From His Closet

Another shirt taken over.

My husband wears denim shirts until they are stained or worn, but won't wear them with patches. At that point I happily take them over and refashion them into something I can, and will, use myself.

In general I'm happy with the oversized, comfortable, forgiving fit, but the sleeves are always way too long. In the past I've remedied the problem by completely removing the sleeves and making a boro vest. This time though the variable weather of fall has inspired me to leave the sleeves on. It makes for a great layering piece I can wear over summer tank tops when the weather decides to turn chilly.

I shortened the sleeves and added contrast cuffs using the tutorial in Paganoonoo's "Patti Blouse" pattern. I then used the original sleeve cuffs, snaps, pleats and all, as big, useful patch pockets. I always need somewhere to stuff my hands!

Hidden inside the left shirt front is an additional pocket, this one for my cell phone. 

I've covered a couple of paint stains with patches which have been embellished with sashiko stitching.

One stain is covered with a big "Judy" flower, tutorial also in the "Patti Blouse" pattern linked to above. The flower is attached with it's brooch pin. Some time in the future I may decide to replace it with an ordinary patch.

The collar of the shirt was worn and fraying so I covered it with fabric that matches the new cuffs.

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Werk it -- or not.

I've been sewing a lot lately, mostly clothing for myself.

And as much as I hate selfies, especially the camera-in-hand type, sometimes that's the only practical way to get a finished project photo.

My husband isn't always available to take the photos and even when he is I'm reluctant to hand him the camera. 

For one thing having an audience makes me nervous, but then there is also his tendency to pretend he's Joe Fashion Photographer and he starts calling out "Werk it, Werk it!"

And though I know he's trying to be helpful, make me laugh and lose the "resting bitch face", it still feels terribly awkward. With no immediate feedback I never know if any of the multitude of shots he's taken are any good.  So -- 

Camera in hand selfies today.

And look! If I try hard enough I sometime even remember to smile -- without the "Werk it, werk it!". 

That last project is another "upcycle", this time a lace trimmed sheer curtain becoming a "shirt extender" and a gauzy scarf.

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.