I love button down shirts but feared them because of the accuracy required to make collars and cuffs look good, and my simple sewing machine does not make buttonholes easy. What I have found is that with great instructions, a terrific pattern with the bust size variants, and some lovely easy-to-handle Tana lawn, and persistence with buttonholes, I can make button down shirts. I am ridiculously delighted with the little cluster of beautiful Vernons now in my wardrobe. Yes, I know where the slight imperfections are in version one - but you know what, nobody else has ever noticed them (at least once I stopped pointing them out to people!). For me the Vernon sums up everything I am so grateful for with Cashmerette - I feel supported with the team and community, I have learned about fit, I have practiced and improved without being hampered by sketchy instructions or patterns that are awkward to alter in order to make them fit. So I hope this encourages others to give the Vernon a go. I am attaching a photo of the first two I made - extra points earned for pattern matching on the fronts and plackets! And the sharp eyed will notice the Thorndike top underneath the brown/navy shirt, made from left over fabric!

I loved making the Vernon shirt with the lantern sleeves. Great pattern with so many good tips for the perfect fit.

I have been exclusively sewing knits for a few years because of so many woven project failures- bad fit, uncomfortable to wear, or just plain ugly! But my very first attempt at a Vernon shirt is a miraculous success! I made the lantern sleeve- which I lengthened by 2 inches- but otherwise was a 16 C-D. I am now shopping for woven shirting fabrics and looking forward to many more Vernon’s in my wardrobe!

Really love the Vernon Shirt! Making size 20, E/F cup. Finished a dark blue in a light weight quilting cotton. Working now on a striped cotton shirting. Love that the drape of the pattern is a little more loose than that of the princess-seamed Harrison shirt, a little more forgiving. The Vernon shirt comes together quickly, and the pattern instructions are great! One caveat for others: if you are doing the hidden buttonhole placket (View B), you MUST put in at least the top buttonhole (at the neckline) BEFORE you add the collar/collar stand assembly, or your machine will not be able to reach the area after construction (I usually put my buttonholes in last, but could not do so this time). And please, please, please use good quality interfacing (cheap in/cheap out looks awful).

Made this in an embellished sheer chiffon, which was a challenge to sew but because it was such a great well drafted pattern I had the confidence to stick with it and I'm so glad I did! What a beautiful shirt I made that I think will be a timeless piece. I feel that this would be great made from many different fabrics. Collar sits beautifully and the bell sleeves are stunning

I made my Vernon from a sheer voile with a lurex thread woven into it. I made a size 18 G cup and only moved the bust apex dart down 1”. What I especially like is there aren’t too many pattern pieces so pattern matching a print is easier than a princess seam shirt. I had to use silk organza for the facings instead of iron on interfacing because of the sheer fabric.

Another beautifully designed pattern by Cashmerette. The blocks they use really work for me as they take out most of the frustrations I normally have with other patterns companies and the numerous adjustments I usually have to make.
I made a toile and saw I needed to drop the bust dart and waist line by an inch so I slashed across the top of the pattern, just below the armscye but above the dart to add the inch.
That’s literally the only adjustment I needed to make!
Don’t judge me on the photos… The other half didn’t put enough photographer vibes into it so I had to crop as much as possible to keep my dignity while retaining pics of the shirt!

As with all Cashmerette patterns, the Vernon pattern was easy to follow. As it has cups sizes built in, I was able to sew with confidence it would fit.
It was my second long sleeve shirt, after making the Harrison. I made version A, cuff was very quick and easy to assemble. I mention this, as plackets seem to vary greatly with each long sleeve shirt I attempt.
I sized up as I wanted an oversized shirt, once made, I realised I would have found the shirt too fitted if I had made the size based on my measurements - personal choice. Though as I made it in flannel, I wonder if a lighter weight material would have a different feel?
Next time I would add to the length, even though I am only 5’2” my shortness I am realising is in my legs. I like a shirt to finish just at my crotch.

Very happy with the pattern, I have made three shirts so far. Just made a few adjustments and it’s a great fit.

By far and away the BEST sewing pattern I have EVER used. Clear, easy to follow instructions made the construction a breeze but the best part of all was how well it fits me! I used the sizing calculator and was sceptical (after so many fit failures) but man, was I wrong.

I have a large bust and have never, ever had shirt pattern fit me - until now. Can't wait to make another, and explore other patterns! Thank you!

I just finished making the Vernon shirt, and this is a great pattern for an intermediate sewing project. It is an involved project with lots of steps and small details. I used the size chart as a starting point but needed to adjust a bit, but it was still nice to have the sizing and cup options and not need to do my own FBA. The size chart put me at an 18G in the shoulders and bust, a 24 waste, and a 20 hip, which would have taken away all of the waste shaping. I compared the bodice to some TNT patterns in my stash and read a few reviews that thought they could have used some more room in the arms and upper back. I wound up cutting a straight 22, and am quite happy with the fit. The upper shoulders and bust fit great, and I may grade down to a 20 in the waste and hips on the next version. I think the 18 would have been snug in the neck and bust. The instructions are great, the pattern is so well drafted. I have made several collars and button plackets, but this was my first time with sleeve plackets and buttons. The instructions and pattern markings were good, but sleeve plackets just plain suck to sew and took me three hours to get through. I wound up finding a YouTube sew along for the Vernon, or I would still be working on that step. All in all, I highly recommend this pattern for anyone with curves that is tired of the oversized sewing patterns that just don’t fit our bodies well! I will be making more Vernon shirts and buying from this pattern designer again!

