Inspiration - The classic Breton Shirt with a modern touch

I can't help but notice lately that the classic Breton shirt seems to be popping up everywhere on the internet making an appearance on a number of celebrities like Kate Middleton and Miranda Kerr. The classic Breton shirt is usually made out of stretch or jersey so it is comfortable to wear and also adds a classic, elegant touch to an otherwise casual outfit. Its been on my sewing hit-list for a number of months now and with the weather finally below 30deg I think its high time I make one for myself.

This is my sewing inspiration from Alexander Wang. I love how they've used the larger striped fabric for the top of the shirt and smaller stripes for the rest which gives the shirt a modern take on the classic Breton.

T By Alexander Wang striped t-shirt (see more white long sleeve shirts)

Im planning to use the Ensis Tee pattern from Papercut Patterns (currently in the mail to me all the way from New Zealand!!). As you can see this pattern allows for using two different coloured fabrics which is what I'm hoping to achieve... perfect match really!

Finding stretch knit/jersey fabric with larger and smaller stripes shouldnt be too hard and I'm hoping to bind the neckline in the same dark blue coloured fabric as the stripes.

Eventually I'm hoping to style it like this:

Me-Made-May '14 and first ever blog post!!

So... after spending the last year or so stalking some amazing, inspiring sewing blogs (Lladybird, Sewaholic, Colette and Ginger Sews and more recently Bella Megan just to mention a few) I've decided to bite the proverbial bullet and create my own!

While stalking my favorite sewing blogs I've noticed there is much excitement around the Me-Made May 2014 challenge. I was a spectator last year for the MMM-13 challenge partly due to the fact my wardrobe was seriously lacking in me-mades and partly due to a lack of confidence to show off these me-mades to the rest of the sewing world. (Its one thing to show off a hand-made garment to someone who has never sewn before and its a completely different thing to show it off to a seasoned sewer! Eeek, is my hem straight?! Are they critiquing my dodgy zipper inserting skills?! Does that shortcut I took so I could wear the dress to work today show?! I think you all know what I mean...)
Well, my sewing abilities and confidence have grown tremendously in the last year and so has my wardrobe (just ask my flatmate!) so I feel as if I can actually attempt MMM'14 this year.

So... after much procrastination and a good deal of trepidation here it goes...

'I, Miranda of She's Sew Classic-Chic, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '14. I endeavour to wear at least one or more Me-Made garments each day for the duration of May 2014'

Phew!! Done!! I feel better already :) Oh and I guess this makes up my first blog post on my brand new blog!! I'm hoping this little blog will inspire people who have never sewn but want to learn, those who have been sooo frustrated at never being able to find the perfect dress at the perfect length to get out of their comfort zone, pick up a pattern and some awesome fabric and give it a shot... you never know what you are capable of until you try.
Just a little word of encouragement, it feels amazing to wear something you've made and be able to say 'Oh, this? I made it!'

Now that I've signed up to MMM-14 I had better get started sewing up some much needed essentials to get me through May. Look out long weekend!!