What is it about the word buttonholes that can send shivers down a sewists’ spine? I can’t be the only sewist that drools over button up shirts but has always been too scared to even attempt one because…BUTTONHOLES..ick.
That is until Pattern Scout tested the Hana tank and dress. It’s like…112 degrees in Phoenix right now and there are only so many RAD CYOA tanks I can make before it becomes ridiculous, so when Casey sent the tester email for this out, I ignored the buttonholes and just jumped.
Pattern Scout is Casey Sibley and the Hana pattern is only her second garment pattern release.
Pattern Scout’s size range go up to a size 28 which is a 54″ bust, a 46″ waist, and a 58″ hip.
The Hana pattern has a 3 Views, 2 of which go from cropped to dress length.
View A is the popover (no buttonholes..phew) and can be a straight hem crop, curved hem tee length, or a dress.
View B is a button front tank with the same length and hem options as View A.
View C is the cropped tie waist with the button front.
When I started the test, I was so tempted to take the east route and do View A, but I decided to push myself and do View C instead. And…I love it.
I’ve always thought I was an inverted triangle, or maybe a pear, but honestly…I might just be an apple shape. Seriously…how do people narrow down what their body type is? My bust is bigger than my waist but smaller than my hips. My current measurements are: bust 54″, waist 50″, hips 58″. The only adjustments I did to my Hana tester tank were using the D cup FBA (my RTW bra size is around 44-46 C-D depending on the brand). The Hana is drafted for 5’9 which is my height so I was able to make it without having to lengthen, which was so nice.
My Hana fits like a dream. Even though it is a button front, it’s loose enough that I can pull it on and off without having to undo any of them. There’s no tightness in my back and it doesn’t feel restrictive at all, which is just the best. I did notice some slight gaping in the armscye and in the past just shortening my shoulder area helped with that, so I think in future versions I might take about 1/2-1″ off both shoulder seams.
For my Hana, I used a very lightweight gingham shirting fabric from Joann. It was my first time working with shirting and I found it a very easy fabric to sew with.
The pattern pieces for the Hana came together quick and Casey did a really good job of walking you through the entire process from start to finish when it came time to actually construct the garment.
Considering this was my first button front shirt, I was able to sew it up in just under a couple of hours once I had the fabric all cut up and I know each time I make it now it will go faster and faster.
If you want to make up the Hana, since it is a woven garment with darts, I would definitely recommend a muslin before you cut into the fabric you want to show it off with. Reading through the instructions once before actually starting will always give you a good idea of what the construction of any garment entails so you’re less likely to forget a step I feel. And definitely don’t be afraid to search YouTube for any steps you’re unsure of (looking at you bias binding!).
My ratings for the Hana Pattern:
Size Range (1-5): 5! Pattern Scout is a new indie pattern company when it comes to designs and I’m so excited that Casey chose a broader size range from the get go.
Instructions (1-5): 5 I felt that the instructions were well thought out, clear, and easy to follow along with.
Construction Process (1-5): 5 I (miraculously) didn’t have any trouble with the buttonholes. The only part of construction that I had to have patience with was hemming the waist tie part, but we all know curves aren’t nice when you have to fold them.
Final Fit (1-5): 4 The only part that gave me trouble was the armscye gaping a little, but I wrote it down as an adjustment I just need to make on my next Hana garment.
Overall Rating (1-5): 4.75 Casey came right out the gate with a broader size range than other more established indie design companies, so she already was rated so highly to me. In addition to her size range, I think her designs are beautifully constructed staple pieces that everyone could benefit from sewing up to add to their wardrobe. I definitely recommend sewing up a Hana and following Pattern Scout to be in the know for their future pattern releases!
Now excuse me while I go stalk the Hana hashtag on Instagram to get some sewing inspiration!
Leanne
Is this pattern available to the general public yet? Can you give us a link?
Perfect summer day outfit! Love the shape of that top and the navy gingham.
Your top is sooooo cute! I love that the design combines several currently trendy elements, too: tank top with ties, but with a button-up option!
Great review & good to hear about the steps you will take next time around, I think that would apply to me too. You look great too, stay cool in the heat x
I absolutely love this shirt. I do tend to shy away from buttonholes. They never seem to turn out right for me. But seriously thinking of giving this a go especially since you can make it into a dress.
Thank you I do believe this is what I needed to start up my sewing again.
Great job! This is a great top and your version is beautiful!
Fabulous looking top! Zippers (invisible) make me just a bit more nervous than buttonholes. Slow and steady is the approach I take. And with YouTube, reviewing a technique is so much easier now