In Spring I found on sale luxury French linen men's shirts that were too precious to go to waste on their heavily marked-down racks, so I bought them at a fraction of their retail price and turned them into outfits I could wear. The second benefit to me is I avoided paying a premium for French linen by-the-metre at a haberdashery store to sew the same outfits.
Linen is perfect for the hot and steamy Australian weather and I also learnt some new sewing skills as my designs were turned to reality. I also loved that by upcycling button shirts then I didn't have to sew any buttonholes or buttons because they were already there! I make desserts in a similar way, always finding shortcuts on time but not on quality (random but relevant to how I create).
You'll also discover why I am so crazy in love with linen fabric: a long-lasting natural fibre with a strong heritage dating back to pre-industrialisation, and very trendy right now. Beware of linen blends that saturate the fashion stores as demand can not keep up with supply these days. Quality 100% linen from the flax plant (the same plant that you eat flaxseeds) can be an heirloom that lasts generations if you know what you are buying and how it is made; from farm to factory for washing, spinning, weaving, dyeing and sewing.
Below are my fashion tips to upcycling mens button shirts of all sizes into various skirts and womens blouses, initially shared as a four-part micro-blog journey via instagram.
2 JANUARY 2021
These three photos of me sum up what starting a New Year means to me: create space for your passion project and don’t take yourself too seriously! You will bring more joy in a world that is challenging most of the time. Happy New Year!
The blue and green skirt: I again sewed a clearance mens 100% French linen shirt into a simple, elasticised skirt. It was a huge size so this time I could sew both side hems leaving no contrasting fabric at hips (like the last skirt). I kept the original mens shirt hem. Again, I sewed down the button opening allowing the last button to be left open or closed.
The blue and green check sleeveless shirt: the matching top was originally a mens shirt size S which swallowed my frame, so I removed the long sleeves, took the sides in (which also took in the large mens’ sleeve holes) and I shortened the original scoop hem into a straight hem which complements the boxy shape as well as the boxed, check pattern. The larger sleeve holes still give it a slightly structured or masculine look so you can feminise with a more femine bottom.
worn together has the illusion of a dress and would suit someone who is not as short as me because of the check pattern and the loose fit swallowing me. Still it was a fun photo shoot with mum!
Pairing the contrasting colours from this and the previous project is very colourful, makes me smile! A fun project that takes a few hours. By not using a pattern it is next-level problem-solving creativity - very fun! I look forward to more creative fashion projects in 2021 that use sustainable fabrics.
19 NOVEMBER 2020
I’ve been turning unwanted clearance men’s shirts into Summer outfits again! Gingham and check patterns will continue to trend in womens fashion this Summer so I upcycled more clearance men’s shirts in 100% French linen at David Jones, reduced to $12 down from $80! Remnant linen fabric can cost $50 a metre and the already sewn item offers some shortcuts to its transformation.
The red and blue skirt: The size S mens shirt I sewed into a simple, elasticised skirt keeping the button and pocket details. I didn’t need to sew the sides or the hem and the seams were amazingly-finished french seams (see pic) so I wanted to keep them. To get enough length for knee-length, I needed to keep some of the shirt sleeves in the final result, which I think adds contrasting pattern detail at the hips that looks like pockets (see pic). I didn’t need to unpick any original seams this time. Phew! The skirt also retained the invisible front pocket which is so cute and holds keys or swipe cards (my iPhone is too heavy for the elastic waist). I sewed the button opening shut to the second-last button, leaving the last button to be worn closed or open for more movement such as taking stairs.
I have a mens XS shirt in the same colour I just wear as is, with knot tied at waist and sleeves rolled up. Together with the skirt creates an illusion a one piece, or wear as separates. The French linen fabric feel has no comparison and softens as you wear it. With Summer days 35 degrees, these outfits are almost essential in breathable fibres, and covers my skin from the high Australian UV too.
18 OCTOBER 2020
I turned unwanted clearance men’s shirts into a dress this time! Take three 100% linen shirts (these were reduced to $11.50 at David Jones! and are 100% French linen!* French linen has the potential to last a lifetime or become heritage items if cared for well (such as with traditional French linen bedding). I was so excited to sew these huge mens shirts into a dress. I chose a classic Vogue dress pattern at Spotlight. It took a little more time and care to line up the check pattern and when overlapping, I patiently unstitched seams to fit the pattern. The invisible men’s shirt pocket ended up at the back of the dress and adds to its upcycled story. I love the result, a one-of-a-kind outfit for Summer work or play. Thanks to mum for being the photographer.
(*This French linen has a more durable yarn, and softer drape to the Chinese-made linen shirts in my last post. There is a huge difference in quality between linen weaves, some Chinese-made shirts are just are good as the iconic French manufacturing, but really in the end you get what you pay for. Cheaper the shirt, the cheaper every step in the making including flax fibre lengths for a smoother stronger finish, spinning of yarn, weaving of fabric, and sewing of seams to sit flat and wash well. The Target linen shirts I used last time were $40 RRP and these David Jones shirts were $80 RRP, and yes they were double the quality after comparing in person. You really do need to touch a garment (and preferable try it on and move in it) to know its true quality. The boost in online shopping in a 2020-world can be hit and miss. I could go on about the overload of lower-quality, short-lasting fabrics in the fast fashion marketplace (including in remnant shops) but perhaps another time.)
11 OCTOBER 2020
I’ve been turning unwanted clearance men’s shirts into outfits again! Take two 100% linen men’s shirts (reduced to $5 at Target and 100% linen fabric often costs up to $50 per metre at Spotlight). The smallest shirt I tailored into a blouse by turning up the sleeve cuffs, darting the body and changing dark buttons to clear ones. The larger shirt I cut up into an A-line skirt with back zip. I bought the pattern at a charity store. Thanks to mum for being my photographer. Worn together I look like I’m in a work uniform, not quite the look I was going for, so I’ll wear them as separates like with this black, organic cotton T-shirt and sustainable sneakers from @trenery (with renewable wool felt and natural rubber soles). I look ready to go to a rock-and-roll dance class! More upcycled #sewing projects coming soon!
