As we move through mid-May, with spring in full bloom and summer on the horizon, our brand ambassador, Kathy King, brings us a fresh and refined project that perfectly captures the spirit of the season.
Using our CP-7494W Cherry Blossom Print, a luxurious 100% organic cotton lawn, Kathy has created a shirt that blends elegance and ease—ideal for those days when the weather still carries a hint of coolness.
Here’s a closer look at her process and tips:
This shirt is ideal for those transitional days in late winter and early spring—when there’s still a bit of a chill in the air, but warmer weather is on the horizon. The fabric used is a gorgeous 100% organic lightweight cotton lawn. While Kathy typically doesn’t gravitate toward floral fabrics, the black and white houndstooth accents provide a nice balance to the delicate flowers in light gray, baby pink, grapefruit pink, and wine red that float across a crisp white background (CP-7494W Cherry Blossom Print, Organic Cotton Lawn).
Pattern: For this slightly oversized shirt, Kathy used The Blouse Perfected by The Cutting Line Designs, specifically View B—the blue shirt shown on the left side of the pattern envelope. (She’s also previously made the version shown on the right, in denim blue Tencel, which features a novel front placket.)
Pattern Alterations and Construction: Patterns from The Cutting Line Designs tend to run large. Kathy recommends checking body measurements against the pattern measurements and being prepared to cut a size or two smaller than expected. A comfortable collar fit is essential, so she made a high round adjustment to the back pattern pieces, resulting in a beautifully hanging shirt. Louise Cutting’s patterns are known for their detailed instructions, which were especially helpful, as Kathy hadn’t made a banded collar or front placket in a while—yet everything came together beautifully.
Sewing Tip: Instead of the straight hem offered in the pattern, Kathy opted for a shirttail hem. A new sewing notion made the curved hem easy and clean to sew: the Jenerates Silicone Flex Hot Hemmer, which is available from many sewing suppliers.
Now, there’s a perfect shirt ready to pair with the lovely strawberry pink stretch denim (CD-8096W) recently received from Elliott Berman Textiles. A pair of jeans is in the works, with an update to follow next month.
Happy Sewing!
@KKsewing