Pattern Review Surprise Sewing Bee

I didn't know about the Pattern Review sewing contest until it was the second week, so sadly I couldn't enter. But I am going to try to sew along with it anyway, and let my family vote on whether or not I advance. Ha ha. The challenge was to make something out of a men's dress shirt and I happened to have one that I was holding onto for just this reason. Here it is:

I love the color. I have been experimenting with Simplicity 2211 and I decided to use that pattern and change up the collar. I used the men's placket from the original shirt,but trimmed it down and added bias binding to both sides. (It doesn't really button up now, it is just for show.) Then I made my first self-drafted collar using Gertie's New Book for Better Sewing. Since my new goal is to push myself in sewing it was like killing two bird's with one stone. (contest challenge and learn to make a collar) The collar worked out great and I added the bias tape to it as well. I have been using silk organza for my interfacing and I am LOVING it. I added an extra inch to each of the arm bands because the last time I made it up it was too tight. So here is the final result:

I am very pleased with it. It has a Boden fell to it which I love. I probably won't get to wear it until next spring, but I love knowing I have a little treat waiting for me in the closet.

Looks like the back could use some pressing. Happy sewing!