I cannot count my day complete
'Til needle, thread and fabric meet.
~Author Unknown

Sharing a common thread with those who love the art of hand embroidery

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Making it a little more feminine

First of all, thank all of you for your suggestions on the types of towels you think the embroidery on the last post would go good with. You are all such a wonderful help!
While shopping the other day, I noticed this beautiful pink cotton shirt in the ....men's section. Is is just me or do any of you find that it is hard to find a women's shirt in this color? Where I live, that is how it is. I could not help myself. I love men's shirts for only a couple of reasons. They are made of better quality cotton, they come in prettier shades of colors and they are spacious enough in the arms so that I can do my outside work comfortably. However, they are sometimes just right in some areas and not right in others. I want the oversize comfort and the casual look, but I don't want to look like I am wearing a man's shirt.
So with just a few simple tools and a few minutes of time.... this shirt can be made to look a little more feminine.

I wanted to cut the low hanging shirt tail of the shirt off and make the shirt even all the way around. I use a clear ruler and decide how much I want to remove.


I then make sure the line is clearly marked.



This is the scary part......
I button the shirt up and make sure seam sides and ends match up. I then use a rotary cutter to cut through both front and back at the same time.



I make sure to leave enough fabric to make a nice hem.





To give it that extra touch, I either place lace on the top of the pocket or crochet a small edging on top.






I decided to crochet the edging for this.
I think the thread color and the size of the edging is just enough to say "ladies shirt".







I love to wear broaches or pins! My husband buys me one every year at Christmas or when we are out somewhere. This is one of my favorites.








I also cuff the sleeves. I can also wear a t-shirt underneath this since is is over sized.










As you can see, the ends are even and it doesn't quite look like a man's shirt. Do any of you feel the same way about women's clothing when there is not access to very nice stores? Do you have a favorite pattern to sew perhaps? I would love to hear!










15 comments:

Anonymous said...

that turned out very pretty.

Shirl said...

Hello and thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a sweet comment. I love what you did to the shirt. The crochet trim is so dainty and I love brooches too! My husband also gets me one now and then, especially if we are in an antique store. Your embroidery on previous posts is so pretty, I loved the whitework and the crochet dish clothes from Maryjane are just too sweet!
Bless you, SHirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Lisa @ Life with 4! said...

great idea!

Childers Corner said...

That looks so pretty! I just usually buy the cheap fat lady walmart t-shirts. I don't like long sleeves and I want the softest material I can find. But I do like over-sized!

Linda said...

Kathleen, I liked the shirt before you tinkered with it but now I love it! The edging is a wonderful touch and what a lovely pin...I adore hearts. Hugs, Linda

KathyB. said...

Thank you for this post ! You are right about the choices of womens' shirts vs. mens' and I am going to give this a try. I am always looking for practical work blouses that still look O.K. to wear as I run into town to do errands.

Anonymous said...

Your shirt is just beautiful. I have always enjoyed wearing pins also. I have some from childhood that I received as Christmas gifts etc. from Sunday School teachers etc. Your heart pin is adorable on the shirt. I like the way you straightened the tail of the shirt and made the cuffs. Before Christmas, I bought a man's bathrobe because I could not find a ladies' that covered my legs!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

That is pretty, and looks SO much better than the man-shirt I'm wearing in my last post! :)
I love the crochet edging. Perfect touch.

Jane Smith said...

I love it. Men's shirts are better quality, too.

Gina E. said...

Oh a girl after my own heart!! I've filched several shirts from my hubby when he's decided he doesn't want them any more (because he can't fit into them, but he wouldn't admit that, lol).
All I do is cut the tails off like you have, to make the bottom even all round, but now I've seen what you've done, I might take a bit more time with the next men's shirt I take ownership of!

Princess S said...

It looks great....I have to go raid my husbands closet now!!!

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

You did a beautiful job on this shirt! Love what you did on the pocket with the crochet!
Patricia :o)

~~Deby said...

I LOVE this look...I have sewn lace on even men's flannel shirts--you can also change up the buttons too....love what you did on the pocket.
Deby

Grammyof13 said...

I'm behind the times in reading this wonderful idea. I'd like to get inside that brain of yours to see what else is lurking around waiting for an outlet. This is such a great idea whose time has come.

Blessings,

Paula said...

That was a wonderful idea, Kathleen... I never really thought about cutting off a long shirttail like that, but it looks wonderful!!
Hmmm... which shirts of Hubby's has he not worn in a while... LOL