Samples Worth Writing About: Ellsworth Shirt & Shepherd Skirt

Samples Worth Writing About: Ellsworth Shirt & Shepherd Skirt

Kicking off 2022 with some new samples featuring patterns by Merchant and Mills. Merchant and Mills Patterns were the most popular sewing patterns in 2021 so it only makes sense that we would stitch up a series of them. We selected patterns that were of varying complexity and that would highlight different types of fabrics. We really love everything that Sophia, sewing instructor and studio monitor, has created for this next round of samples.

The Ellsworth Shirt is not just comfortable, it's got all the details that make a sewing pattern special. We chose Merchant and Mills Tencel Twill to create a shirt that has some drape but also holds the silhouette of this garment nicely. The tailored collar, cuffs, center front button half-placket, and high-low hem make this shirt unique and presents some sewing challenges for intermediate makers. We think it's important to note that this is a BOXY shirt. And as designed would be unsuitable for anyone thinking they want to make it fitted. The sleeves are part of the front and back pieces (not set in) and thus there's plenty of easy in the underarm and around the chest. You can expect 20+ inches of ease so if you are looking for a fitted pop-over collared shirt we recommend making something else.

Details:
Pattern: Ellsworth Shirt by Merchant and Mills
Fabric: Tencel Twill (colorway: Navy)
Thread: Gutermann All-Purpose Cotton
Interfacing: Shir-Tailor in white
Buttons: Navy dyed polyester 4 hole 11mm (call for availability)
Machine used: Bernina 4-series

 

We paired the shirt with the Shepherd Skirt because we saw it on Instagram together. Obviously that platform has some influence on our decision making [insert eye roll]. An A-line silhouette with deep pleats makes this a super comfortable skirt. But it's the side button plackets with pockets that make this an interesting construction project. We loved the fullness of this skirt in Merchant and Mills Laundered Linen. A note about the finished skirt measurements: there is a lot of ease. We created this for our size 16 dress form which has a 33" waist. But the finished measurement is actually 36" and doesn't fit nicely on the high hip of the dress form. To create the skirt for ourself we went down a size and think it works nicely.

Details:
Pattern: Shepherd Skirt by Merchant and Mills
Fabric: Laundered Linen
Thread: Gutermann All-Purpose Cotton
Interfacing: Shir-Tailor in white
Buttons: Cotton Buttons (15mm)
Machine used: Bernina 4-series

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