Topic: How to Upcycle a Man’s Shirt

Speaker: Patti Wells

Description: This demonstration will take the group through each of the steps used to modify a man’s shirt. The removal of the top half of the collar, and substituting a mandarin collar instead; the addition of pockets in several places along the front; altering the hem line; changing the sleeve length and creating a gathered band; installing a placket to allow for various button placements.

Patti has been sewing since she took a sewing class as a 12-year-old in junior high school! It’s been a life long pursuit of creativity with textiles that she loves!

Recently, she has been exploring up cycling men’s shirts found at thrift stores, and estate sales. The fabrics in men’s shirts often are of the highest quality, and converting them into shirts that she wear, has been so fun. Patti looks forward to coming and doing a demo of her tricks and explorations for the Santa Cruz Textile Arts Guild!