When I completed the Saraste shirt, I wasn’t totally ‘in-love’ with it. In fact, I immediately pushed it to the far right side of my closet, the place where the ‘never to be worn’s’ go. It’s a sad corner and it makes me feel a bit guilty. It’s all the me-mades that were fun to sew, yet, when all was said and done, I couldn’t imagine actually wearing it.
That was the sad story of this recent reject, but everything changed when Me-Made May rolled around. This year, my pledge was a bit different. Since I already wear me-mades every day, I pledged to wear the ones that I abandoned, and try to analyze why. This is one of those makes.
It might be the fabric that put me off. It’s a floral print and, when I purchased it, I thought it was a random print. When I laid it out on my cutting table, I discovered that there’s a strong repeat….pattern matching would be involved! Ugh. That discovery made me a bit cranky as I wasn’t sure I’d purchased enough fabric to make this work, but I managed to pull it off, carrying the pattern through on the sleeves and the back.
I do love the fit of this shirt! The Saraste shirt is a pattern from Named Clothing’s book, ‘Breaking the Pattern’.
I’ve made several of the patterns in this book now (here), and they’ve all been fabulous. The Saraste shirt is one of my favorites with many elements I love: princess seams down the front, a back yoke, optional sleeves and a small collar that fits my short neck. The surprise detail is small cut- outs at the shoulder, which I love.
They were a bit of a challenge though. My tip is to be sure to trace the pattern carefully, noting all of the markings accurately. I hadn’t done that and had to go back and add them in. Once I had that accomplished, it wasn’t too hard to make everything work. However, I’m a bit disappointed that the cut-outs don’t show that well in my print. I’m going to have to give this lovely pattern another try in a solid colored linen, so that those slits can shine!
My Me-made analysis – – I do love the print now, but at first glance, I wasn’t too excited about it in this shirt. However, I have worn it many times this month and have discovered that it goes with everything in my closet. The fit is perfect and the shirt is easy to wear. In fact, people compliment me when I wear it:)
Lesson learned…my first take on a make shouldn’t be my last. 
How are you doing with Me-Made May? Any new revelations?
Happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!
This is a great top and beautiful fabric. I’m thinking about getting the book…
Thank-you! I’ve really enjoyed this book. It’s full of inspiration and the patterns are top notch!
Thanks a lot for the lovely post.
Glad you liked it!
You are most welcome🌷🙏🌷🙏🌷🙏
A wonderful shirt, I am sure you will wear it a lot! Just wondering what your sandals are? They are great too!
Thanks so much! The sandals are Miz Mooz. I bought them last summer from Nordstrom’s. I’m pretty sure the style is still available as I saw them in a store at the airport a month ago.
I think it looks lovely! I’m amazed this was in your ‘not worn much’ section of your wardrobe. This shirt is on my radar too and I have fabric lined up ready to go. I really like those shoulder details!
Yes, now that I’ve worn this shirt a few times, I can’t imagine why I was put off at first:) I do agree with You, the shoulder details are fabulous and the fit of the shirt is spot on. I know it will look great on you!
Excellent matching on the repeat pattern, especially at the sleeves. I’m guessing you used the notches in the armscye to do that? I have the book but haven’t made anything from it it yet. Good to know there are some great patterns waiting for me.
Thanks! Yes, I used the notches as a guide for pattern matching, and I held my breath a bit too:). I love the book…hope you enjoy it too!
I’m glad you gave your top a second chance, that print is so pretty! Nice bit of matching too.
I really didn’t notice the interesting cut-outs until you mentioned them, so yes lovely in a plain fabric. Would you consider backing these cut-outs with a strong contrast colour so they’re not lost in the print? Seems a shame for all your hard work to be hidden.
Thank-you! Oh, I love your idea! A bit of contrast behind the cut out would be stunning! And yes, I’m sure there will be a solid version in my future.
That’s on my winter make list. So good to see yours, it’s lovely and I’m glad it made it out of the naughty corner.
Thanks, Naomi! I can wait to see your version…I’m sure you’ll love this pattern!
Isn’t it funny that other people see our garments so differently? When I first saw this shirt I was shocked to read that you didn’t really wear it at first, because 1. it looks beautiful on you, 2. it looks very well-made and 3. it could go with so many things!! 🙂 Glad the necessities of MMM ’19 brought you around–I think this is a real winner on you!
This pattern will be one of my next projects from that book; I’ve been hoarding some very nice cotton shirting (in a crisp, solid white!) that will be the shirt version with the cutouts.
Thanks!!yes, sometimes after staring at a piece of fabric for awhile, I just can’t get up the energy to wear it I guess. But I do love it now! Comments like yours helped me get over it:) Oh, I can’t wait to see your version! I might have to give it another try on a solid…