Upcycling a Men’s Shirt with a PILLOWCASE!

"..and anybody that's staring at the pocket area of my shirt that closely..should be ashamed of themselves" xD you cracked me up, Catherine! :) That was hilarious 😂

I have never seen anyone else “wrap around the pin” to gather! I thought I was the only one who did that! I feel legitimized. 😊

Catherine! This blouse makeover is pure genius! I love that you do a figure of 8 around your pins when gathering, like I’ve always done. And your piping with facing technique is one I’ve been using for decades, not just on necklines. I have a tip for you for the piped corners: before you turn in the facing, pull the cord out of the piping and snip it off so it only goes as far as the edge of the shirt. Wiggle it back inside, then you’ll have a far easier job turning and folding, with less bulk. My 2nd tip is to run 2 lines of gathering stitches, the 1st at half an inch, the 2nd at a quarter inch. Especially useful for sleeves (as they’re curved, the two lines get pulled together, but the outer line then gets pulled a little tighter). Two lines keep the gathers from moving and bunching as you sew, at the same time flattening it out. Sew at five eighths inch as usual or sew in between the lines and remove the first row afterwards if you want a narrower allowance. This technique makes easing in a set-in sleeve flawless. For those who are starting their sewing journey, may I suggest that you tell everyone about loosening the top tension to gather? Otherwise there’ll be an awful lot of broken gathering threads!! You and your work are truly inspiring. I love your channel! Greetings, once again, from the U.K. 😊

So love this. You took a runway look and made it wearable. Wowza. Love your creativity. You inspire me with each video. Big Hugs

That pillow case is the perfect color

Stunning! This is such a happy video. I'm searching for a shirt and pillowcase tomorrow 😊. I might give the piping a miss though. My sewing skills aren't quite there yet.

Excellent fit style color and design!

Your new blouse is beautiful on you. It looks nothing like a man's dress shirt anymore. Wonderful. I love the sleeves and the neckline. Great job! You look cool, comfortable, and so dressed up in your smartly up-fashioned outfit. Someone told me that women's blouses, shirts, dresses, and jackets button to the left because women used to ride horses in side saddles. Buttoning to the left was supposed to keep the wind from going inside their tops. I have no idea if this story is true or not. My grandmother rode horses in a side saddle; but, both of her daughters (my aunts) rode astride (in dresses during the 1920's and 1930's). I have never been on a horse in my life. Now, could someone please tell me why today's runway models look so sad and pissed off? Runway models used to look happy and pretty.

Catherine you have such a good eye for transforming your thrifted finds into something wearable. I was not convinced this time that I would like the finished product, but I LOVE it! Great job! I always check for your new videos. I really enjoy watching you sew!

This is upping the upcycle game for sure. Super stylish shirt!

I love your design for this blouse. I like it much more than the runway version.

I like the way you refashioned this men shirt. The quality of your sewing is top notch. Please do continue to make this kind of video. 💗

Oh wow Catherine. I like this so much more than the Westwood one. Great techniques, lovely finishing.

This is adorable. Well done!

Love this project. The shirt did make a very pretty & feminine blouse--& green is my favorite color. Using a pillow case to add the details is so clever. Now, I feel like I have more options for altering thrifted or even retail tops to suit me. Thank you.

Beautiful! Great job.

That top is exceptional, Catherine. Everything fitted so sharply and fell so nicely. A totally professional job. Wow.

That look’s amazing. I like your version better then the designers. You knocked it out of park.! You are so inspiring. ❤

Catherine, I love your thought processes to sew as you go, & how you’re so brave to rip it out, & start over again if the meticulous needs that you want aren’t met. My late mother-in-law told me…that in order to be a great seamstress , you’ll need to be willing to rip it apart & start over again. So you need to be a great seam ripper outer as well. It goes along w/the territory. Que sera, sera right? Whatever will be.

way above my skill level but i love watching your creativity and skill