Upcycling a Men’s Shirt with a PILLOWCASE!

[@eeddoosshh]

"..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 😂

[@franziskani]

Material for the edges: old mens ties. They often have beautiful patterns, are multicolor so they will easily fit, and are always cut on the bias. Often they are silk (you can expose that binding to regular washing, if it is only a small edge). Could add an interesting touch. The other thing for not so experienced seamstresses: Crochet (or knit) a border and use that to finish off and to decorate the edges. Can be a nice detail. I once did a border. First row was a chain, and the next row was just a "grid pattern": One stitch / double stitch, one chain. Then the next stitch / double stitch with a little distance into the base. Normally with 1 chain in between stitches or double stitches (depends how high you want it) you would leave out also one chain in the first row = the base. But the band (which is a bit elastic anyway) can also be shaped into a curve by leaving out more spaces on the first row. You can shorten the second row and thus force it into a slight curve (done occasionally, but in a regular manner. Or only at certain spaces). That border can be sewn on with a machine or manually. I used a "feathery" effect yarn in a matching color and it came out great. The long sleeve shirt was a fine, very stretchy, high end jersey. It had a tight turtleneck and when I cut that off (directly at the seam) unexpectedly there was this huge gap: the neckline was much larger then expected (material and pattern was too tight so it was worn out a bit). So the original plan to just turning the edges over a tiny bit and fixing it with a manual, decorative running stitch would not have worked. The crochet border protected the cut edge and added a bit of material to the neckline. It was still generous, but not excessively wide / deep. I could have left the seam and cut on the other side (= the side of the turtleneck) then it would have prevented the material from giving so much way. Not a solution in this case, as the material was so thin one would see the former seams. But I will remember it when cutting up other textiles.

[@sallyescrader1434]

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. 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Sally! Great tip about trimming the piping cord at the end. And for two rows of gathering stitching, well, I’ve heard that over the years but never felt the need. But your description makes me think that I should explore it a bit more. It sounds like there are some real benefits in doing the second row! Thanks so much for your kind and helpful comment!

[@sallyescrader1434]

Thank you for your reply… so few KZbinrs bother! As I’ve been sewing since I was about 5 years old (over 50 years! Good grief!) and have no one who’s interested in learning from me, I do like to share my knowledge if I can. At the same time, there’s always something else I can learn! Just watched your draping tutorial and learnt that from scratch as it’s something I’ve never done. You truly are an inspiration, Catherine…. and I sincerely wish you were my neighbour and friend! What fun we’d have! Too much “disposable fashion” around these days. My business of 30 years went from designing/making wedding one-off gowns to altering cheap tat bought online (soul-destroying!). So upcycling is becoming my new passion! Thank you again. My very best wishes to you and your family 😊

[@mammastreed5070]

I’ve always used 2 lines of gathering too. It’s also nice insurance just in case you break your thread! Love the upcycle!

[@ptoste1]

So cool! 👏👏👏🤩🤩👌👌Thank for sharing the all process. You’re amazing 🤩 👏👏👏 and so humble ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@elizabethlee6047]

Great tip about the figure 8 around pin. 👍

[@kathyswearingen1509]

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

[@PreciousMe]

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

[@laurettavanlandingham243]

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. 😊

[@pamalicious8526]

I was taught that by my mother in law in the late 80’s. She and I made raggedy Ann dolls aprons and dresses needed a lot of gathering. Even though I took for years of home ex in school I had never learned that trick.

[@alishajennings2013]

That pillow case is the perfect color

[@BOOKKAT74]

Funny that you used a pillowcase. Just yesterday, I bought a beautiful designer bed sheet with thin blue lines and tiny whales printed on it. I plan to use it to make pyjamas.

[@ArlenePMCM]

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

[@debm6507]

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!

[@gigilaroux762]

This is so impressive it looks great what a cool idea! I have a similar project afoot…I took one of my Dads shirts that had a ditzy lavender pink purple floral pattern on it after he died, he wore it on the last Christmas he had with us. About 5-6 months after he died I found a second identical matching one on EBay and now I have enough fabric to make a beautiful blouse. Kind of like a feminine early 60s look with a bow /ascot detail at the neck and it perfectly matches both a purple and fuschia wool mini skirts I have, I’m still narrowing down my vintage patterns-arms bodice neck-which I might put together piecemeal. It’s a very smart mod look. My Dad was an art director he had very good color sense and taste. Who doesn’t love repurposing a men’s shirt?

[@Ramonyk24]

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. 💗

[@carolcarter865]

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

[@vickiewilliams3259]

Simply amazing...I love the final result. I don't think I would ever have thought to do that to a men's shirt. You should wear a cape - sewing superhero!

