French Smock PDF Pattern

First thing out of the way: I bought the pattern before there were pattern instructions/corrections released earlier this summer, and I made the smock after I realized there were updates (which I haven't looked at yet as I think I figured all the head scratchers out). If you bought the pattern before the updates, and you haven't sewn flat felled seams before, beware some of the steps that have the fabric facing the incorrect way up. The smaller cuff placket opening pattern piece is printed twice as wide it should be (should be 1 cm, not two) and the instructions mirror the error.

Otherwise, and I really want to emphasize this: the top was a real joy to sew and one of those "take your time and you will be rewarded" projects. I used a striped medium weight cotton shirting that looks very much like the sample here, which meant ultra precision was critical for the bib and plackets, and the results are beautiful. I used self-covered buttons which is the *chef's kiss*. The fit is oversized and I did size down two sizes and it's plenty loose without looking sloppy. I'm about 5'4" and reduced the sleeve by an inch so now it's a touch past my wrist bone, but works with the oversized fit. If you're buying the pattern now and you are a patient sewer, you're going to love it. If you bought the pattern before the summer, check for any updates first!

Really love the look of this shirt - and it is a super clear pattern which I can see it really versatile so am already considering some hacks for my next go. These patterns are always so open to changes and customising that I never worry about making something that won't suit me.

I made my first Modern Sewing shirt a few weeks ago - really pleased with it- and having bought a collection of patterns I'd got a waiting list of other items I wanted to make. The french smock pattern wasn't in the bundled I'd originally purchased but I kept going back to look at it. On holiday I nipped into a fabric shop (surely I'm not the only one who does this?) and found a great lightweight cotton in a mid grey pinstripe. That prompted me to order the pattern and move it up the list of my pending projects. I'm really pleased I did. I'm a fairly experienced dressmaker so following the pattern and the instructions was easy. I am new to PDF patterns though, and last time I used a Modern Sewing pattern I printed it out at home and stuck a lot of A4 pages together. Easy enough, but this time I had it printed on an A0 sheet and I did find that simpler, and less time consuming, to work with. The smock is great, the perfect summer cover up. I am now mid way through an other version in a floral cotton and am looking for some nice cord to make a heavier smock for the colder months. I like the design of these patterns, stylish, but with a little more room for those of us that are no longer as slender as we once were!