Pattern Testing: Duck Butt Design’s Henry Fenley

My sewing studio is officially up and running (though not completely unpacked) and am happy to report my machines are humming away beautifully on 230V. It was slightly terrifying turning the machines on for the first time to see if the step down transformer did what it’s supposed to do.  My goal over the next few months is to take on more sewing projects so I was thrilled to be included in the Duck Butt Designs tester team for their new Henry Fenley PDF sewing pattern!

The Henry Fenley is an updated twist on a classic henley, with an easy to sew faux placket (hence the name) and three neckline options. In addition, the pattern instructions include other easy-to-sew details which allow any WAHM to produce a nicely finished product with little effort!

Pattern Description

PDF FEATURES –
Layers: Yes
Paper Sizes offered: US Letter, A4, and A0 (print shop size)
No Trim Pages: Yes

The instructions are a combination of photographs and illustrations.

Pattern Options & Construction

The shirt comes in long sleeved only but I will be using the cut line for DBD’s Panel Pocket Tee pattern to convert the shirt I made into short sleeves as we’re heading into summer here in Queensland!  The main feature of the pattern are the three different neckline options which are: regular Henley finish, polo collar (pictured on my guy), and a hood. There are two different hem and sleeve finish options: a regular hem or a band/cuff.  I chose a regular hem for both the shirt and the sleeves. The front of the shirt has two parts: a separate yoke piece, which creates the faux henley snap-up “placket”, and a bottom panel with…you guessed it…pockets! The separate construction allows great scrap busting and/or color blocking opportunities. The bottom panel is actually comprised of two layers of fabric which not only creates a kangaroo type pocket but also creates a nicely hidden seam where it attaches to the yoke.

Fit

My guy is quite the bean pole. His measurements put him in size 4T for width but his height puts him at size 6 for length! So I graded between the two sizes per the recommendation in the pattern instructions and was rewarded with a great fitting shirt of proper length. Which is something I can’t get with store bought! The shoulder length is a hair short but I think to be expected when you need to tighten up the width for a small frame.  I think I would try to tweak that on my next one. I’ve only ever sewn DBD’s Panel Pocket Tee and found the ease to be a tad wide for my taste (which, mind you, is an easy pattern mod). So I am really liking the slimmer fit of the Henry Fenley which gives it a more “formal” feel. I made my tester muslin for fit purposes out of a solid cream cotton/spandex and with the polo collar detailing thought it would be a great shirt for a gathering requiring something more “formal” while still being a comfortable shirt. This would be perfect for school photos.

Details

I wanted to quickly show off some great detailing that has been worked into the pattern. For the polo collar option, instructions for doing a nicely banded finish along the collar seam is included. Doesn’t that look nice! It’s super easy to tuck your product and size tag into. Pro Tip: use a fabric glue to temporarily secure the knit banding to the underside of the seam to make it super easy to get things aligned for top stitching. Great results every time. I especially love working with Sewline’s Water Soluble glue sticks.  The other detail I’ve pictured is the encased seam between the bottom panel and the upper yoke. This piece doubles as the pocket backing.

Duck Butt Design’s newest shirt pattern, the Henry Fenley, will likely be a great winter staple. The three neckline options coupled with the upper yoke piece, creates a versatile pattern allowing you to create many different combinations from one pattern! By using a short sleeve cut line from one of DBD’s other shirt patterns, this staple can easily transition into the hotter months as well.

Photos

Click on the photos to have a flip through.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was chosen as a pattern tester for the Henry Fenley and therefore given the pattern only for the purposes of the testing. This blog review was unsolicited and opinions and recommendations are solely my own.