My Summer of Wovens personal challenge continues! I missed sharing one new pattern test (Love Notions Harmony aff link, I really need to come back to that!), and didn’t want to miss this one too. I think I’ve done more buttons and buttonholes in the last 3 months than I have in my entire life previously. I am so, so thrilled with my expanded skill set that now includes total confidence in collars and stands, cuffs with tower plackets, and button plackets. As always with WBM, the Anna pattern is exquisitely drafted for a superb fit even without bust darts. The back yoke with optional pleat is a great way to adjust the fit based on your fabric choice, and the pattern includes instructions for adjusting sleeve length so your cuffs will hit at just the right point. Here are the pattern details, since it has been a while since I’ve done a proper review:
| Link to pattern | Anna Shirt (affiliate link) |
| Layers? | Yes |
| No-trim pages? | Yes |
| Measurements for bands? | N/A |
| Print Chart? | Print layout diagram included, all pages required |
| Sizes | 0-24 (bust 30-48″) |
| Variations | Sleeve length, optional collar can be pointed or rounded; optional back pleat; optional chest pocket(s) |
| Finishing | Double fold hem; fully enclosed seams on cuffs, collar, and stand. Serged or overcast interior seams; all-over topstitching |
| Pattern Details | Pattern pieces included for all required interfacing; lengthen/ shorten lines included; buttonhole placement markings
3/8″ seam allowance Curved hem |
| Fabrics | Traditional shirting- cotton, poplin, denim, chambray. No stretch required |
NEW PATTERN RELEASE SALE DETAILS: $2 off through 4/28/18. There’s a matching men’s shirt (the Jensen) that I didn’t test, so I won’t give an aff link for that and it’s also on sale. Buy both for $16 using code “jensen and anna”. Join the Wardrobe By Me Pattern Support page on Facebook for more inspiration!
I mentioned these handy tips in my BCWP post in February, but want to restate them here:
- Use a chisel to open up your button holes. Total precision and no mess
- Use narrow fusible hem tape to lock in your cuffs and collar stand before top-stitching to keep your turned-under hems in place
- Consider a rolled-hem foot to make hemming a breeze
I made 2 shirts during testing (that’s 20 buttonholes and 24 buttons, but who’s counting?) and have at least another 1 or 2 planned for summer.
My first: leftover pink windowpane plaid shirting with about 10% 4-way stretch. Pleat in back, sleeves shortened, pointed collar. Paired with my Frida Shorts and Haute Skinnies (aff link) for totally different looks.
Shirt 2: Herringbone-ish Rayon Challis with about 10% 2-way stretch. No collar, no back pleat. I LOVE how this one fits and drapes. It’s exactly what I’m looking for in a summer shirt. Note- these are my very first Haute Skinnies I ever made- they are I think 3 years old now? The pocket placement isn’t quite right for my booty, and I’ve adjusted that on subsequent pairs. I wear these pretty much weekly and they have held up great even with my 15lb fluctuation.
I picked up some gorgeous off-red chambray for my next one that I’m going to do a few mods inspired by this camp shirt – epaulettes, pocket flaps, and sleeve tabs should be very easy to add! 
DoodleNumber5 