Mary's Thrifty Chic

Upcycling thrift shop clothing/sewing

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Button Down Mural Shirt

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Hello Everyone!

I actually started this post in June of 2025. Before I could post, I took a fall and fractured my left shoulder. Between physical recovery, and dealing with the most challenging year of my teaching career, everything came to a grinding halt.

Fast forward to June 2026. I am now retired and starting to envision my new creative life. Thanks to all who have contacted me. It made me see that I still have something to offer and teach others. I still have a Poshmark closet, but it has been on hold as well. It will open up again as pieces make their way to me.

Let’s get started! I call this one the “Mural Shirt” because it looks like these models are wearing a mural across their backs. I saved photos and came back to them when I found the two thrift finds that follow:

Inspiration Photos

Loved the blue stripes paired with the print
Beautiful Print

My Thrift Finds

The blue stripes were great and it appeared brand new
The back had an amazing yoke!
This silk dress immediately and made my inspiration pictures make sense

My Design

Front- I cut off the last two button holes to make the blouse cropped with two small side slits.
Back- the matched seam for the back panel created a complete mural. I opted to keep a more fitted version than the oversized inspiration shirt shown above.

Tutorial

I had to cut the back and front of the dress in two panels to make them into one panel that matched exactly with optimal picture placement. This required careful pinning and hand sewing before using the machine. The back panel of the stripe shirt was the pattern used to put it back together.
I took the thick stripes out of the middle of the sleeve and inserted the flowers from the sleeves of the silk dress. I combined them to make a fuller short sleeve.
I cut off the bottom 2 button holes and made a wider hem. Notice how I did not tuck under the placket section in order to reduce bulk.

I would love to hear what you think. Any questions?? I have more offerings planned soon, but let’s get the conversations started.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • Mary Peterson says

      Julie! Thank you! I am getting there. It is amazing how much stress a teacher’s body can take. So relieved to be done. This was a perfect project to help me “Rise from the ashes!” hahah!

      Reply

  6. ΕΥΡΥΔΙΚΗ ΒΛΑΣΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΥ says

    Dear Mary, I wish you the best for the phase in your life!
    You are talented!
    Evi

    Reply

  7. michelle Jadaa says

    lovely to see you back!….i had a sewing client remind me that a couple of years ago i told her that as everything was getting so expensive that i thought thrifting and sewing etc would start to make a comeback and it does seem to be near me at least.Of course the downside is im more busy than ever as im the one doing the sewing for those that cant lol.

    Reply

  8. Mother Deer says

    Very creative upcycle, beautiful results! I was thinking about you a couple days ago when I saw a border print fabric that I liked, then like magic your post appeared in my email 🙂 I have missed your posts and will look forward to seeing more of your brilliant creations.

    Reply

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