Button down shirts are great for looking dressed up. But what if you want to make it in something other than shirting fabric? What if you want to use something more delicate and possibly see through? I’m going to show you just how I did that. Keep reading!
I made THE newest Love Notions pattern Aria using a rayon from a skirt I upcycled; I’ve had this skirt for ages and wore out the elastic, and by that time, it’s style wore out on me. The fabric was still my style, so I kept it for a future upcycle and it turned out great!
Let’s talk about the pattern. Aria is the newest Love Notions pattern – a classic button down shirt with so many variations. It is the go to for all your button down needs.
- 2 collars: standard and banded
- 3 lengths: shirt, tunic, and dress
- 3 sleeve options: sleeveless, short, and long
- collar is a single piece, making it easier for construction
- full bust option
- side vents for dress option
Sizes go from XS-5X. Bust 33″-57.5″, hips 35.5″-59.5″.
Fabric recommendations for Aria are light to medium weight woven fabrics such as chambray, shirting, quilters, cotton, poplin and lawn.
This pattern is perfect for wearing into the office or going on a stroll with friends.
It’s on sale today during release week, April 26th- May 2nd, for $9. And even more exciting news, Tami created a course to walk you through making the Aria in detail. During release week, the course will be $25 and include the pattern for free. So be sure to get this deal!
BONUS! USE THE CODE LISTED AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR AN EXTRA 10% OFF!
Aria in delicate fabrics
So you got the Aria, and want to make it in a delicate fabric like crepe, rayon, chiffon. I got you covered!
Most of the shirt can be as is, but there are 3-4 parts that need to be reinforced, and more structured: collar, button placket, yoke, and if you are making sleeves, then the cuffs if you are making sleeves.
The trouble is when using fusible interfacing – it only comes in white or black and doesn’t look nice with fabric that is more transparent.
What you need: Light to medium weight woven fabric, close in color to your main fabric. For example, my fabric was see-through black, I picked a light weight black cotton. I’m going to call this the underlining fabric.
What to cut: Cut an extra collar, 2 button plackets, and another pair of cuffs out of the underlining fabric.
What to do: With each piece that needs underlining, do the following
- Interface the underlining. This step is needed for the button placket, but not necessary for the collar and cuff, if the weight of the underlining is substantial enough.
- Lay the underlining, then the main fabric on top.
- Pin.
- Hand baste around the edges – leaving 1/2″ from the edge. This will help in removal of the basting thread later.
The weight of the underlining will help provide structure to the main fabric, just like interfacing, except it won’t be visible.
Details on the shirt
My measurements: High bust 36″, Bust 38″, Waist 34″, Hips 45″ — > I made a M graded to L from the bust to hip, sleeveless shirt. I did not change the length as I like shirts a bit longer on me.
- Did a 1″ swayback adjustment using the method in the The Palmer/Pletsch Complete Guide to Fitting I use that book for most of my adjustments.
- In the future makes, I’ll be raising the armscye 1″
This is a great shirt and I hope you get a chance to try it out!
Some links contained in this post may be affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you purchase through these links and helps keep this site running. I was provided with the pattern to test it out, but all opinions are my own
Links and Patterns
Links and patterns mentioned in this post are listed below for your convenience.
Love this upcycle!!!
Thank you Anshu!
[…] Olympia – like I did here; and an Aria shirt, this time with sleeves (hopefully), I made a sleeveless Aria when I tested for it earlier this […]