Oh I feel like I’m about to get all sappy and weepy over this pattern release, y’all!  The Lumberjack Shirt was the VERY FIRST P4P pattern that I ever sewed.  It’s honestly what got me into PDF sewing, sewing Facebook groups, and all things related to this indie sewing community in the first place.  Back in October 2014, I purchased a “boys sewing bundle” pack and the Lumberjack was one of the patterns in it.  I was way outside of my sewing abilities, but dove right in.

It’s been my favorite pattern since then.  I’ve seriously made eight bajillion versions of the Lumberjack.  (I even blogged about them a little HERE.)

I went from the Lumberjack to the Relaxed Raglan, to each and every pattern Judy put out……to being asked to admin for her, to becoming part of the team and drafting freebies / helping with marketing / running a fabric subscription with her.  It’s all because of this one pattern.  It’s kinda hugely special to me.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t share this side-by-side of my very first Lumberjack and my most recent one.  What a shot to the gut, right?  He’s SO GROWN now.

Also I love that he’s got a little fleck of blue in his hair in that first one.  Hysterical.

Okay, let’s talk about the new release and all of the excitement surrounding that so I can pull myself back together!

The Lumberjack pattern is one of THREE patterns that just released.  The youth version is an updated version of the original — with some extras packed in there.

• Designed for woven (non-stretch) fabrics.
• Oversized fit, with lots of room for layering.
• Fully lined / unlined options.
• Full length button placket closure.
• Collar + Collar Stand / Hooded necklines.
• Optional Chest and Inseam Pockets.
• Traditional Woven Cuffs / Knit Cuffs.

Basically it’s SO MUCH GOODNESS.

For Louis, I kept it pretty simple. He’s already got a winter jacket (that I need to photograph and share….and not, surprisingly is a Lumberjack also, ha!) so I wanted to give him something he could use for cool-not-cold days.  This version is an unlined flannel, with a knit hood and knit sleeve cuffs.  It’s that perfect “throw it on for an extra layer so my mom stops nagging me about wearing a jacket” piece.

11-year olds.  Am I right?

I love that the unlined version is still finished.  The pattern explains how to add a bias binding to the seam where the hood is attached, so it’s a cleaner and prettier finish.  I used a blue bias tape because I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give Louis a little pop of blue.

Obviously I went with a hooded version for Louis, because he’s ALL ABOUT hoodies right now.  When it comes to kids, I learned years ago that it’s better to just make them things that they like, that way you have better chances of them wearing it.  You like hoods?  I’ll make you hooded things!  It’s as easy as that!

Patterns: Lumberjack - Youth by Patterns for Pirates
Fabric: Constellation Flannel from JoAnn Fabrics