Yoke collar shirt

Inspired by a vintage pattern I picked up at the thrift store, I decided to make Byrdie a yoke collar shirt.  It proved to be more complicated than I had originally thought.  I used the pattern pieces and was certain that I'd be able to figure out how to put it together without reading the directions.  (I have confessed being intimidated by patterns that come in little envelopes folded up a million crazy ways).  And of course the pattern wasn't exactly how I wanted it anyway but I thought I could tweak it enough while still using the pattern pieces.  I struggled trying to figure out how to put it together.  I thought about it for days--my brain hurt from so much thinking.  I even discussed it with Nate to see if he could help me wrap my head around it--still nothing.

Then I discovered a wonderful online pattern (my kind of easy pattern) for a "round neck top" by "that darn kat."  I actually really hate to buy patterns--I'm too cheap.  I always think I can figure it out on my own or find a free one somewhere, but neither of those happened and I still wanted my yoke collar shirt.  So, I paid my ten dollars and within a day had my first sweet top completed.  I love this pattern.  It was so easy to follow and the assembly was like magic.  Looking back I don't see how it took so much of my brain power to try and figure it out--it seems so obvious now.  But that ah-ha moment when I learned how to attach the collar was sure worth my ten dollars.  I've since made two more tops and one in the process.  And a friend was able to alter the pattern for an eleven year old girl.

 

 

 
It will surely be a staple in my pattern collection.  Louisa has been asking for one for herself--looks like I'll be sewing well into the summer.