Another Patti

I liked my first Patti Blouse made using a Paganoonoo pattern a lot so when I found three more coordinating men's shirts I decided to make another Patti.

I'm not as happy with this one even though I do like fabrics and the colours. 

The fabric in the main shirt, though a lovely peached finish, is heavier and stiffer. Combine that with my addition of larger lined front pockets and the shirt tends to stand away from the body in a less flattering way.

Ah well, it's super comfy and a nice chill chaser. We're finally getting some cooler weather and some much needed rain.

My own innovations to this version were a change to the front pockets and covering the front placket with fabric from one of the contrasting shirts. I also removed the collar, leaving only the collar stand, and covered it with fabric from both accent shirts, different on the inside than it is on the outside.

3 into 1 Upcycle

I'm quite pleased with this "upcycle" project. I used "The Patti Blouse" pattern by Paganoonoo as a starting point. The pattern gives details on how to take 3 men's shirts and remake them into one ladies' blouse with a high/low hem.

I added my own little touches like sashiko inspired hand stitching and button embellishments.

The pattern instructions detail a fun way of relocating the breast pocket from one cannibalized shirt so that it becomes a functional, larger pocket at hip level.

The designer, Michelle Paganini, suggests using the button bands, intact, buttons and all, from both of the additional shirts to add detail and interest to the final shirt.

While removing the breast pocket from the main shirt I had an "oops" with the seam ripper and created a very tiny hole. I covered it with a patch from the gingham shirt, embellished it with a running hand stitch design crossing both shirt fronts, and it became a "feature".

I love the high/low hem created by adding the back of one accent shirt to the back of the main shirt. The addition also adds more hip room to a place where men's shirts are quite narrow in relation to the shoulder width. 

This project went from the three men's shirts on the left, to the finished ladies' blouse on the right.

Success! Yay!

I have two more shirts (dark navy and an eye searing chartreuse green!) that will be receiving this treatment as well but first I must find a third, coordinating shirt.

Elfonda's New Outfit

My sewing project from last week. Just got around to photographing it now.

The blouse pattern is "Heaven Sent" by Adams-Harris. 

A lot of work to that pattern! Front facing/faux button-band, 4 rows of elastic shearing at the waist, sleeves that are puffed at the shoulder and gathered with elastic at the arm, buttons and snaps to sew on.

It will be a while before I try that one again. One must allow time to forget labor before they attempt delivery again.

The pants pattern is "Off the Top", also by Adams-Harris. The fit is excellent and they were easy to sew.

This is her sixth pair! She now has yellow, orange, white, hot pink, red (which I haven't photographed yet) and navy blue (which she acquired from a previous Minifee).

She has a better wardrobe than I do!