Friday, November 5, 2010

Ottobre 03/2010-23 "Beethoven" shirt

Since Logan has been busily outgrowing his dress shirts, it was time for a new one.  I let him choose the fabric, so naturally it features soccer balls.
Not exactly traditional dress shirt material, but at least he'll wear it.  I love the way that it fits.  I know you can't really tell from this picture, but it has a very slim, modern fit, both in the body and sleeves.
The pattern is from the 03/2010 issue of Ottobre.  Ottobre calls it the "Beethoven" shirt and it comes in a short and long sleeved version.  This is the second long sleeved shirt I have made with an Ottobre pattern, and they have both had features that I like.  Here is last year's, from the 04/2004 issue.  It had a two piece collar and traditional menswear sleeve placket, as well as a cool yoke with curved shoulder seams.
Here you can see some of the features that I like about this design.  The yoke is lined (obviously that is an easy fix, but still...).  I like the shape of the pocket on this one as well.  One thing I didn't like (that I thought I would!) was the collar.  It is a one piece collar, but shaped like a collar with stand.  I thought it would be easier than a traditional collar with stand, but it wasn't really, and it doesn't have the structure that the separate stand gives it.
The sleeve placket is bound, which is generally a detail I associate with women's blouses.  While I prefer a traditional topstitched menswear sleeve placket generally, it would get totally lost in this busy print, so I think this was fine for this shirt.  I also like the double buttoned cuff.

Overall, the two different styles each had elements that I really liked, so for Logan's next shirt, I'm just going to pick and choose the features I want and frankenpattern.
Mom, quit takin' pictures of me.  I'm playing with my trains!

11 comments:

Nikki said...

You've made a lovely job of that shirt. I have shirt patterns sitting waiting in my to do pile must get round to it sometime. Here's a quote form my little one when he saw your shirt 'I want that in my house and then put it on me'.

Heather said...

Very nice!! I'm glad to hear of the slimmer fit. Need that for my skinny boy!

Liesl said...

I have a very similar piece of stashed fabric (green background and soccer ball print) ... I wonder if I should attempt a shirt? I am pretty sure that if either of my boys saw your photos they would really want a cool shirt like this.

It looks great!

Julia said...

Love it! They do tend to grow so fast!

Digs said...

Cute shirt, and very cute fabric, but.... Beethoven?..... the connection escapes me. Soccer as piano, maybe? Just curious....

KID, MD said...

Thanks all!
Digs - No connection at all, although I tried to think of something clever for you... Ottobre names all of their designs, and this one is the Beethoven. Who knows why?

gwensews said...

Even at a young age, kids know what they like to wear! Glad you're getting in some quality sewing time before the new arrival.

Sam Rose said...

I really must subscribe to Ottobre. This shirt is perfect for a four year old boy. And as usually is a beautiful job.

Michelle said...

I love that you made a dress shirt from such a fun fabric. I am sure that he will wear it happily, knowing that it is HIS shirt, made to his specifications!

amber said...

That turned out great! I really love the juxtapostion of a formal shirt with fun fabric. I will have to keep this pattern in mind - I wouldn't be surprised if my friend's little boy winds up just like his dad, super tall and thin.

SEWN said...

cute shirt!!! I bet he loves it!