classic shirt with handmade lace

I’m sure you’ve all had those projects that just seemed to drag on forever, right? Well, this linen Classic Shirt adorned with handmade lace was definitely one of those for me. But after all the delays, distractions, and detours, it’s finally done! The story behind this piece begins years ago when my friend’s mom gifted me some exquisite handmade lace. She’s incredibly talented at making it, and it takes her countless hours to craft even a small amount. She always brings her lace with her when she visits her kids in Madrid, and I’ve been fortunate enough to receive several meters over the years. I’ve been determined not to let such a treasure languish unused in a drawer somewhere. There’s nothing sadder than letting heirlooms or handcrafted items sit untouched, especially when they’re meant to be enjoyed. When I finally decided to use the lace, I began planning a Classic Shirt in a high-quality linen fabric. Cutting the pieces was straightforward enough, but then life happened. My son went off to college, I was busy renovating an apartment, and I had a string of personal upheavals to deal with. Somewhere along the way, the lace disappeared—only to resurface months later. By that point, I was juggling so many things that the project once again got shelved. Finally, last summer, I managed to gather everything together and dedicate the time needed to finish it. To complement the lace, I added some vintage buttons from my collection. They felt like the perfect match, adding a touch of history to the garment. Handmade lace, however, demands extra attention compared to what we typically buy in stores. Every time I wash this shirt, I have to carefully starch, stretch, and press the lace to keep it looking its best. Even then, it tends to droop a bit after a few hours. While this means it’s more of a special occasion piece rather than an everyday staple, I refuse to treat it like museum art. It’s meant to be worn and enjoyed! I must admit, I’m thrilled with the final result. Sewing this shirt tested my patience in ways I hadn’t anticipated, but I learned a lot in the process. Now that I’ve settled into my new sewing studio, managing similar projects should be easier. Still, I’m proud of what I accomplished, and it feels fantastic to check this one off my list. Pepa, the woman who made the lace, has incredible patience. She’s even offered to teach me how to create it myself, which would be an amazing skill to acquire. However, before diving into that, I need to focus on other priorities like getting my Spanish driver’s license, improving my language skills, and completing more sewing patterns. Maybe mastering lace-making will come sooner than I think—or perhaps it’ll take longer than finishing this blouse. Only time will tell. Our Classic Shirt pattern remains popular, available both digitally and in print. It’s designed with all the features of a well-made button-down shirt, including cup sizes and innovative techniques that ensure excellent results. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go. Looking ahead, I hope to learn more about creating lace and perfecting my sewing skills. For now, though, I’m just happy to celebrate this project’s completion—and maybe wear it a few times before ironing becomes too much of a chore! (And yes, I still have those two boxes full of inherited doilies and tablecloths. Any ideas on what to do with them? Let me know!) --- If you're interested in learning more about sewing or exploring patterns like the Classic Shirt, feel free to check out our resources. And if you enjoyed reading about this project, let us know in the comments below!

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