The Vernon shirt is the perfect pattern. Easy to grade between sizes. Although I have not sewn it yet, I will team it up with periwinkle blue linen, as well as a liberty print from my stash.

I'm very pleased with this pattern. It fits better than other patterns I've tried, where I do the FB adjustment. The shoulder fit works perfectly for me. I made it in a fine, lightweight corduroy, perfect for spring. So pleased, I've bought two pieces of cotton lawn to make up in Vernon. And, I bought the Tee shirt pattern, hoping for the same success.

I loved making this shirt for my daughter, the fit was pretty spot on for no muslin (this was a last minute shirt for a Halloween costume, finished with 5minutes to spare). I chose this pattern as I knew that I wouldn’t need to make too many changes especially FBA aside from a few minor adjustments and the addition of a tie waist, so it was more likely to be a good fit. It turned out well and my daughter was extremely happy with the result.

As far as the pattern instructions they were awesome, easy to follow and understand. I would definitely recommend this pattern to others who are looking for a good easy well fitting shirt pattern. I will definitely be making this pattern again.

This shirt will go into regular rotation for me. I just love the shape. I made view B in size 12 G/H, but substituting the plain button front from view A. Everything matched perfectly, and the directions were spot on. It would have been nice to have notches on the blouse for the end of the easing at the sleeve head of sleeves B, but I managed. Did a muslin ahead of time, and am very glad I did because I had to lower the bust point 1.75"! I've never had to make more than a 1" adjustment before, so I think this is drafted for unusually perky large busted women.

I have made two of these so far and I adore them both! They have ruined me. I cannot buy a button-down shirt ever again, because I can no longer tolerate bad fit.

I did find a few pattern adjustments are necessary for me — the armscyes are cut WAY too low. I raised them by a full inch and could probably double that. If you have the "can't raise your arms without the sleeves pulling at the biceps" problem, this is a life changing pattern adjustment. I also found that the view A sleeves need a curve added at the bottom edge to allow for elbow movement; otherwise the back of the sleeve pulls a bit whenever I bend my arm. Overall, this my favorite shirt pattern I've ever used. I like it even better than Harrison, personally; it's much easier to sew, plays nicer with French seams, and is easier to pattern match. It is a touch less fitted than Harrison, but they both work well tucked into a skirt waistband which is how I generally wear them. I will definitely be making more of these!

The Vernon lantern sleeves are my go-to for all my tops now. I love being able to combine with my favorite Winvale features, too. I’ve made this pattern so many times I hardly need the instructions anymore, but they’re so clear and easy to follow when I do. Great core piece you’ll reach for again and again.

I did struggled life long with button up shirts because of having a full bust. The shirts bought in store will compress my chest or will be so wide and not fitted that I looked like a sack of potatoes :’( The ones fitting a bit more will produce huge gaps in the buttons and showed my bra when looked from the side. I begun my sewing adventure by the hand of cashmerette and now I finally love how I look and my body.
Vernon fits so well. The fact of having the shoulder line exactly on the shoulder makes by body looks Banane denn and not sloppy as with the store bought shirts. I’m so happy wearing my vernons to the office :) thanks cashmerette!.

I'm back to sewing for myself after 30 years. I am finding that the Cashmerette patterns are very easy to fit my curvy body, with out having to make many adjustments to the pattern, and I thank you for that! This was the first time I have made a stand up collar with a button down front. The directions were very clear and easy to follow. My children were very impressed how it turned out. I have not been able to wear it yet because the weather has been very warm. I’m looking forward to wearing it very soon. I am also looking forward to making the other patterns I have downloaded.

I've been trying several button-down shirt patterns to find something that I can use for outdoor work in cooler months (farmer here). The Vernon shirt has all the usual Cashmerette qualities--great fit options and tons of helpful instruction--but it is also simple. The back yoke is nice and wide, the sleeve plackets are fuss-free, and the bust darts that you press up not down, make this shirt easy to sew and comfortable to wear. I'll have to let you know how it holds up over the fall and winter months, but so far I like the Vernon shirt very, very much. Thank you, Cashmerette!

I have made two already. I had to make a small adjustment to the shoulder and now have a perfect fit. Love my new shirts.

The Vernon shirt was an easy project and I’ve worn it a couple times already. My only surprise and disappointment was the sleeves were too short for me. I’ve never had any problems before with sleeve length. I made the lantern sleeve with a contrasting cuff so I just flip back the cuff and it looks fine.

I learned shirt-making from Jenny @ Cashmerette, starting with the Harrison shirt/dress pattern. I was stunned to achieve a great fit with that first fit. The Vernon is a great addition to my growing collection of shirt patterns and I wasn’t surprised that the first one I made fit exactly right. Love the simpler sleeve finish - sometimes you just don’t want a classic cuff with the fussy placket!