
In a recent French fashion magazine I saw a blue and white striped cotton tunic. It was three-quarter length with long sleeves and elegant deep cuffs. It would be the perfect cover-up for summer. One could wear with with leggings, jeans or shorts, over a bathing suit or even to bed. The price was $300.00.
I knew it would be simple to up cycle a man’s shirt, but it must have french cuffs. The extra deep cuffs are so chic and so feminine. Unless you have one hanging in the back of a closet the answer is thrift shop.
There is a thrift shop in the charming village of Ladner, British Columbia. The Delta Hospital Auxiliary Thrift shop. It is where I found several shirts – all various tones of blue and white and all with french cuffs. The shirts were just a few dollars each.
This is a simple project. You do require a sewing machine, a seam ripper, scissors and small buttons the size of the buttonholes on the sleeve. Step one is to carefully unpick the seam.

Press the cuffs to remove the original fold line and set aside.

Before your shorten the sleeve measure the length of the arm be sure to include the depth of the cuff. Mark where you are going to cut the sleeve and then pin the sleeve cuff to this mark and try the shirt on. When you are happy with the length (don’t forget to add a 1/2 inch seam allowance) then feel confident to cut the material.

Sandwich the sleeve fabric between the two cuff layers. Fold the extra fabric that forms into a pleat and pin in place. Careful sew the cuff into place checking the sleeve fabric stays between the layers. Sew the buttons in place using the extra button holes as markers. Give the finished cuff a final pressing.
Depending on how tall you are or the size of shirt you can make further alterations. You can narrow the shirt by taking in the sides. You can also take in fabric with French Dart or Body Darts. These are darts that pointed and tapered at both ends and can be used in the front and back of the shirt. I look for shirts that are close to my size. I want them loose but not solarge one drowns in your shirt.

I found this photograph in 2021 edition of Vogue magazine. If you are fashion maven you will wear your wonderful up cycled shirt in this bold, new way. Tell your friends it came from Paris
(Dear Friends,
If it sounds like I am a little in love with the sweet village of Ladner – I am! It is a farming and fishing village just outside the city of Vancouver. I am very proud of Ladner and even prouder of the DELTA HOSPITAL AUXILIARY THRIFT SHOP. I am a volunteer worker for the Thrift Shop and count it a honour to be part of this outstanding Hospital Auxiliary.)
Love and hugs to all,
Virginia