Today I am working on modifying a XL mens red striped button-down shirt into a girly over-sized casual shirt. I crave a closet full of casual shirts to wear on non-work days with jean or pants.
I've completed a blue one already, slightly different than what is described below. It is in the washer right now so I will post a photograph later.
So far I have:
1) Released the pleat on the center back yoke
2) Starting with the fabric released at CB yoke I folded in pleats (about 6 of them ~ 8" across by ~10 inches down) hiding the black&cream stripes. I sewed down the pleats so there is now a patch that is just red.
3) I tested out what the pleats would look like anchored by mother-of pearl buttons top and bottom - excellent! I will sewn them on later.
4) I cut off the cuffs
5) I cut out the side seam from the bottom hem to the end of the sleeves
6) I've pinned out pleats under the bust, this time with the black&cream stripes highlighted rather than hidden
7) I pinned in a dart at the side seam to meet up with the top of the pleating
8) Cut off the curved "tail" in the front so the shirt is straight across.
So... I now have some shaping (via pleats) mapped out. The rest of my plan is to:
9) Add ~ 4" by 5" of pleating on the outside of the sleeves, midway between the shoulder and elbow. Again I think I will highlight the black&cream stripes.
10) Hem the front section
11) Pin together the side seams on the sleeve and bodice removing excess fabric while still achieving a nice balanced look.
12) Sew the arms and part way down under the arm, leaving room so I can...
13) Add the pieces I cut off the bottom front as decorative inserts between the side seams (bottom half.)
14) I will rotate the inserts so the striping is horizontal and make them hang about 1.5" - 2" lower than the front
15) I hang the back 1.5" - 2" lower than the godet pieces so I end up with three steps down moving front to back.
16) Hem the sleeves
17) Sew on the decorative back buttons
18) Photograph it, post it, and wear it!
I've completed a blue one already, slightly different than what is described below. It is in the washer right now so I will post a photograph later.
So far I have:
1) Released the pleat on the center back yoke
2) Starting with the fabric released at CB yoke I folded in pleats (about 6 of them ~ 8" across by ~10 inches down) hiding the black&cream stripes. I sewed down the pleats so there is now a patch that is just red.
3) I tested out what the pleats would look like anchored by mother-of pearl buttons top and bottom - excellent! I will sewn them on later.
4) I cut off the cuffs
5) I cut out the side seam from the bottom hem to the end of the sleeves
6) I've pinned out pleats under the bust, this time with the black&cream stripes highlighted rather than hidden
7) I pinned in a dart at the side seam to meet up with the top of the pleating
8) Cut off the curved "tail" in the front so the shirt is straight across.
So... I now have some shaping (via pleats) mapped out. The rest of my plan is to:
9) Add ~ 4" by 5" of pleating on the outside of the sleeves, midway between the shoulder and elbow. Again I think I will highlight the black&cream stripes.
10) Hem the front section
11) Pin together the side seams on the sleeve and bodice removing excess fabric while still achieving a nice balanced look.
12) Sew the arms and part way down under the arm, leaving room so I can...
13) Add the pieces I cut off the bottom front as decorative inserts between the side seams (bottom half.)
14) I will rotate the inserts so the striping is horizontal and make them hang about 1.5" - 2" lower than the front
15) I hang the back 1.5" - 2" lower than the godet pieces so I end up with three steps down moving front to back.
16) Hem the sleeves
17) Sew on the decorative back buttons
18) Photograph it, post it, and wear it!
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