McCall’s pattern M8094 appealed to me because the Victorian-like silhouette and the option for ruffles on the sleeves. I chose to make it in this black fabric printed with pink and yellow roses, which also reminded me of the Victorian era. I noticed that this pattern was going to call for me to create looped buttonholes down the center front, something I have not tried before, so I took it on as a challenge. I picked out some pretty vintage inspired Simplicity buttons.
I am going to be honest, I messed this pattern up rather badly because I got confused by the cut out panel pieces. When they are cut out, they all look similar in size and shape. Usually it is discernible to tell the center back from the sides, but on this pattern, these pieces (side fronts, side backs, and back) all flare out to create that flounced flair out at the bottom, and that must be where I got mixed up. Without going into a lot of detail, I sewed them in the wrong order, and therefore created a real off balanced shirt! My husband and I got a good laugh out of that. But I did see my mistake and set it straight, thankfully. In the end it turned out just fine. I do not think everyone would make this mistake that I did, but it is something to keep in mind! Keep the pieces straight as to which is which. Next time I will be more careful of that, for sure! That is one thing about sewing, mistakes are always something you must be prepared to encounter, and try to fix without losing your cool.
I will say that my experimental button challenge worked out well, and I was pleasantly surprised. I actually had bought a zipper to install in the back in case I ended up making the buttons just decorative, and not functional, but I am pleased it all turned out like I had hoped.
