I’m on a clothing repurposing kick at the moment and finally made something for myself. Here’s a new shirt for me from a lightweight button-down men’s shirt. I found the tutorial here at Jezze via whip up. Basically you cut off the collar and the sleeves, make a big pleat in the back and some little ones in the front to gather in the material to fit your frame, and add elastic at the sleeves.
I may make some more for this summer of the growing belly – there’s plenty of room in these large men’s shirts and they’re better for protecting my skin than the tank tops I usually wear all summer. Also, I love how they look — kind of old fashioned — and can wear them after the pregnancy.
I followed Jesse’s instructions for the most part but used six pleats in the front instead of four, making the pleats shorter because of the pocket. And in the back I sewed the back pleat down the entire way, rather than just at the very bottom. Also I squared off the bottom of the shirt because I like that look better than the tails in the front and back.
Other things I’ve been doing lately — eating yummy chocolate some friends sent me, making carrot cake cookies, trying to eat healthy despite the above two items, and gardening in short spurts (I’m getting tired much quicker than I usually do).
Hi! My name is Jean and I am mama to two daughters -- a four year old and a newborn. I'm trying to parent in a way that encourages creative expression, imagination, joyfulness, and a love of learning. Thanks for visiting!
fightingwindmills said
I like the look of that shirt. What a neat idea!
Sarah said
It looks fantastic! I was skeptical when I read the title, but it is so sweet! I love the pleats in the front and the way you took the back pleat all the way down. It will be a very flattering maternity shirt.
And I don’t remember seeing a picture of you on here before – you are very pretty!
Jade said
oh i love that shirt! i’m going to raid my husbands closet now as i too have a growing belly!
Amanda said
thanks for sharing Jean! You look great! I think I’m going to have to try this as I will soon have a postpartum tummy to hide this summer!
dundee writer said
Man, I wish I could sew! That is adorable. And how perfect that you’re cutting off the collar of the men’s shirts–that’s the part that always gets stained or refuses to lay flat after awhile. Nice job. And you look great in it too!
Julie Liddle (ART IN HAND) said
impressive. wish i could sew (and find the time, even if i could)!
Auntie Jo Jo said
so awesome!! love it!
Wendy P said
What a great idea! You’re adorable, btw.
Kathie said
Love it. I have some old shirts I have been gathering thinking there must be something else I can do with them. What a great idea.
Kate said
Perfect timing! I have one of my husband’s work shirts up on my dress form right now that needs to be turned into a dress in the next few weeks – thanks for the inspiration!
rowena said
That is wonderful. I wish I knew how to sew.
Erica said
What a cute shirt, and so great for you to wear right now. I love seeing that bump under there!
Dielle said
This is brilliant and looks fabulous on you! Wish I’d found these instructions before I was past my due date, LOL. I may make some non-maternity ones though… nice for that time post baby when nothing seems to fit right.
Quince and Quire said
You did such a nice job with this. I am not usually a fan of men’s shirts repurposed as women’s clothing, but you have changed my mind. Thanks!
The Artful Parent said
Thanks everyone!
Maryeliz said
Really adorable. The shirt is great and it looks great on you.
mrspilkington said
wow, you did a wonderful job!
Meredith said
This is so cool, thanks for the tutorial link!! Wonderful
Anna Lloyd said
I LOVE your new shirt, I might make some myself!
Jesse said
It looks great! You did a lovely job (much neater than mine).