Caitlin's M&M Cap Sleeve Shirt

Instagram Handle: @sparrowsandspools
Pattern Name and Designer: The Assembly Line Cap Sleeve Shirt
Size Made: 2X
Materials used (fabric, notions, kits, etc.): Merchant & Mills St. Valentine EU Linen, 7x Glossy Bone Buttons
Modifications: cut one front piece on cross-grain

If you've never sewn with Merchant & Mills' linen, just know it is one of the dreamiest fabrics to sew and wear that we carry at Fancy Tiger. It has the perfect drape with the most beautiful colors and designs - classic and timeless but with really cool, interesting color combos. I jumped at the chance to make this top out of the St. Valentine EU Linen, a bold stripe in muted rosey pink and greenish/yellowish/greige beige. It's hard to explain, but it is stunning in person.

As a busty person I never thought I'd say this, but I've really enjoyed sewing and wearing button-ups lately. They make me feel put together and they are really fun to sew! I actually love sewing buttonholes now that I have a reliable machine that is up to the task. I've made a few of Helen's Closet's Gilbert Tops lately, and while I love the camp collar, I was drawn to the simple mandarin collar on TAL's Cap Sleeve Shirt for a different look. Also, no set-in sleeves! 

I completely forgot to convert meters to yards when getting fabric, but managed to eke out a 2xl out of just 1.5 yards of fabric. It meant that one of the front panels needed to be cut on the cross-grain, but honestly that is my favorite part of the shirt now! Even so, I just barely got everything to fit, and would have felt more comfortable with another half yard.

The steps of the pattern are straight forward and not too fussy, but still result in a really clean finish. I can definitely see myself making this again and again, as it can be dressed up or down and be a total wardrobe workhorse.