Paper Theory – Olya Shirt

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I feel like I always have in the back of my mind how long it’s taken me to use a fabric and pattern that I’ve had for a really long time. I bought this fabric in 2018 to make this exact shirt, then I bought the pattern for it in 2020, and then again in 2021 on accident because procrastination was teaching me a lesson. It’s taken me almost 4 years to actually make it. Haha, oops.

It finally felt like the time was right, plus I ran out of excuses, so I took it one step at a time, and now I have this awesome shirt! I took it on vacation with me to Santa Barbara, and it’s already been washed twice. So far, it’s holding up great!

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This is the Olya Shirt by Paper Theory (up to 57.5″ hip). I’m in-between a 14 & 16 with my measurements, so I went with the size 14, and I’m happy with the fit. One thing that I didn’t notice, until I was taking pictures, is that in the back by the underarms, right below the yoke, you can see that the fabric sticks out in a funny way. I think it’s because I used a crisp fabric which does not have much drape. Luckily, it’s in the back so I won’t have to look at it, but just be warned if that’s something that would bother you!

The Olya has become a VERY popular pattern, and I would like to point out that I had plans to make it before it became so popular. Haha. But, since I waited so long, I was able to see so many good striped versions from the Instagram hashtag! You should go get inspired by them when you have a minute…or an hour.

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The pattern is great, and I really love it. There are a few spots in the instructions where I was very lost at the way the steps were explained – but to be fair, I don’t even know how I would explain it if I had to write it out.

Thankfully, they have a fantastic sew along on Youtube that I followed. I got through the plackets and the yoke much easier that way, but I had to watch the part about the front of the collar a few times before I could actually understand what she was doing. But I did it! I learned so many cool construction techniques, and I could feel my brain growing. The yoke construction is really so interesting, and I kind of had fun doing it! It’s pretty impossible to do the burrito method on this yoke, so the shoulder seams are just serged.

When I decided that I was going to make this shirt, I felt so much anxiety well up inside me. So you’re going to think I’m crazy, but I made NO adjustments. I just needed to get it over with, but also it seemed pretty long on other people, so I just went for it. When I was getting ready to hem it, I didn’t want to double fold and lose length, so I used the bias tape piece from the Kalle Shirt to cut some bias tape. That actually worked out really well and I think it made doing the curves on the sides easier, plus it’s all diagonal and cool on the inside!

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In the future, I think I would lengthen the pattern by an inch, but I kind of like the sleeve length. I’ll have to wear this one a few more times to be sure, but I really like it so far!

This oxford cotton shirting was a dream to sew because it’s so nice and crisp, and the pattern pieces didn’t get all stretched out when I was sewing it together. Since I bought it forever ago it’s not available now, but Style Maker always has a great shirting selection.

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I’ve already worn this over a graphic tee for traveling, as a beach cover up (shown above), and as a regular shirt – so it’s very versatile! I can totally see myself making this shirt again in the future if I find the right fabric.

As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments, and happy Olya making!