This fresh, updated version of my Skylines pattern started with a collage of fabric pinned to the dressform. It is like a sketch...once I could see it further along, the shirt was on its way! Even if you don't have a dressform that is your size (smaller is easier to work on than bigger if it is not your size)-it is great to have one for the shoulders and neck area. I suggest you have it stand at your same shoulder height. You can see how strongly the finished shirt idea in my head comes through just by using the dress form to pin the fabrics on.

Two mens shirtings in fine blue pinstripe and a bolder one in black and white, give this shirt fabulous detail. A beautiful ribbon (from Renaissance Ribbons) was used for the closure accent. The shirt actually closes with some 1/2-in snaps. The black cotton (corset) shapes are actually appliqued onto each shirt piece first..leaving the edges pointed and not always meeting for interest. I have added some width to the shirt.

After the shirt was completed, I stitched additional tucks in the corset shape from the inside. The ties and loops in the back let the wearer adjust the amount of fit. The background painting is by Miles Frode.