A while ago, Myrna suggested that I do something about rounding up together in one post the number of variations on a pattern that I have made up; as a sort of “hey, look at the number of different looks you can get from just one pattern” kind of a post. Thank you, Myrna!
I thought it was a terrific suggestion, as I do re-use favourite patterns a whole bunch of times, probably painfully and boringly so from the point of view of people who like to go for new and exciting patterns with every garment. But to redeem the boredom of going again and again with the same old same old patterns I usually introduce a little something to a pattern to get slightly different garments each and every time.
One pattern I have used a lot is Burda 7767, a basic men’s shirt pattern. Now agreed, it’s very basic, and seamstresses after a challenging sew usually avoid basic patterns like the plague. Advanced seamstresses often prefer to go for something with a few exciting variations or twists already incorporated in it. But just think, a basic pattern is often the best for playing around with and once you have mastered basic sewing techniques you can introduce your own features. So much more fun! I do prefer DIY-ing my own features to being spoon-fed a design; and from the sewing-challenge point of view incorporating your own ideas can be a bigger challenge than even the toughest Vogue Advanced pattern, and you will feel more like an actual “designer” in control of your own ideas.
Most of the shirts I have made from this pattern have been for the menfolk in my life; my husband and my two sons. OK, I admit I have also made one version for me too, hehe… and unfortunately men love for their stuff to be kinda unadorned. But you can still squeeze a few little variations in here and there and as long as it is not too asymmetric or “weird” your menfolk will probably consent to wear it…
So here, without further ado, is my gallery of Burda 7767 (so far…)
The first version: just to the pattern with no bells or whistles, pink linen, navy blue topstitching and navy blue buttons. I was sewing this one as a birthday surprise so couldn’t do any actual fitting. It turned out a tad too tight under the arms for Craig, but not to worry, Tim has it in his wardrobe (he is not the kind of guy who feels his masculinity is challenged by a pink shirt) and I have borrowed it tonnes of times too.
Version two; maroon linen, with black contrasting topstitching and buttons. Variations, a curved pocket flap, curved pocket edges, narrow spaced double rows topstitching. I’ve also borrowed this one on a few occasions, hehe (it’s a good thing my husband is so generous with his wardrobe, hmmm?)
Version three; blue linen with light brown contrasting topstitching and light brown mottley bone buttons. Variations, arrowhead pocket flap, curved pocket edges, wider spaced double topstitching.
Version four; for Sam, turquoise and white striped cotton with contrasting navy blue topstitching and navy blue snaps. Variations; double bias placed breast pockets with arrowhead bias placed pocket flaps, shoulder tabs, inner sleeve tabs (so the sleeves can be rolled up like pictured) and snap closures throughout.
Version five; for Tim, blue, black and white plaid flannelette, with navy topstitching and navy blue snaps. Variations, pieced pocket pieces (to take advantage of that interesting plaid), bias placed arrowhead pocket flaps. shoulder tabs, inner sleeve tabs and snap closure throughout.
Version six; for Craig, white linen, white topstitching and buttons. Variations; one double welt breast pocket with looped button closure, no collar, curved lower hemline. Yup, I’ve borrowed this one a tonne too…!
Version seven; (blush) for me…, blue cotton chambray, white topstitching and copper-toned snaps. Variations, double breast pockets with arrowhead pocket flaps, shoulder tabs and inner sleeve tabs, curved lower hemline.
Version eight; for Craig, navy and white striped cotton, yellow cotton, white topstitching and yellow buttons. Variations, contrasting fabric for collar stand lining and sleeve cuff lining. Buttonholes sewn on the diagonal, and grouped together down the buttonband in pairs, curved lower hemline.
Version nine; for Craig, green shot cotton, contrasting yellow topstitching, brown mottley buttons. Variations, of summer weight cotton, with short sleeves, double curved edge breast pockets, arrowhead pocket flaps, curved lower hemline. Did an interesting little triangular cut-out feature thingy on the ends of the sleeves
Version ten; for Tim, beige, black and white irregularly striped “scrunched” cotton, with black topstitching and black snaps. Variations, sleeve tabs, motif ironed onto pocket, double breast pockets, curved pocket flaps, snap closure throughout, curved lower hemline.
Version eleven; for Sam, black and white check “scrunched” cotton, black topstitching, silver snaps. Variations, short sleeves with a little tab with snap closure on the edge of the sleeve hem. Shoulder tabs with snap closure. Pocket motif. Bias cut double breast pockets, bias cut (but the opposite way) arrownhead pocket flaps, curved lower hemline.
Version twelve; for Craig, blue shot cotton, rusty red topstitching and buttons. Variations, short sleeved summer-y version, buttons on sleeve ends, double breast pockets, flattish arrowhead pocket flaps, curved lower hemline.
Version thirteen; for Sam, navy blue corduroy, navy topstitching, brown snaps. Variations, made it a tad bigger and longer and out of corduroy to make a jacket-y thing. Double breast pockets, deep arrowhead pocket flaps, curved lower hemline. Contrasting beige cotton for lining the collar stand, pocket flaps and pockets. Copied some very cool double hip pockets here that I had seen on a jacket in the surf shop. Both my boys love these jackets btw!
Version fourteen; for Tim, beige corduroy, brown topstitching (a mistake, should have chosen matching thread…), brown snaps. Variations, as above, with the double hip pocket thing. Contrasting blue linen for lining the collar stand, pocket flaps and pockets.
Version fifteen; not surprisingly, I have another one cut out and awaiting my attention! This one for me. Stay tuned for this next one…
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little overview of the very versatile Burda 7767, and can appreciate why it is one of my favourite go-to’s!
And I think they fit in very nicely with my current seasonal aim of dressing to suit the natural colours and textures of my environment…
Speaking of, when Cassie and I had our fun day out with Yoshimi and Novita in Tokyo, as we parted ways Yoshimi pointed us in the direction of the Mitsukoshi department store, where we had a fabulous eye-opening hour or so oohing and aahing over fashion the likes of which are almost unknown around here. Unknown that is apart from some very expensive European clothing in certain boutiques… Anyhoo Cassie found a pair of scrumpled leggings like these, and we thought they were so fun and different we bought some. You’re wondering why I didn’t buy any for myself? well the leggings situation in Tokyo is the same as the shoes situation, if you are taller than 5’6 or have larger than a size 38 shoe, then forget about it…