[@robinlandtroop2774]

I have several shirts that my husband and son no longer wanted but I kept because I loved the fabric. You have given me such good ideas. Thanks!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

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.

[@pato7721]

Thank you Catherine for creating this beautiful blouse. You are a terrific teacher & I am grateful to have found you. Your pleasant voice is soothing & you don’t bore us with unnecessary & unwelcome chit chat as some instructors do. You get right to the point & cover all the bases. 😊❤🎉

[@katieduffy593]

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

[@judychapman1868]

Catherine, I love the blouse, it looks so nice on you! When thrifting I always look at the men’s long sleeve shirts; I’ve watched some thrift flips using them but this is the most feminine yet without being risqué. ❤❤Judy❤❤

[@susanbaker902]

I think this is one of my favorite thrift tops you’ve done. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@christinegraham2579]

I am forever dazzled & greatly impressed by your intuitive ability to tweak your inspiration & design “on the fly” like you are right now! Thank you for showing us all what we can do with a little ingenuity & perseverance.

[@snowartmom]

Thanks for the tip on sleeve puffs. In all my years of sewing, I never learned that. The blouse looks great!

[@barbarastclair9429]

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

[@patricialeonardi6260]

Cathrine: I do think you can make a silk purse out of a sows ear. This blouse is a beauty and I liked the last one you refashion. I wish you were my sewing teacher when I was learning.

[@susanskidmore9516]

Oh, that was such a fun journey.. What an impeccable, romantic, sporty garment. 💗💗💗 I learned a lot.. Thank you so much..

[@JinnyCJ]

The direction of the seam on the shoulder top is so useful, thank you.

[@pamalicious8526]

This is a gorgeous make over. Looks great on you. Your voice is so calming. Whereas mine would be bleeped out a lot during my sewing. But we get the job done.

[@juliec4750]

One of the BEST upcycling videos I’ve ever seen. Well done! 👏👏👏

[@stormyweather2807]

I love how you alter necklines. I thought I was the only one who couldn't stand anything snugged up against my neck.

[@bhallmark3390]

The end result is just lovely on you, and goes so well with the slacks!

[@carlyk502]

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.

[@leannebarley9278]

This may be my favorite Catherine upcycle yet.

[@heatherannekennedy9368]

So cute! I learned to sew when my grandmother died and left a trunk full of fabric, a sewing machine and two very detailed sewing books - one was the Bishop Method and the other was Vogue sewing techniques. My sister and I sewed all sorts of projects from those two books! I determined one winter that I would sew every project in the book cover to cover - starting with the simplest project - an apron or pillowcase I think - and ending with a fitted suit jacket and lined skirt. I was 11 at the time and it took me several months but I accomplished my goal ... many trips to Fabricland required! I felt like royalty in my suit with welted pockets and buttonholes. I'm pretty sure that your piped bias binding was one of the techniques I learned all those years ago ... but it's been more than 40 years so I can't be certain! Thanks for the reminder!!!

[@franziskani]

You made a fitted suit jacket - as a _child_ - Impressive !

[@heatherannekennedy9368]

@@franziskani the hardest part was dragging my mum to fabricland to get the notions I needed. She was not a seamstress!

[@Puppy52]

I hope some day I will feel brave enough to cut into a men’s shirt I want to refashion 😂 thanks for sharing your process ❤

[@julielafontaine4500]

Lady..you are amazing..that looks beautiful..I love your patience and persistence

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love the color of the material. It looks great.Cute blouse.

[@jennifermorris643]

That is DARLING!!! So cute...I'm a new sewer and learning from smart ladies like you! Thank you!

[@ThatPlacefkaNebraskaBugeater]

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.

[@janstetler9888]

You would never guess that was a man's shirt! Lovely, thanks for sharing!

[@Queenread82]

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

[@florencemoran2746]

I am so impressed with your design ability!!!

[@martasarber7133]

How adorable! Love how the pillow case matches perfect. Very beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@hanliehaasbroek8504]

I am so inspired!! I'll buy my husband some new shirts. Gonna gut up his current ones!!! 😂

[@bohorustica8545]

You did it again :)) The tonal stripes in your sleeves is lovely and really does add a unique kinda chic to the classic stripes. Reminds me of the stripes in the MacKenzie Childs fabrics they used on their oh so wonderful early pieces. My first jump straight into the fire sewing project was cushion covers for my deck furniture. Figured out the piping ehich I did for most of the cushions. It looks so cute on your collar. Appreciate your sharing, most inspiring. :)) .

