David's Dress Shirt

David is a bit of a shirt-a-holic. No matter how many nice mid-19th century shirts he has, he always has plans for at least two or three more. And when those materialize, he needs more. I suppose it is like me and fabric. I can't complain too much about a husband who collects shirts. At least it is not an expensive obsession and is not morally questionable. And many shirts is consistent with the needs of a man in the 19th century - they are, after all, technically underwear. A fresh one is nice every day. 

His latest shirt is this pleated front dress shirt that he declared he must have for Shiloh. We bought the fabric last month and last week I finished it up. This was my first pleated front shirt and I was happy with how it came out, although there are a few things about it that bug me (the corners of the pleated insert are not perfectly smooth, etc.) 

I finished it late one night, sewing the last buttonholes as we were curled up on the couch downstairs watching the Fess Parker version of Davey Crockett. The children were all asleep by the time the last stitch was sewn and despite the late hour I made David try it on. I told him I deserved that, at least. To see him in it once the labor of making it was over. I was pleased at the transformation the shirt produced in David. He just looks so good in it. It suits him. 

I used the Laughing Moon shirt pattern for this shirt. I started using the pattern a few years ago and I love it. The sizing is great and the instructions are clear. There are a few things I have to change about the pattern to make it appropriate (following the instructions to a T results in a shirt that is definitely post-war) but all in all I would not be without this pattern. I also used the neck stock and cravat pattern to make the black silk cravat. Here David traipses up the driveway with James Longstreet, his faithful companion. 

My only disappointment is that when David wears this shirt under his uniform no one will be able to see it. Alas. 

Love,

Sarah