The Olya Shirt by Paper Theory Designs

September 9, 2019

In my last shirt post I mentioned that I’d already chosen my next shirt project and so here it is – the Olya Shirt from Paper Theory Patterns.

I’d spied a few beautiful versions of this pattern on insta but this perfect, crisp white linen Olya from Bella took me well and truly over the ‘add to cart’ line.

Let me start by saying that this pattern is such a fantastic design. The style is classic and relaxed but some very clever drafting lifts it well beyond ordinary shirt territory. A seam line runs across the shirt front, along the tops of the pockets and right down the sleeve to finish at the cuffs, so the front yoke and sleeves are made up from the same pattern piece (read: no setting in sleeves!).

As is my shirt-making norm and through no fault of the pattern, I had a few stumbles with the collar and collar stand but it was nothing some time and un-picking couldn’t eventually fix. I really do think that a practice-makes-perfect theory applies to the cuff and collar stage of shirt-making and with each shirt I make, I can definitely see my skills gradually improving.

Fabric is our Hartford White linen (available Melbourne only)

And so if all that isn’t effusive enough, let me just say that the Olya Shirt is a really, truly, excellent pattern. The first time I put it on I got hit with some 80s vibes in the good 80s way. So bonus points because FAVOURITE decade. The style is loose without feeling over-sized and this makes it incredibly comfortable to wear and equally great tucked in or worn out. I made a size 8, going down one size on my measurements, and made no further modifications. I wear it with the sleeves rolled up but take note of your arm length because, as a few others have mentioned, you may need to make an adjustment here .

I’m wearing the shirt with my Pietra Pants

This pattern is a fabulous option for anyone looking to level up on their sewing skills. The instructions are great but the additional option of a sew-along makes the whole process even better. And as I said in my last shirt-making post, breaking your sew into short steps makes this a very achievable and incredibly satisfying project. Subject to this shirt never ever falling apart *crosses fingers*, I know this is a timeless style that I’ll have and wear for a very long time. Am I planning another? You bet…

PS Thanks for the photos Nikole Ramsay x