This is a new shirt from the wonderful Sally at Capital Chic Patterns called the Cuba Libre and I was extremely privileged to be asked to pattern test it.
I know that Sally names her patterns after cocktails and I’d never heard of Cuba Libre, so I looked it up. Guess what? it’s rum and coke! Oh well I’ve heard of that cocktail, and possibly even imbibed a few…
The shirt is loose fitting and is designed to be made from a silky material, so I used silk that I bought at a designer sale earlier this year. This is one of the garments that the designer made with this fabric. I like my shirt much better!
The fabric is described as being designed exclusively for the designer, but I should mention that I keep meeting other Perth sewists who also bought this fabric so I expect to come face-to-face with lots of different iterations!
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The shirt has a centre back pleat falling from a yoke. When I do a pattern test I slavishly follow the directions and was quite impressed that Sally does her yoke with a one step burrito method, whereas I always take two steps. I shall have to remember this method for future shirts.
I made the pattern according to my size with no adjustments at all. During construction I became anxious that it was going to be miles too big as it has a lot of ease and it looked massive on me. However, once the collar was attached and the buttons sewn on, it miraculously fitted me!
The shirt can be dressed up or down very successfully. Here it is with a skirt, which coincidentally is the Champagne skirt also from Capital Chic Patterns!
This is a beautifully drafted pattern, with the pieces fitting together with absolute precision. The collar and collar stand have extra pattern pieces for the lining, which are slightly smaller. I really appreciated this little thoughtful touch as it makes getting a precise edge so much easier.
I thought the pockets would emphasise my bust, but they don’t at all, so I will definitely include them the next time I make this shirt. I have a chambray version planned next, which I thought might double as a light jacket. We’ll see.
Shirt is Cuba Libra from Capital Chic Patterns 2016 Collection
Skirt is Champagne from Capital Chic Patterns 2014 Collection
Good Gracious – that’s lovely!
thanks Heather!
Beautiful work! I love the fabric + pattern combo, too! I hadn’t realized Capital Chic had a new collection out, but I really like the look of this pattern. I will have to investigate! =)
I can guarantee that you will fall in love if you check them out Mads!
That is so lovely, Sue – perfect fit!! Also, those shoes are gorgeous!!
thank you, I like the shoes too, but they are getting on a bit!
Looks great Sue, really beautiful fabric and perfect for this lovely style.
Thank you, I’m pleased I had the perfect fabric!
Sue, this shirt is so elegant! The drape of the fabric works so well with the oversized silhouette. I’ve been madly making all kinds of different shirt patterns lately and this one might have to go on my list. Also: those shoes!
Thanks Siobhan, I was thrilled with the way it turned out. And yes, I love my shoes!
I love this shirt and as I wrote on IG, I think the silk turns into a very feminine shirt. I have never heard of Capital Chic patterns and I am pleased to be introduced to them thanks to you.
Sally from CCP also has a blog called charity shop chic which is amazing.
Beautiful shirt and with the skirt makes a lovely outfit. I love your chosen fabric, it is perfect.
I was thrilled it went so well with the skirt. I like the fact that it’s from the same designer
I have a few metres of this fabric too and had planned on making a shirt. I’ll be sure to say hello when we cross paths wearing matching shirts! Your’s is lovely!
Oh yes, make the same shirt and then we can catch up in them!
Beautiful match of fabrics and patterns. This combination looks very classy and suits you well.
Thank you Sonja, I was so pleased with how it turned out.
Beautiful feminine shirt. That lovely fabric works perfectly for that pattern. Love it worn with the skirt…a very elegant outfit.
Hi Sue, thanks so much for sharing your incredible shirt! The fabric you chose is simply beautiful. I wish you many happy hours of wearing it 🙂
Thanks Sally, I know I am going to love it, and can’t wait to make another, and maybe the dress version.
Very nice shirt, and I love the fabric design. I agree that the silk gives the style a feminine feel. Enjoy wearing it – you look fabulous!
Thank you Kim, I am going to really enjoy wearing this one.
Love the shirt – the back pleat does it for me.
I like rum & coke too, so maybe I should look into this
Definitely should, Norma.I agree about that back pleat.
Perfect fabric for this shirt and the extra pattern pieces for the collar and stand is very thoughtful.
Certainly is Sharon, I love the patternmaking in this shirt.
Love the shirt and the fabric, the back pleat looks great!
The back pleat is perfect in my view.
That is a beautiful fabric! I bet a lot of sewists have grabbed it up! Your shirt is lovely and the skirt too, with it’s little ruffled pleat!
Yes, I think I’m going to bump into this fabric a bit in the autumn. I have worn this skirt so much and am thrilled to have a new shirt to wear with it.
Woohee, looking VERY good Sue (and I like your shirt better too 🙂 )
Haha Jenny, I can recommend this pattern.
Great shirt, I like pattern and fabric, they play very well together!
Thank you! I really like them too.
Lovely pattern, lovely print. Looks gorgeous!
Thank you Rachel. This shirt would look good on you…
Great shirt, great print! I like the detailing.
Thanks Roxanne, I’m looking forward to wearing this one often!
Thanks for showing another tailored design that nevertheless looks great in an interesting fabric.
Thanks also for the little detail about the extra pattern pieces. That’s the sort of thoughtful design that makes it a pleasure to work with a pattern.
Sally is a very thoughtful designer and I love making her designs.