Last Autumn I felt spurred on to pattern test again, and saw a call for testers to join Misusu Patterns on instagram. I applied for both myself and the kids. Shortly after, a call was put for the Bing Shirtigan, which Arthur refused (fussy tweenager) and Layla emphatically wanted, under the proviso I made it in pink. I was accepted into the testing group, but then the whole test was put on hold until the new year. January came and the test began. I was in the first round of testing, to help iron out kinks in the pattern, with sizing or with instructions.



Actually, it turned out that sizing needed tweaking, so my final version pictured is as close to final size as possible, but I made a load of adjustments to get it like that. Don't worry, the final version is perfect!!



I admit to never having made a Misusu pattern before, so it was all new to me. However, the pattern pieces and instructions are brilliant. Very clear, with clear markings on the pattern pieces. Everything is true and just fits together perfectly. The unisex Bing is designed for stable, heavier knits for the sleeves and top of the bodice. This is an all-in-one piece, and requires a bit of stretch for the shoulders to sit nicely. I made the hooded version, again, the hood is made from knit and bound with thin contrast knit. I think this would have worked with a woven binding too, there isn't much stretch, if any, required in the hood seams.



The lower body is designed for woven fabrics, it features a back pleat, and a sweet curved hem. The hem is faced, to keep the curved lines nice and neat, and is perfect for a contrast colour, or splash of floral (in Layla's case!). I used a thick cotton sweatshirt fabric in pale pink for the upper part and hood of Layla's Bing. I bound the knit seams in a thin dark purple knit (very old, no idea what type of fabric composition it is!), I love the contrast against the pale pink fabric.



The main body is sewn from thick bright pink whale corduroy. This met Layla's exacting 'pink' standards perfectly. I used the corduroy for the pockets too, but the pocket flaps were lined with the same floral as the contrast hem facing.



I chose to bind the bodice seams in floral binding, I wanted to create a fully bound shirt. When worn open, you catch flashes of the floral binding, which I think is really sweet. This is not detailed in the pattern, and was artistic license on my part. When I make another of these (it has already been requested), I won't use the binding all the way into the front button placket. It made the seam extremely thick, and my sewing machine struggled really badly to sew over it. I would definitely bind the seam up to the point of the placket though, as I think it adds a lovely touch. I'm kicking myself that I didn't take the time to bind the side seams in the same way, so they are just overlocked as per pattern instructions.



Layla has worn this shirt a huge amount since I made it, and I'm genuinely surprised how much she loves it!



Pattern: Bing Shirtigan by Misusu Patterns - Hood OR collar options.
Fabric: 100% Cotton Sweat knit from Fabworks, Corduroy purchased locally a few years ago



The pattern will release on Friday 28th February and be on special release price until Sunday 8th March.

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