Fen Shirt (Hacked)

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I'm not thrilled with the way this project turned out, but it gave me the opportunity to experiment with rayon, fitting, and pattern modification, which was great. I wore it a few times before the armpit frayed out. Rather than mend it, I'll likely turn it into stuffing so it doesn't go to waste.

Pattern: Fen shirt by Fancy Tiger Crafts, modified to have a symmetrical hem (used seafoam polka dot top as template). Sewn in 100% rayon challis from Joann Fabrics

New skills: sewing rayon challis

Lessons: Rayon is quite tricky to sew, it's slippery and easy to stretch out of shape after you cut pattern pieces—this tutorial was a big help.

I learned a lot about fitting and fabric choice. I started out by sewing a toile following the vanilla Fen shirt pattern, but wasn't thrilled with the high-low hem. I adjusted the bottom hem to be symmetrical using a RTW rayon shirt as a template. Something about the neckline + fabric + cut strongly evokes "scrubs" and isn't really a style I'm going for in my everyday clothing.

What I'd do differently: Since making this I've started to dial in what types of fits & silhouettes I want in my clothes and cropped/tucked tops look awesome with my (proportionally) long legs. I'd like to revisit my original toile with the high-low hem to see how it looks with a high waisted trouser or palazzo pant.

Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry