Brighton and Beyond

It’s cold and grey and not always very inviting outside, which makes it’s the perfect to time be looking forward to the warmer months and planning new projects ready for the summer. I promise you, summer will return. Brighton is not only a beautiful town on the south coast of the UK, as well as in 10 other counties around the globe, but it’s also the name of the shirt pattern I launched in the autumn last year.

I love making shirts and the Brighton shirt is a design I’ve wanted to perfect since I started sewing. I first saw the inspiration for this in my most favourite telly programme, Doctor Who, back in 1980. It was the very first series I remember watching and it certainly made an impression on me as I’ve been a fan every since.  

My sewing skills took a little longer to settle in, but now they have I can indulge my childhood dreams and design, draft and sew the wardrobe I always wanted. This shirt design was right up there at the top of my list of dream makes, so I set to work drafting and perfecting this design.  The shirt features many design elements not usually found in men’s wear, but work perfectly in this creation. I added deep three button cuffs to the sleeves, wide exaggerated lapels to the shirt front and a generous collar to match.  Also included in the pattern are options to add pockets to the shirt fronts and long or short sleeves.

Hacking the pattern

I love a pattern hack and I love seeing your hacks of my patterns too. I’ve already seen sewers making it in short and long sleeves, but how about making it into a shirt dress or duster coat?  Just extend the sides of the front and back pieces down to your desired length and add as much flare to the shirt section as you like. Pockets could then be added to the side seams if you wish.

I already have plans to make it into an ‘over the head’ shirt with an extra panel added across the lower half of the shirt front but keeping the top half of the shirt the same.  The neck line opening is easy to adjust to find the exact position you like. With the shirt on you, adjust the button placement until you have found that sweet spot. You could have a plunging V or bring it right in to the neck, which ever feels best for you.

Where to wear

This shirt is so versatile, it can be made in a soft linen or cotton and worn day to day, or off to the shops. But make one from a beautiful Cotton Lawn, Silk, plain crisp white cotton or similar fabric and you have a beautiful blouse or shirt to wear out for an evening.  

Where to buy

If you haven’t already, you can pick up your pattern from my shop on this very website, as well as on the Sewing Street TV shop. If you’re looking for shirting fabrics, or beautiful Cotton Lawns, do check out Lady McElroys range, there is an exclusive discount of 10% off your order on their website with the code ‘SEWMARKFRANCIS’.

Do share your makes and hacks with me, tag me on on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter on @sewmarkfrancis #sewmarkfrancis