Summer Holiday Gilbert
A life style brand, Rifle Paper Co. , and a fabric brand, Cotton + Steel, have been collaborating for a few years now. They make beautifully printed fabric each season that many makers love.
If you remember their first collection that was released back in 2016, it was called “Les Fleurs” collection. I bought two cotton fabric from the collection at the time (and years later, I bought another rayon fabric from the same collection.)
One of them was their signature floral print and I made a fit and flare dress. I loved the dress, but since it’s too big to wear now, I’m planning on refashioning it and turn it into my niece’s dress, maybe!
The other print is called “Bon Voyage” and as the name suggests, it’s a very summery holiday theme print. I can’t believe I had this fabric in my stash for five years now. Where did the time go?
It’s got some gold glitter in the print. It’s a super cheerful print!
When I bought this fabric, I initially wanted to make a sun dress. Five years have past since then, and now I’ve changed my mind. In this Canadian climate, I really don’t wear sun dresses much, maybe two or three times each season if I’m lucky.
So I decided to make a shirt instead, hoping it would get more wear.
Pattern: Gilbert top by Helen’s Closet
This is my first time using this pattern and I believe this also is my first time using patterns from Helen’s Closet.
I’m really happy with how it turned out!
Their pattern and the instruction were very user friendly. I especially liked that they specify which pattern pieces to print out depending on which style you’re making. Not every pattern company does this, and while it may seem like a small thing, it’s actually really helpful. It’s nice when you don’t have to waste papers!
I’m not an expert of pattern drafting, but I thought the pattern was drafted really nicely too. I didn’t make any alterations and the fit turned out great.
I love the cuffed short sleeves too!
You know I like Willamette shirt pattern as well—I’d still use Willamette for drapey fabric (as Willamette’s shape doesn’t work so well on me with stiffer fabric) and/or when I want to skip the pattern matching for the sleeves.
But I think Gilbert is my new favourite shirt pattern! Especially if I was using fabric with some thickness or no drape.
The collar for Gilbert is less big and pointy than Willamette which I think gives a little softer feel to its design.
And a pocket is always a nice touch!
It’s hard to see in the photos, but I used clear buttons tinted with light blue.
This holiday print and Gilbert pattern combo makes such a fun and summery shirt! I’m so excited to be wearing it.
One more great thing—this pattern has a clean finishing! I know I’m the only one who sees it, but it makes me happy knowing that it’s neat inside!
I really like the fit of this shirt—It’s not tight but it’s not overly baggy either. It has a slight curve around the waist that is flattering but still maintains its breezy-ness.
I’m sure Gilbert pattern will be my summer go-to top pattern!
Jul 29, 2021
