Boxy Button-Down Refashion

I'm introducing a new blog series today: Make Do and Mend Mondays.  Inspired by the WWII slogan, I'm trying to remake things I already have instead of throwing them out and buying new.  I have always had a problem throwing out things that are usable - so much so that I moved a box of clothes I don't wear anymore with us from Pennsylvania because I was convinced I would remake them.  The first in what I hope will be a biweekly series is a simple remake of a long-sleeved tunic length button down that I bought when I was about 30 pounds heavier than I am now.

This shirt makes me sad.

It was too long and boxy and perhaps most importantly, is long-sleeved, which I find pretty uncomfortable most of the time here in south Texas.  I have always had a difficult relationship with button-down shirts.  I like them, but being about a size and a half bigger at my bust than my waist means they frequently aren't flattering.  Luckily, taking in the sides and shortening the length were not particularly difficult.  I do recommend starting by basting the sides and hem to make sure they are where you want them before you cut anything.  Measure twice, cut once!  I redid the sleeves a few times before I got the cuff and the length just right.

This shirt makes me happy.

I ended up taking six inches of fabric away from the waist and I think it looks so much better.  So the pink shirt is done, next I'll attack the grey one. Stay tuned in a couple weeks for a much larger scale Make Do and Mend project!