Archer + Virginia sittin’ in a tree

Plaid Archer Plaid Archer Plaid Archer Plaid Archer Plaid Archer shirt: self-made, pattern here // leggings: self-made, pattern here // glasses: Bonlook // knee socks: J.Crew // boots: Boutique9 

Sometimes projects just don’t work out the way you planned. You have this perfect image in your head, you painstakingly gather all the supplies, read all the tutorials, and do all the math, and something just doesn’t work out.

This was kind of the opposite. :]

I had absolutely zero faith that this would work out. I’ve always had a soft spot for a cute plaid shirt, but even after seeing a bunch of gorgey Archer on the interwebs, I had sort of decided that that was beyond my skill set or patience level to even attempt. But then I decided that I needed a crazy skill-developing project (to even out the endless hours of mindless ruffling) so I figured this would be a good idea. But I was pretty sure this was going to fail.

I started looking for a cute cotton flannel plaid print that wasn’t too preppy/matronly/sleepingshirty/manly/boring and when I saw this one I knew it was a winner. I immediately set out to read about a million tutorials on how to match plaids.

These two posts were particularly helpful:

http://reallyhandmade.com/cutting-out-plaid/
http://reallyhandmade.com/sewing-plaids/

I’m not joking when I say that it took me two weeks to cut out all the fabric. I had to read and reread tutorials a bajillion times, and then I’d get myself all geared up to cut into the fabric and give up at the last minute. Two weeks. Maybe I should’ve picked a shittier fabric to start with because falling in love with this one made things even more stressful. The fact that the cotton flannel didn’t like to keep its shape is great for shirt comfy-ness but not so great for cutting.

I totally have the hang of it now though!I stalked everyone else’s Archers to see what pieces were supposed to be cut on the bias (I ended up doing the pockets, the right button band, the sleeve cuffs, and the outside piece of the back yoke) because I realized I had no idea which ones were supposed to be. I even made the pockets and sleeve cuffs (which I forgot to roll down and photograph) identical to each other! I tried to match everything else as best as I could and it was totally worth the extra effort, although I now have an annoying habit of scrutinizing (ok, and judging) everyone’s plaids to see if they match.

And yeah, I’ve worn this every single day since I finished it on Wednesday evening. I should probably make a few more.

PS Yes, those are a pair of Virginia leggings I snuck in there! These were made out of moisture-wicking fabric that I ordered off eBay. I’ve worked out in them but I haven’t actually gone for a run in them so I can’t really speak to the effectiveness of the moisture-wicking abilities. They’re definitely super toasty though.

PPS I feel like Archer + Virginia is a match made in heaven.

PPPS You guys, I’m so in love with this shirt it’s not even funny.

26 thoughts on “Archer + Virginia sittin’ in a tree”

  1. Absolutely stunning!! I am definitely not at the level of cutting plaid. thanks for the link to the tutorial though.One day ping! one day i will sew myself an archer 🙂

  2. It looks amazing! Thanks for sharing. I’m so excited to see your Kaylee dress, too. ;D I’m trying to figure out crocheting a Jayne hat for myself at the moment. 🙂

  3. I have purchased a plaid flannel very similar in color that I am going to make. I have also been very leary of cutting out the pattern. My choice is unfortunately a form fitting, princess seamed version and I am so afraid of cutting it out wrong . After seeing yours and reading the tutorials that you gave links to I think I may make the plunge. Yours is beautiful and I only hope that mine turns out half as nice. Great job!

  4. Fabulous! I love this! I hear you about the plaid matching, though– I definitely kept psyching myself out! But it’s more intimidating than it is difficult. Once I got rolling, it wasn’t too bad. I just bought a plaid flannel to make another Archer with, and I’m having the same issues with grainline. When I pulled it out of the wash, the right angles were all, well, un-right-angled! I’ve been struggling to even everything back out before cutting. But you’ve inspired me to take another whack at it because this shirt is so fabulous!

    1. Aww I’m so glad! Yeah I’d never sewn cotton flannel before so I had no idea it would warp so much! I hear cotton and think I’m home free haha. Good luck though! Your first plaid one was so cute!!

  5. I’m still psyched out by the thought of cutting a plaid Archer, but after reading your post maybe I should give it another try? Just to challenge myself and get over that damn “plaid-cutting phobia”. Totally love, love, love your outfit!

    1. Try it! It’s actually really fun once you figure out how it works. And you’ll feel kind of like a badass hehe.

  6. Great outfit and lovely work on the plaid matching. It is something I’ve been thinking I must try soon, and from all your comments it looks as if I am not alone in that!

  7. Wow, what a great job. Plaid and running leggings, what more could you possibly want in life? Definitely a project to aspire to, thank you for sharing.

  8. Woooo! And it’s such an awesome Archer 🙂 I’ve a huge soft spot for a plaid shirt like this (even have some fabric waiting in the wings for something veeerrry similar to yours) and it’s just such a versatile look for the moment. Totally worth all the angst and anxiety… Love it!

    1. I think flannel plaids are my new favorite fabric hehe. Can’t wait to see yours when you’re finished!!

  9. Wonderful! I’m so glad my posts helped you out! I have to say, your Archer is BEAUTIFUL, and it makes me SO SO HAPPY to see all of your plaids correctly lined up! Faaaantastic! Seriously- your sleeve and bodice matching is perfect! And the fact that you took the time to cut out matching bias plaid pockets? Here’s a high-five and a hug for doing it right!

    1. Hi Amy! Thanks again for your awesome posts!! And the lovely comment 🙂 I would’ve had a sad and wonky archer of shame without them! 🙂

  10. I recently made two pairs of virginia leggings. They were a dream come true to see in my blog feed because I had been searching for a basic leggings pattern for MONTHS! I saw the archer pattern a while back and admired it, but quickly dimissed it. Something about your post has given me the boost i needed to attempt it anyway. 🙂 SO thank you!!! I just bought the pattern tonight and will soon have some fabric on its way to me.
    The top looks amazing! Until I read the post, my attention had been drawn to the title from which I recognized the leggings pattern reference, so that’s what I was checking out. I’m curious to know how much more fabric is necessary to match plaids. I am planning to buy two yards. I will wear a size 2 or 4 in the top. How much did you order?

    xo
    Eleanor
    http://www.milkandhoneyonline.com

    1. Eek! Sorry for the super late response. I’m so glad you went for it! I made a size 4 and found that for solid fabric I only needed 1.5-1.75 yards (56-60″ wide) so I got 2 yards of 60″ wide plaid and it was the perfect amount with a little to spare. Feel free to message/email me if you have any other questions! (I promise I won’t wait ten years to respond this time!)

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