Aveiro Shirt

Lovely Nasrin from Needle Eye Patterns sent me the Aveiro Shirt* for a review and I’m so glad she did. The Aveiro Shirt is a button up, sleeveless shirt with a ruffle that wraps around the collar and halfway down the placket. The ruffle details give this top a beautiful feminine look especially when embroidery details are added to it. I was thrilled to learn how to add a scalloped edge to the ruffle. I was also impressed with the detailed finishing instructions which makes the blouse neat on the inside as well as the outside.

The top is suitable for woven fabric. I’ve made two versions of this top. My first was a wearable toile with a Swiss-dot, lightweight cotton. My “good” version of the top was made with a patterned linen which is still lightweight but has medium drape with more of a structured feel to the fabric. Both were appropriate for the pattern, but I feel that the linen will need more wearing in and washes to take on the shape of the top. The shoulder yokes have gathers which still sit away from the body. I know from experience that linen will soften, and it will sit better after that. 

My measurements of 38-inch bust, 33-inch waist sat between the size 10 and size 12. Looking at the amount of ease in the pattern, I decided that the size 10 would be fine without grading. I did toile the pattern and it felt like a comfortable fit. I find that the pattern is true to size. 

Instructions for the pattern were fantastic. It’s uniquely written from the point of view of a seamstress without assuming background knowledge of the person using the pattern. I found out from the Needle Eye Patterns website that Nasrin is not only a designer but a very experienced sewing teacher which explains why the instructions are written in a very clear and non-ambiguous manner. At no point did I have to stop to look up a technique or instruction. In addition to the written instructions that were paired with great illustrations, there is also a YouTube video sew along. With all these resources, this pattern is suitable for someone who is a beginner to an expert.

One part that I enjoyed the most but also the part I sewed wrongly in the first toiled version was the ruffles. It doesn’t state in the pattern which side (right or wrong) of the fabric to cut on and it’s not possible to tell on the video with the fabric being used. So, initially, I cut from the good side of the fabric, and it meant that my longer side of the ruffle ended up on the left side of the blouse. Women’s shirts button from right to left, that is, buttonholes on the right and buttons on the left. So, on my toiled top, the buttonholes are on the left with the ruffles and the buttons on the right. It still works but it was something I had to pay attention to in the linen version. This time, I cut the pattern pieces from the wrong side of the fabric, and it worked out fine. This mistake was not a reflection on the pattern but just me forgetting which way women’s tops button up. Who decided this in the first place anyway?

The finishes on the top are so neat. Almost all the seams are French seamed. Bias binding finished the sleeve opening. I used a serger for the hem of the shirt and then sewed and turned the bottom corner of the placket. It’s a very satisfying sew and I learnt a few new things. Overall, a happy outcome. I’ll be finishing my toiled version and sharing it soon. I’m thrilled with my Aveiro Shirt and can’t stop admiring the scalloped edge on my ruffle!

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!

X Em

*Pattern was gifted for a review but all opinions remain my own.