A versatile piece of Spring outerwear

This fabulous oversized shirt featured in the Spring 21 magazine. It is a variation of The Lounge Shirt, lengthened to create a cozy over shirt. A set bottom pockets have been added and all pockets have a buttoned flap.

The fabric is a woven wool/cashmere mix similar to a lightweight coating weight. It was an ecru coloured remnant that was dyed using turmeric - the details for this can be found in the magazine.

When cutting out the front and back shirt pieces, add an additional 35 cm to the length of each pattern piece. Then cut pairs of pockets and flaps for the top and bottom pockets - dimensions as shown above. The flaps are slightly larger than the pocket bags.

To make the pockets: fold pocket flap right sides together, lengthways and stitch as shown (1a). Carefully snip corners, turn through and press. Make the pocket buttonholes in the centre nearest the folded edge, as shown (1b) Take the main pocket piece with right sides together fold the top down by 2cm, and stitch either side. Snip the corner, turn through and press. Fold the other three sides in by 1cm and press. Stitch down the top edge (1c). Place pocket bag right side up, on the right side of the coat fronts - the top pockets at the pocket points and the bottom pockets 12 cm below. Pin or tack in place, then stitch around three sides as shown (1d). Place the pocket flap above the pocket, with the opening in the flap nearest the pocket – pin or tack in place and then stitch down as close to the edge as possible (1d). Turn flap over and press (1e).

Make up the rest of the shirt as shown in the pattern instructions.

This variation took 50 cm more than the quantity given on the pattern.