The promise was made back in May, but only fulfilled last week: a summer shirt. The pattern is Burda 7045, a straight-forward man’s shirt, with three variations that combine various collars, pleats and pockets.

Shirt looks nice, too.

Pretty happy with that fit, saying so myself n’all.

I chose a standard collar (‘A’), a pocket, and pleats back and front. I added a bit of variation of my own, too. The sleeves are short, but instead of a simple folded under hem I used the cuff. It gives it a bit more ‘finished’ look, I think, more smart than casual, you might say.

Cuff detail

I took his measurements (chest, waist, shoulders), and compared with the corresponding measurements taken from the pattern (a situation when it’s actually an advantage not to have seam allowances included in the pattern). Not a single adjustment needed: as if by magic, my husband fits a size 48 perfectly.

The fabric is a organic cotton denim, with a straight weave. When freshly pressed it’s wonderfully crisp, which seems to highlight the crisscross pattern created by the weave; with wear it softens and the various tones of blue come to the fore. This fabric is just so nice. (You can get the fabric from Siebenblau, Berlin, a shop selling only organic fabric.)

This is the second time I have used this pattern. I haven’t encountered any problems, at least not relating to the pattern itself (rushing, and not double checking stuff; can’t blame Burda for that). I would say that if you have not made a shirt before, do expect to read the instructions a couple of times – preferably once before you begin. The sleeve slit and placket in particular can be a bit tricky, both to do and to understand how to do. And when the instructions say baste, baste. I found it much easier to get the fabric to behave properly that way.

Very happy with how it came out, and so is my husband. Win-win.