20 Jul Feminine Twist on Men’s Shirting
Why is so much wonderful cotton shirting described as a man’s fabric???
I couldn’t pass on Mood Fabrics’ beautiful pink/blue Italian cotton shirting even if the description read – This is a light weight 100% cotton shirting with a woven pattern. Smooth, soft, sleek, ideal for men’s dress shirts.
Cotton is simply my salvation during this time of year, and with a new grandchild due on September 1, the pink and blue stripes spoke to me! Yep, my daughter and son-in-law are doing it the old fashioned way and skipped the gender test 😉
I knew this soft textured fabric with its baby colored stripes would be adaptable to a feminine style. I was also itching for an embroidery project and created an embroidered border for the top. Having sewn McCall’s 7543 twice before, once in linen and once in a cotton poplin, I thought a lightweight shirting would endure the embroidery process and gently drape from the gathers.
For the embroidery, I selected a single motif on the Pfaff Creative Icon which I repeated in groups of three.
I used a medium weight tearaway stabilizer.
The front and back bodice each required six flowers or two groups of three which I connected. After embroidering the fabric I removed the stabilizer and cut along the lower edge until the scalloped edge was complete………
…then I placed the pattern piece on the fabric and cut the bodices.
After ‘finishing’ the top, I wanted a little more pop and got the scissors back out.
Definitely a good idea!
Finding the versatility in a fabric is always rewarding for me! Many thanks to Mood Fabrics for providing me with the opportunity to discover another side to men’s shirting. Be sure to check out Mood’s shirtings for your next sewing adventure!
……
Carolanne Washburn
Posted at 07:31h, 20 JulyIn a word: WOW!!! Love everything about it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:36h, 20 JulyThank you, Carolanne! It was a fun make 😊
Mary Funt
Posted at 07:32h, 20 JulyThe cut work embroidery really makes this a stand-out. Congratulations on the impending arrival of another baby!!! Exciting times.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:37h, 20 JulyMany thanks, Mary! We’re quite thrilled about baby #2 🤗🤗
Rianna Brown
Posted at 07:33h, 20 JulyAin’t it just the beat! Taking a simple pattern and giving it a face lift. Just goes to show that basic patterns can be so versatile. Just lovely Sarah!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:38h, 20 July…and I love simple patterns for that very reason, Rianna! Many thanks for your comment 😊
Rebecca Bagwell
Posted at 07:45h, 20 JulySo pretty! Love the embroidery !
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:54h, 20 JulyThank you, Becky!
Suzanne Landau
Posted at 08:00h, 20 JulyFabulous. All the work you do with your incredible Pfaff machine which was gifted to you is just stunning. So inspirational. I need to find a similar fabric with embroidery at the edge for my own take on this lovely shirt. Shame we can’t all afford this fantastic machine. Not many can. Maybe you could also recommend other fabrics which have similar lovely edging?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:43h, 22 JulyThank you, Suzanne! Several fabrics with scalloped hems are available. This post shows an eyelet cotton that I was able to scallop just by cutting around the edge of the design. https://goodbyevalentino.com/the-rita-top-new-look-6434/
You can always enter the term in the search engine of online fabric stores too. 😊
Tiffany
Posted at 08:10h, 20 JulyI Love the way you added the embroidery to the bottom. I’ve been embroidering for about 12 years but I’ve never tried doing cut work on something that I’m sewing. You have motivated me to give this a try !! Love it!! And congratulations on the new grand baby!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:44h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Tiffany! You’ll find this embellished very rewarding – have fun 😊
debbie brown
Posted at 08:15h, 20 JulyAbsolutely love this! Everything about this! I really need to figure out my continuous border! Well done 🙂 Congratulations Grandma!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:45h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Debbie! I need a continuous border hoop. I did this on the Creative Dream Hoop (260×340)
Leigh Rollins
Posted at 08:22h, 20 JulyYou are a creative genius!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:46h, 22 JulyI wouldn’t go that far, Leigh, but I did enjoy designing this border 😊 Many thanks!
Janine Maffett
Posted at 08:53h, 20 JulySarah, this is absolutely lovely. You took a simple top and made it quite exquisite! And hurrah for old fashioned! This is one of the few real surprises left in life.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:47h, 22 JulyAgree with you Janine – it’s the best surprise on earth! Many thanks 🙂
Bronwyn David
Posted at 08:56h, 20 JulyBrilliant idea to cut out the embroidery. Gorgeous result.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:48h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Bronwyn David! I really love it 😉
Brenda Hobart
Posted at 08:57h, 20 JulyAbsolutely beautiful. Congratulations on the upcoming new arrival.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:48h, 22 JulyThank you so much, Brenda!
