Wednesday, October 24, 2007

OK—I wanted to chat—no new quilting going on so I dug deep for something to talk about. Sorry about the poor photos. They were taken last night amidst cooking supper and sprinkles of rain.

Everything has a story. I made these two shirts about five years ago. They are Caboodles patterns, but for the life of me I can’t tell you the name.
They have been passed down to a couple of ladies that deserved the patterns and wouldn’t have gotten them any other way.

First of all – The shirts… I found them—of all places the grocery store. I saw them on a rack, the price was right-- something like $3.50-- so I bought them. I told myself they would probably disintegrate the first time I washed them, so before I sewed on them I washed them five times to see if they would make it.

Vanity--- since having kids 19 years ago… I never tuck anything in. Paranoia maybe, but I just don’t. These shirts are XXXL size 54. They are huge. Each one comes to my knees and I'm 5'6". You can see the sleeves stay rolled up. I love them because they are huge. The first shirt has 3 scarecrows.
I took pieces of the pattern and appliquéd on the pocket
and put a crow on the back.
In the fall we pretty inseparable.
For December, I have the little boy with the Christmas tree.
I wanted to show the collar. No pattern was needed. I just traced the outline of the collar onto newspaper, cut it a little smaller on the bias of the fabric so it would curve nicely. I fused it on and zigzag stitched around the edges. I made it match the buttonholes for the button down part of the shirt.
I’ve even seen cuffs done the same way, but since I roll the sleeves I didn’t bother.

Oh yeah--- It’s a man’s shirt--- I thought it may be a fun idea for a gift for someone or for yourself as a Saturday “Cheer Up”…



Gratitudes:
Good Doctor’s Visit
Smoked Beef Brisket for supper
Ritz Crackers

22 comments:

Joanne said...

Those are so cool! Great idea!

Juliann in WA said...

Fun shirts. I used to have a denim jumper and I did embroidery and applique on the hem.

Darlene said...

Really cute shirts! I have some Caboodles tucked away somewhere!

Marilyn Robertson said...

Love the shirts! I liked the way you added fabric to the collar! Neat idea!

Unknown said...

What fun shirts Melanine, thanks for the idea.

Libby said...

So cute . . . no wonder you enjoy wearing them *s*

Gypsy Quilter said...

Simply adorable.

CONNIE W said...

Both are great looking and fun. Nothing can beat comfort combined with that country look.

Jeanne said...

Those are really cute shirts. Thanks for sharing the pictures of them.

Unknown said...

What a lovely idea - thank you so much for sharing - I especially like the collar touch

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Just found your blog; what fun! I will be back to read again and sift through your wonderful goodness.
Blondie

Rosalyn Manesse said...

Well, now I know what to do with that baggy blue shirt.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh what a find! I never can find great denim shirts when I want them. And I love them big too!

Kim said...

I just love oversized, soft denim shirts and you've dressed those up awfully cute! Nice job!

Judith said...

I am in love with both shirts.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Cute shirts. Very cute.

MARCIE said...

Tuck in shirts, what is that? The bigger the better. Not that I'm fooling anybody! I love what you did to yours. Those stacked scarecrows are too cute!

Finn said...

Hi Mel....love, absolutely LOVE the shirts! maybe it's a midwest thing, but I adore those big blue shirts, and the sleeves MUST be rolled!
You did a great job on the applique designs you used..inspired, I think. Great job1
Hugs, Finn
(I see from your Pixie that you and I are both having the 46 degree weather today *VBS*)

Love Bears All Things said...

Very good. I like my shirts big also.
I was curious about the stitching around the applique. So you use zig zag too. I know the new machines have the button hole stitch but I've always used zig zag.
Mama Bear

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Love the shirts, great for sewing in, every thread wouldn't stick-the collars were inspired!!
Enjoyed your pumpkin carving, looked like fun, wish we celebrated that over here! Tracey

Rose Marie said...

I have a bunch of these shirts and have decorated them up as well. They are so perfect for the fall and winter weather. Yours are sweet!

Caron Mosey said...

Oh, this shirt is SO cute!!! I love it! I have subscribed to your site and added you to my list of Michigan sites... check out my blog (lower Michigan) at
http://blog.CaronMosey.com

Keep quilting!
Caron