[@belieftransformation]

Wow, great makeover; thanks for sharing! My mom taught me how to cut fabric on the bias for ruffles & facing many decades ago & so I’m so happy how that worked for you! Blessings to everyone 🤗💗🇨🇦

[@sharongallagher3443]

You made a cute blouse out of the men's shirt . What a transformation!

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

You are AMAZing! I learn so much seeing the techniques you use.the piping, the topstitched sleeve cap and even the double thread for the snaps… wonderful. Thank you so much. The top is beautiful and no one would ever see it and think … pillowcase. ❤ Diann

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much! That’s lovely to hear!

[@auntnessy7340]

Your creativity is impressive. I love your problem solving

[@EmmBee20014]

OMG - I love what you have done here. Going to tear into the pillow case cupboard as we speak lololol. Great video as always.

[@normacooper6377]

This project was very intriguing. Cute blouse! 🎊 Thanks for sharing.

[@KarenMcNeil-en2fn]

Beautiful result. Very clever 🙂

[@juliescheidler7763]

I'm so jealous of you, you make it look so easy!

[@SewJoyful]

The piped edge on the neckline is fabulous & so very feminine. 🫶🏽

[@carolmason8085]

Catherine, it's prettier than the inspiration...you go girl!

[@jeanstrandberg6166]

This is adorable. Well done!

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

I just love what you do! Your projects are so cute and smart and sustainable. Thank you!

[@cherylrice3049]

You are so clever and talented! Love the shirt , it looks great with the pants.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

Men's cotton shirting is so nice I go to the thrift store and buy as many as I can and take them home and remove all the seams and use it as quilting fabric. Seeing this transformation has me thinking about a few fabulous shirts I've cut up and now regret that I didn't try something like this. You're very creative, Catherine and just full of great ideas. Thank you so much!

[@gingerhenna9445]

Excellent fit style color and design!

[@CatherineSews]

Glad you like it!

[@jdcogar180]

That is one of my favorite things that you have made. Love it.

[@margaretttowler9404]

I really love how it turned out. You are so talented.

[@lesliesteinhauser2595]

So cute. I am really going to have to try this. You are giving me confidence to try something like this and I am learning quite a bit. I have Sewn since I was a little girl. But I never did any pattern adjustments at all. my grandmother was a beautiful seamstress and altered and remade clothes for my mother during the depression. Absolutely beautiful things. She would make me a dress and make matching dresses for my dolls. I was not much of a doll person. I would rather be out in the woods with my brothers. But my Barbie doll had clothes to die for. Unfortunately, my grandmother died when I was in my early teens and so I wasn’t able to learn from her.

[@barbarawarner4645]

You always inspire and validate my own sewing. I’m off to do this to a blue checked shirt that has been hanging in my sewing room for two years waiting for this video! Thanks.

[@evasaker2476]

That turned out gorgeous! I love the way you do your videos, inspiration pictures, thought process, how you make your idea work and all the closeups. And how you think out loud to make us understand how the process goes. Very inspirational and useful! Thanks a lot Catherine! By the way, you have the same name as one of my daughters ❤

[@cherylraby399]

Catherine, I love your new blouse. I am inspired to try this. Thrifting and restyling is my new passion. Your channel with detailed instructions, makes this project a possibility for me. I am 77, with a DD cup, so wish me luck finding the right shirt! CherylinCambridge.

[@refashionrose9499]

I Love the fabric of men’s shirts. You did a great job refashioning it. Pleas keep sharing your ideas it’s so helpful 😊

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you! Will do!

[@dorisshawcross4222]

absolutely stunning, another great use of a used shirt, all this super fabric at the thrift shop unbelievable I love that everything is used & given a new life thank you so much.

[@lorieburtt592]

I love this! I thrifted an almost identical men’s shirt a few years ago, but hadn’t decided how I wanted to alter it to make it more feminine, or even precisely how feminine I wanted it to become. This gave me some great ideas. I often find that I am not bold enough in my upcycle aspirations. I’d like to go back in time, temporarily, to visit the fearless girl I was when I first started sewing. 😃

[@sandygentry8455]

Notice men’s shirts have a little more space in between.

[@olivemd]

Perfect. Love it. Suits you perfectly. Not my style, but I’m going to be looking at men’s shirts differently from now on.

[@terrys9798]

This video was perfect timing for me! I've been mulling over that very same idea of adding strips of fabric to sleeves in order to make them wider. I wasn't sure if it would look silly, where to look for a complementary fabric, or even how I would put it together. Thanks to your video, I now know it can be done, AND turn out looking great! Now if only i had your skills and patience! The blouse I'm planning to use is a women's pink pinstripe cotton shirt and looks similar to the green men's shirt that you used. I'm excited to get started on my hunt for a pink pillow case! Thank you so so much. I love this!