Claire
Posted at 08:57h, 20 JulyI love this top and the cutouts are just right—never thought I would say this, but when you posted this to Mood Sewing Network I found myself googling embroidery machines. Oh boy—what a rabbit hole that is! Congrats on the impending new arrival! I am expecting at Thanksgiving and also not finding out the sex. The sonogram tech told me last week that 50% of the parents that go to my practice don’t find out; not exactly statistically significant data but it seems right based on my peer group. Exciting times!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:52h, 22 JulyC O N G R A T U L A T I O N S, Claire! How did I miss this great news? I must have been too busy admiring the cute tunics you’ve made 😉 I wholeheartedly recommend embroidery machines for every type of sewing. Take care of yourself!
Rebecca
Posted at 09:08h, 20 JulyThis is one of the cutest garments you have made! Totally understand your love for cotton at this point in the year. You did a great job with your choice of fabric and design. I’m headed to the Sewing & Quilt Expo in Raleigh to play!!!
Becky
Cary, NC
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:54h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Rebecca! Have a great time at the Sewing Expo 😉
Kathy
Posted at 09:14h, 20 JulyFANTASTIC job. Great fabric. Great fit, and absolutely beautiful embroidered detail.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:54h, 22 July🤗🤗 Many thanks, Kathy – I’m very pleased!
Linda LaMona
Posted at 09:17h, 20 JulyThis is a lovely top with the embroidered border. Looks great and cutting out the embroidery was a perfect decision.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:55h, 22 JulyThank you, Linda! I was amazed at the difference cutting the design made 😉
MaryEllen
Posted at 09:20h, 20 JulyCongrats a new grand baby !! What type of stabilizer did you use in the hoop to keep the fabric soft.?
This is a beautiful top – Embroidery takes it to a fabulous level . Another great inspiration!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 10:59h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Mary Ellen !
I used a medium weight tearaway stabilizer. 😉
Natasha
Posted at 09:20h, 20 JulyThat’s really cute! Perfect for summer. I’m glad your son and daughter in law are choosing not to find out the gender of the baby. I made the same decision for both of my children and it made the birth extra special . No matter what, a baby is a blessing! Congratulations!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:00h, 22 JulyI couldn’t agree more Natasha – whatever they want to do is fine by me but the surprise is extra special indeed! Many thanks for your comment 😊
Patty
Posted at 09:44h, 20 JulyAbsolutely beautiful !! This is such a nice look on you. This definitely makes me want to get back into embroidering on my Viking Husqvarna machine. Thank you for the inspiration. Your clothing ideas and workmanship are just awesome.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:01h, 22 JulyThank you so much for your nice comment, Patty! The embroidery machine is super fun and much easier than I expected 😊
Melody Srygley
Posted at 09:51h, 20 JulyI love all three tops Sarah! Do tell – Did you use the tunic length on all the tops (straightening one hem)? Did you make any alterations? (Can you tell that I have the pattern?) Hurrah for summer, and bare shoulders and toes!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:03h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Melody! After making the first pattern which I.did cut and straighten the hem, I just found a flattering length. The short length on the pattern was too short for my taste but that’s an easy fix😊
Alicia Burrus
Posted at 10:14h, 20 JulyI love your top, Sarah! The embroidery really elevates the design and makes it your own. Congratulations on your new grandchild! How exciting.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:04h, 22 JulyLife is quite exciting right now for sure, Alicia! Many thanks for your comment 😉
PsychicSewerKathleen
Posted at 10:18h, 20 JulyBeautiful! I love that idea of embroidery at the edge and cutting around it – inspired!! I too love so-called “men’s shirting cotton” – it’s often excellent quality standing up to umpteen washes and the colour is typically muted. I’m always on the look-out for a nice stripe!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:07h, 22 JulyHi there, Kathleen! “Men’s” shirting has so many uses ~ you’d think for marketing purposes the “men’s” label would be dropped 😉 Many thanks for your comment !
Joan Weakland
Posted at 10:41h, 20 JulyThat ticking stripe cotton and embroidery is fantastic with that top pattern, Sarah! In that stripe and with those jeans, it is one of the most flattering garments you’ve shown us, despite being an unfitted style!
Really adorable yet not frilly, because of the stripes… love this on you.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:08h, 22 JulyThank you, Joan! I think the top is a good balance of opposites too 😉
Rosalind Clayton
Posted at 10:43h, 20 JulyThis looks fabulous Sarah, what a great interpretation of the pattern & also great use of the fabric! You are a fantastic dressmaker & I always enjoy your creations! Good for your daughter/son-in-law to let nature give them the answer! I know that God will watch over the delivery!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:12h, 22 JulySuch a nice comment, Rosalind 😊 I’d like to sew the pattern again. It’s perfect for embroidery for sure, but I might make it in a patterned fabric next time!
Karen Helm
Posted at 11:00h, 20 JulyThat is a winner, especially with the cut-outs. I also like the ties on the sleeves. You will wear this often, I am sure! How lovely to have such a surprise in store in September! Our two little granddaughters were were also “old fashioned” babies, and it was wonderful! So happy for you and your family!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:16h, 22 JulyIt’s simply the greatest surprise to experience. Of course I never found out the gender of my babies since the test wasn’t as refined and generally was coupled with medical purposes, but I don’t know if I could resist in 2018! I’m delighted my daughter and her husband can though 😉
Many thanks, Karen for your comment on the top – I too think I’ll wear it a good bit which in my books is a winner!
Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
Posted at 12:05h, 20 Julythat is so pretty!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:17h, 22 JulyThank you, Beth!
Gail Cunningham
Posted at 12:13h, 20 JulySarah,
Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS to you with the soon-to-be here grandbaby!!! We have 5 little grandchildren ranging in age from 4 months to 4 years old, and they are all so unique and special and WONDERFUL individual blessings!!!
Secondly, I love your fabric and pattern choices, but the icing on the cake is the embroidery with the pop-outs. I think I’m gonna end this comment now so I can look at this fabric on the Mood site……..ah, so much fabric, so little time………;-)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:18h, 22 JulyThank you, Gail for your lovely comment! So little time is my running theme these days……… 😉
Lisa Milam
Posted at 13:03h, 20 JulyI thought the first picture you posted of the embroidery in progress was beautiful. But the finished garment is much more beautiful! I now want an embroidery machine.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:22h, 22 JulyThank you, Lisa! Well, you know how much I love the Creative Icon and recommend it at the highest level, but take a look at the machines and find one that works for you. I never knew embroidery was so much fun and so easy 😉
Maggie edger
Posted at 13:48h, 20 JulyI really, really, really like your blouse.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:22h, 22 JulyAh…… thank you, Maggie! 🤗🤗
Maureen Lacey
Posted at 14:31h, 20 JulyJust when you think your designs can’t get any better–here comes another adorable creation, it’s perfect!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:23h, 22 JulyWhat a nice comment, Maureen 🤗 Thank you so much – it was a fun garment to make for sure!
kathleen wallen
Posted at 15:00h, 20 JulyReally lovely top, it looks great. Congratulations on the new grandchild to be.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:24h, 22 JulyThank you so much, Kathleen!
joyjc
Posted at 15:20h, 20 Julyabsolutely beautiful!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:24h, 22 JulyThank you, Joy!
Joanie Molnar
Posted at 18:00h, 20 JulyLove this shirt! Just incredible! My Bernina 1130 diesn’t Do this, but I’m going to see if I can come up with something! You’ve inspired me!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:25h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Joanie! I’ve found the embroidery process to be more versatile than I expected. I’m sure you’ll come up with something 😉
Alice Elliot
Posted at 21:57h, 20 JulyI love the whole concept! Men’s shirting, which is too wonderful to waste on just men’s shirts🤪. And the super feminine style! And the embroidery! Yikes!
And congratulations on your expected new grandchild. Being a grandma is the best!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:27h, 22 JulyAlice ~ Many thanks for your nice comment about the top and baby! We’ve loved having a new baby in the family and cannot wait for number two😊😊
Daisy Dianne Bromlow
Posted at 06:52h, 21 JulyABSOLUTELY STUNNING ! , cutting the inside of the flowers really made the blouse – gives it pizazz. Love your creations.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:28h, 22 JulyThank you, Daisy! I was surprised at the difference the cutwork made 😊
Lori Hartman
Posted at 10:42h, 21 JulyExquisite
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:28h, 22 JulyThank you, Lori 😊
Ann Leenhouts-Shane
Posted at 13:47h, 21 JulyVery cute and a good-lookin’ gramma, too!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:29h, 22 JulyLOL – Grandmothers have come a long way over the years, hun? 😉
Joyjc
Posted at 19:03h, 21 JulySo very nice!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:29h, 22 JulyThank you, Joy!
Liselotte Johansson
Posted at 02:44h, 22 JulyWow. Love the shirt. The embroidery really made the shirt.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:30h, 22 JulyMany thanks, Liselotte! I agree and think the embroidery transformed the shirt 😊
Reader
Posted at 13:20h, 22 JulyVery inventive. Before reading the post I assumed that the fabric came with that edge.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:35h, 22 JulyMany thanks ~ lots of fabrics do have the scalloped edge, but I’ve yet to see a men’s shirting with one 😉😉
Lisa Lacy
Posted at 13:24h, 22 JulyThis is absolutely adorable! And good for your daughter and her husband….these gender reveal parties are a tad over the top in my opinion !😏😊
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 13:38h, 22 JulyThank you, Lisa!
I agree ~ but in today’s world I would find myself being tempted to know ahead of time! I admire their patience and it really is one of life’s greatest surprises 😉
Sarah
Posted at 08:55h, 23 JulyBeautiful!
Can I ask where you downloaded the embroidery pattern from?
cindy coven
Posted at 10:48h, 23 JulyI love this blouse! It looks so summery. Will look good on any age.
Patrice Cunningham
Posted at 17:32h, 23 JulyWow! That’s a beautiful top..The edge work embroidery certainly gives it a special touch. I have that pattern and was planning to use a fine Liberty cotton. From your experience with the cotton shirting, would you suggest lining the main body…in a very light linen perhaps?
Barbara
Posted at 11:56h, 26 JulyPerfect! Now for one in pink or black and white – you know babies love that combo!