It seems that I now make Tom a flannel shirt for his birthday every year and this year is no exception. I wouldn’t normally blog yet another birthday flanno, except that I’ve been asked for photos of Tom’s dog Heidi (thanks Heather!), and these photos showcase the boy, his dog and the flanno pretty perfectly (look at those back legs, they’re hysterical!).
He celebrated his birthday with a visit to our bush block, and had been doing some serious digging so his trousers left a bit to be desired with the shirt, but this is the look he tends to go for, so that’s what you’re getting.
I went to a lot of trouble with the pattern matching. I had read a Threads Magazine article about straightening the grain. I can’t find the article, but found this video, which describes the same thing. So I pulled the fabric into submission and guess what? It worked!
I got pattern matching in every direction, including across the arms. See the pocket? Not too shabby.
I put the yoke on the bias so that I didn’t need to fuss with the pattern matching for that, but I’m off by 1/2cm on the collar. I couldn’t believe it! This is why I consider this make to be only “almost perfect” rather than “perfect”. Tom’s reaction? Care factor of zero apparently!
well matched across the front and Tom took the opportunity to do a bit of dog training whilst he put up with me taking photos. 
Tom likes to roll his sleeves up and I usually make the sleeve plackets too short, so I extended them for this shirt and met with his approval. That tent in the background is my sewing tent by the way. 
I used my TNT shirt pattern – Kwik Sew 3422. I do think about getting a more modern pattern but I’ve now got a copy of this one adjusted to fit each of my guys and they all seem to like it. The fabric is a beautiful cotton flannel and I may have bought it in Hong Kong. Or it simply materialised in the stash :). 
Heidi clearly approves of the shirt – I love her smile!