[@marionmathews9852]

OMG! Your blouse is gorgeous!!! I think I’ve said before that you are a genius, but you have really surpassed your talents with this one. The extra tips were brilliant also.

[@Becky_in_Tucson]

Such a great top! Looks wonderful

[@donnasanders966]

Turned out great! Looks lovely with the slacks. Such a nice match.

[@helenv2906]

Love these videos of shirt hacking! Have so many shirt from my husband and not know what to do with them. ///thank you for taking us with you on this venture!

[@Queenread82]

I did that overlap trick on a neckband recently. It just made sense to use the binding piece to tuck under/over? the seam to make a neat finish. I’ve never seen it done this way so maybe you just made it up like I did.

[@helenablignaut662]

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.

[@deborahstone9696]

Just a thought, maybe save this video sew you can reference binding later. I myself am going to. Love ❤ her videos. Sewn for 50yrs now😂

[@sallysusinno7619]

I love your upcycles! Too often on other upcycle channels they down size a way too large garment or they way they do it …I just can’t see myself doing it. Yours are so very helpful and inspiring

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Your green and white upcycled blouse, turned out beautiful 😍

[@globalfamily8172]

this is crazy detailed. You are super talented.

[@cateygosnell2771]

Absolutely love this!!!

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

And not only do the colors of pillow case and shirt go together as well as both being cotton and sage green. But you've got an original design by you that fits you😊 I like this a whole lot better than the one that you showed at the beginning with the far too exagerated neckline, it was too naked. I like your design much better. I like the piping too, that looks like fun. As for the bias that you made, I think that I've seen someone do the same exact thing when making bias tape. That's because you asked, yes, I have seen someone else here online do that.

[@Sharon-pb7so]

I do bias binding for my quilts. It's surprising how much binding you can get if you cut it on the bias, plus it makes such a nice finish as the last step in making a quilt.

[@maymewilkinson9093]

That was a good one!! Wondered where you were going with the piping but it worked!! Love the outfit girl!!!!

[@debbiejacobs1025]

You are a delight and a genius

[@dianahampton8768]

I watched a number of sewists and you have really nailed the quality of image, the distance of the camera from what you are sewing, and the position of the camera. So many people are trying to explain something and they just are not showing a good view of it. I am really impressed with the angle of view you have achieved, I can only imagine that the camera must be in your way but the result is amazing.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! And you’re right about the camera being in my way, lol. That was definitely something I had to get used to!

[@bettymccutcheon5382]

Genius level sewing, THANK YOU!

[@jenniferrathjensdlrt3661]

Beautiful!!You are so talented Catherine!! I enjoy all of your videos! :)

[@janetpaden8878]

You have inspired me! I can't wait to get to the thrift stores to find some men's shirts. Some of the things you tried, I have done myself. I think we all have tried something and surprised ourselves at how well it worked out. Never lose that creative spirit!

[@Helenfromeugowra]

Another fabulous upcycle. 🎉

[@gloriahill9519]

You are so creative. It looks wonderful😊

[@sewbiz51]

Love this project!!! Great job. I’ve learned so much from your videos

[@bibleartjournalingwithlisa7723]

This is amazing. Love it❤

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Very fresh, youthful and stylish. ❤

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Love this! There are so many men's button down shirts in thrift stores you will never run out. It's also really nice seeing a recycled blouse that didn't involve cutting down something that was huge and still somewhat stylish.

[@jenniferpearce1052]

I've got a pink & white men's shirt floating around. I want to try this!

[@janstetler9888]

How sweet. You did an amazing job!

[@trishcostello813]

Loved this. I haven’t made piping for years! Looks great. I lost my sewing mojo (have been knitting instead) but having found your channel you have inspired me again. I have thrifted 2 dresses and remade one to take on holidays. I even made 2 pairs of children’s shorts (easy peasy) for 2 little great nephews we shall meet on this holiday in Fiji. It has been 4 years since we caught up with our New Zealand family so will be fun.

[@thatETXmom903]

Oh wow I love the piped edge. Definitely adding that to my sewing tool box. Love the way the piece came out. The green looks FABULOUS on you.

[@PamSmith-iv8zu]

Beautiful! Great job.

[@lynmcnorton9627]

The blouse looks soooo lovely 😊

[@mikeandhollybolduc5258]

This came out so gorgeous!

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

I absolutely love this! I think it definitely has a sense of the inspo, but just on its own even it's so fantastic and comfy looking!