The pattern comes as paper and PDF pattern from Colette Patterns. As a true PDF girl, I downloaded the pattern. Negroni is a classic, slightly-retro button-up shirt, with a more modern cut. The pattern has two different views: Version 1 has long sleeves finished with a placket and cuff. Version 2 has short sleeves.
For my version I used a striped shirting cotton, I had ordered earlier this year from Minerva Crafts. I think I had ordered 3m but had enough left to use half a metre or more for a shirt for my Nephew. I cut both shirts (adult & child) at the same time to maximize my fabric and have as little leftover as possible. It took me about 8 hours of sewing, split into 3 evening sessions.
This pattern comes in sizes XS - 2XL. I made a size XL. The shirt fits well at the chest but can be taken in towards the hip. Overall the sizing is accurate and I would make the same size again, grading at the hip for the next shirt.
The pattern levels for intermediate and I definitely agree with that. The instructions are straight forward and provide illustrations, rather than pictures. The construction of the garment is not too difficult. It has flat-felled seams at the side and sleeve seams which gives the pattern its intermediate level. The only step I struggled with was closing the yokes with the front pieces at the shoulder seams. I looked online for a sew-along but couldn't find anything. I contacted another sewist via Instagram for advice but then decided to sew it the way I interpret it - I ended up stitching in the ditch - which was wrong but no one will know the difference.
I made another mistake when sewing on the sleeves. The fabric is literally identical on both sides and one sleeve has the cuff on top of the sleeve, instead of the bottom. I only noticed it when I attached the cuffs which meant I wouldn't unpick the flat-felled seams because my other half wears almost all his shirts with rolled-up sleeves.
The collar, cuffs and button placket are interfaced with a stiffer interfacing which I'd normally use. The instruction of the cuff placket are very easy to follow.
This pattern can be tackled as a first shirt pattern due to the simple collar, as it doesn't have a collar stand. Also the relaxed fit make it a more casual shirt.
I will definitely make this pattern again, hoping to make one shirt without any mistakes. He really likes it which is the most important part.
This pattern was also part of my #makeninesewing for this year and I am very happy that I finally took the plunge into sewing a shirt and man.
Which shirt pattern for man have you tried before?
Thanks for hanging out with me.
