Adventures in Pattern Making

I've been taking a pattern making class.  When I saw that Sara had entered the Made by Rae Spring Top Sewalong 2011 contest, I was inspired to jump in and put my new knowledge to work.

I based my design on this shirt from Anthropologie.

I liked the shaping from the pleats.  I read the comments on the website and there were lots of complaints about the low neckline and the large sleeve holes.  I would have to rectify those issues.  I also didn't care for the longer sides.  So, basically, I was discarding everything, but the pleats and the ruffled neckline!

The pleated shaping is both on the front and the back.

I have plenty I could complain about with this shirt, but considering it's only the second time I've designed my own shirt, I don't think I did too badly.

As a quick aside, this is what was going on at my feet as my brother took my picture.  Let me introduce Tia and Maria, my doggie-nieces.