luxurious double gauze (Pocho - Metallic Gold Dots, from M is for Make) and making View B with the pretty, gathered back. I've always loved this girlier version and have hight hopes for it  doing a better job at hiding my junk ;o) I also plan on grading the hips up, maybe slimming the sleeves down a touch and possibly omitting the pockets, as I'm not sure I need the added volume on my bust.


Have you made an Archer yet? Are you tempted?

29 comments:

  1. Ooooh a shirt anx a peek into your new home. You are spoiling us. Well done on making this beauty of a shirt. I've been tracing off a (different) shirt pattern over xmas so I hope it turns out as lovely as yours!

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    1. Thank you Amy, you're a sweetie and a hawk-eye ;o) Good luck with your shirt, I know it will turn out beautifully!

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  2. Nice job on your Archer... Looks good, specially seeing it is a practice one. I haven't done one but is on my list to do as it isn't quite cold enough here in Australia for it; am looking at doing the girlie one.

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    1. Thank you, I hope yours turns out well ;o)

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  3. Looks so cosy! And so many great techniques in it! Has turned out really lovely. x

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    1. Thanks Tania. It is really cosy and I enjoyed trying out all the new techniques involved too!

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  4. This shirt is totally cute on you! I know what you mean about grading up the hips because of the bottom button (I always have this problem with RTW shirts!) but it totally doesn't look too small or unflattering here! Cute and practical! I'd say this was a win.

    ARGH. Now I want to buy this pattern, but I've put an embargo on all patterns until I make up some of the patterns in my queue!

    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Thanks so much! I reckon it's an issue most women have, but at least us stitchers can remedy it I guess ;o) I hope you have a productive 2014 so you can add more patterns to your stash ;o)

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  5. That is really beautiful and I bet it's so comfortable to wear. I love your idea of making a version in double gauze - inspired! I'm busy making my Archer shirt right now. I agree that Jen's sewalong posts are superb and so is the pattern.

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    1. It is, thank you Karen! And I think I must have stolen the double gauze idea from someone else, but I'll take the credit just this once...haha! Hope yours is coming along nicely!

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  6. This is so cute! I love it on you! I'm pretty desperate for a flannel version!

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    1. Thanks Sonja! You know, I thought you had a flannel version already...but maybe that's because I can totally see you in one! Do it lady!

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  7. I love this button up and the yoke and the pockets that are on the bias! The gathered back for your future project is a very pretty detail.

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  8. Very cute Archer, your top stitching looks so perfect! I so love flannel in the winter!

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  9. Gorgeous! I love my flannel Archer (I am so behind with blogging!). I'd love to make a version in a navy and black plaid....

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    1. Thanks! Mmmm, navy and black plaid sounds goooood!

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  10. This looks sooo comfy! But also very stylish, and I love how neat the detailing is. I have the Archer pattern all cut out and a caramel-coloured crepe de chine ready to go - I've missed the December Archer Appreciation month goal, but January's better than nothing!

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    1. Oooh, your Archer sounds like it's going to be divine! January is as good as time as any ;o)

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  11. This is beautiful Marie!! It looks sooooooo cosy and soft and lush - perfect for wearing post Christmas lunch/dinner/left overs etc. I've not made the Archer yet but have seen so many great versions pop up, I think maybe I need to give making it a go!

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    1. Thanks Jen! Remember it was one of our OP7B suggestions? Maybe it's a sign you should try it!

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  12. I just made my first Archer in flannel, too!! I was very sad to have to wash it today and not wear it.... My 11 year old and I have discussed what makes it ok to wear outside and not as PJ's - the interfacing and cuffs!

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    1. Haha, I love that you have legitimate reasons for wearing it outdoors and if I'm ever questioned about it I'm so using them ;o)

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  13. Bellissima! I love the shades of color of this plaid, so unusual! It looks lovely on you :D

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    1. Thank you Anna, it's quite girlie isn't it?

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  14. This is random, but I love your eyeliner!

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    1. Aaaw, thank you Rachel...I love random comments, especially about eyeliner! Can't live without the stuff!

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  15. Lovely Archer! I totally failed in getting mine done by the end of December! I've also been really enjoying taking my time over more complicated construction details recently, there's something so satisfying about challenging yourself!

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