"Going Green" is the new catch phrase that we are hearing these days. Recently, I was flipping through the clearance rack of men's name brand shirts thinking ,"What nice fabric" and suddenly a light bulb went off in my head and I thought, "WHAT NICE FABRIC!"
I split the shirt up the side seams and cut the sleeves off to get the most fabric possible out of the shirt. There was just enough fabric to cut each front of the bubble from the front sections of the shirt and the back from the back of the shirt.
I used scraps of white Imperial Broadcloth for the neck and armhole bindings and a little pocket. 
Pattern #129, made with a plain front and sleeveless was quick and easy and the classic striped fabric gives it a masculine look.
The pocket is embroidered with a anchor using a Chain Stitch and an Outline Stitch. The anchor design can be found in the "Heirloom Embroidery Book."
Although I felt hip and cool while doing this project, we must remember that there is really "nothing new under the sun." The first time that I did a project of this type was in 1978 after my mother-in-law told me of doing it herself in 1950!
I am looking forward to seeing this sweet bubble modeled next week in the Martha Pullen Fashion Show. Here is a sneak peak of the little guy who will be wearing it. More about Ryland later. He deserves a blog totally devoted to him!
Michie'
Aww...I love that you're doing this. I am working on a dress for my new baby that is made from one of my husband's button up shirts!
ReplyDeleteLove your post - this is the true meaning of "going green", not buying some expensive bamboo fabric that uses an inordinate amount of chemical processing. The model is truly a handsome one.
ReplyDeleteI just wish I had seen this (or thought of doing it) 9 years ago! I have a shirt of my dad's that would have made an awesome bubble for Ethan. And since Ethan was named for him, it would have been perfect! Oh well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea! Most men's shirts are hardly used and that is for special occassions. That would be perfect! Thank you for sharing your tip!
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