I am a big fun of trying something new or doing something for the first time, hence I have decided to participate in a sew along. This one was a first for me and I was eager to start and had completed it way before the allocated time.
Lovely Ana from Cocowawa Crafts released a new pattern which instantly caught my eye, so I became even more excited when I read on her blog that she scheduled a sew along for that pattern yeaaayyyy
You can find a detailed program and helpful tutorials on her blog, however the instruction booklet provided with the pattern itself was easy enough to understand so I doubt you will have any troubles.
The pattern
Honeycomb shirt/dress features a Mandarin type collar and a front button placket. You can choose to make a shirt version ( like me ) which comes with a gathered peplum, that I think looks adorable. Dress has a midi length and it comes with pockets. Both options include a lovely ties around waist that you can adjust depending on your preferences.
The pattern adjustments
I have cut size 7 based on my bust measurements and started with my usual sway back adjustments. To my surprise I did not have to raise the waist line, which made a process much faster.
When I had sewn the bodice part I realized that the finished look is much more boxy then I like, so at the end I ended up sewing the side seam closer by 2 cm on each side. It is still loose and comfortable, but think it suits me better now. This has created completely “new” armhole circumference (which in my opinion was way to low anyway) and I started to wonder if I should adjust the sleeve pattern piece. After thinking it over and over again I have decided to cut size 5 sleeve and make a gathers at the shoulder seam to accommodate all that extra ease.
With the gathered peplum I thought it would look very nice, and I was not disappointed!
The other alternation from the original pattern was my choice of Peter Pan Collar instead of Mandarin one. During hot weather I prefer this option and I believe it make my shirt a little more unique. You can find in my previous post step by step tutorial on how to draft a Peter Pan Collar on your existing shirt pattern.
There are different methods of finishing off seam allowance but this time I had used bias binding from inside to create a clean finish. 
Final thoughts
I have made my Honeycomb shirt from drapey viscose fabric, that is absolutely perfect for this pattern. Thank to its loose structure the shirt is comfortable and it allows for a free body movement, which I look for in my clothes. I will make another version of this shirt, however this time will size down to 5 and will reduce the armhole circumference. Other then that it is a wonderful pattern with many great options.
You still have time to take part in a Ana’s sew along this month.
There are great prices kindly offered by Harriet from Sew Me Sunshine and Joy from Pink Coat Club, as well as an extra price given from Ana herself. What more do you need???
What do you think about Honeycomb shirt/dress pattern? Would love to find out!
xxx Monika
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