A ME-MADE FOR MY MISTER : : COLETTE NEGRONI : : HAWAIIAN SHIRTS

Colette Negroni Aloha Shirt, A Colourful Canvas

 

Colette Negroni Aloha Shirt, A Colourful Canvas

 

Colette Negroni Aloha Shirt, A Colourful Canvas

Hey you! Just me again. Well, not actually me in the pics. That’d be the mister wearing his Colette Negroni Aloha Shirts. Even though many of us are wrapping up pretty much everything summer, I wanted to show you the Hawaiian shirts I made for him back in June. It’s not often that G makes an appearance here at A Colourful Canvas…he’s usually the guy behind the camera…but a real live man-e-kin really classes up the me-made, don’t ya think? And happy me; it didn’t take much convincing to get him to model his newest Aloha shirts. Custom made to his specs, from fabric he picked out when we were in Maui last winter….he likes them, he really likes them.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that sewing for one’s other is risky business. Sure, it can be an awesome bonding experience. Um…but not really. It’s much more likely to tax the stablest of relationships…deeply. When I suggested to G that I make him a couple…not just one, but two….aloha shirts, I was clearly in a haze of holiday bliss…you know the feeling….life is idyllic and suddenly you’re making promises that you just can’t keep. Fortunately…I had several months before I had to step up and stitch. So why the angst? Well, often guys think they want hand made clothing, but in reality they want their clothes to fit like they always do, and to feel like they always have, and to look just like all the others in their closet. I well remember a few years back….we went garment shopping. For the mister. The Bay, Canada’s major department store, has more than one entire floor devoted to men’s clothing. I suggested we divide and conquer….I go in one direction, G in the other; and we meet back in the same spot in twenty minutes. Ten minutes later, I am so loaded down with shirts and trousers I can hardly walk. {The stores I usually go to have shopping carts…Now what does that say about me, wonders she.} Another ten minutes goes by and G saunters up with 1…that’s one as in a single…shirt. Seriously. The only thing that gave me even a little bit of confidence making these shirts, is the fact that I’ve made this pattern for him before, and that he picked out the fabric himself.

Okay, just a few details. The fabric is 100% cotton. I used the Colette Negroni shirt pattern, made before here. I sewed the short sleeved, camp collared version, and I’m happy to report that everything went tickety-boo…whew, I mean it certainly should have….after the massive alterations I did on the first make. I had enough fabric that I could pay special attention to pattern matching…yes there is a pocket on the front of those shirts! And…that’s it…nothin’ more to add.

Thanks, as always, for stopping by. I’ve got a couple of fun projects in the works…one’s nearly finished…and so I expect I’ll be back sooner rather than later. Have a good one!

Other Colette Negroni Makes:

Long Sleeved, Stand Up Collar version: here

49 Comments

  • Reply amy mayen September 14, 2015 at 8:20 pm

    It's my first time “meeting” hubby, I knew he'd be a hottie! The hat is dashing too:) Great shirt!! Don't give my guy any ideas….I will not be sewing his shirts anytime soon.

  • Reply Val S September 14, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    How fun to see Mr. Sue on the blog! He's exactly how I would picture your husband – dapper but chilled out, lovin' his prints and colors. And lovin' his fantastic aloha shirts, made with love by his favorite wahini.

    Your shopping story is so funny! G obviously is very discerning, or indecisive. I hope the one shirt he picked up was a good one (of course, it couldn't compare to your me-made ones).

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 14, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    No…your husband must never see this post Amy, LOLOL.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 14, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    I try to tell him that clothing on a hanger looks different than clothing hanging on a body. You gotta try it on! The afternoon ended well…once I got him trying on the clothing, it was all looky me, LOL. We left with an empty wallet.

  • Reply Sheila September 14, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    It's taken nearly 20 years, but L finally listens to me when we go shopping. How many times do I have to say, “I told you so” before he listens? About a kajillion.

    You are so awesomely talented at sewing, Sue. If I could download your madd skillz like in the Matrix, I would!

  • Reply Marianne September 14, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    There is some crazy guitar fabric lying around here, waiting to become my husband's second Negroni. He wants it 'just like the other one' (which he's wearing all the time) except now he wants it fitted, with a collar stand and slimmer (long) sleeves. Doesn't sound like a Negroni to me. So while I'm thinking a little longer about another pattern I might just as well make something for myself, right? Love the shirts you made, cool posting by mister!

  • Reply Vix September 15, 2015 at 12:46 am

    Goodness me those are incredible shirts. The print is fabulous and the model is rather dashing.
    I'd better close down this page quickly before Jon demands I make him one! xxx

  • Reply Merche Martinez September 15, 2015 at 1:01 am

    Oh! Nice meeting your husband! And you didn´t make just one Negroni but two! Which reminds me of the two I made for my fotographer in those African prints I've been sporting lately, as a payment for all his dedication in taking my photos. What better way to say thank you, no? But in my case the photographer was very reluctant to become a model..buh!
    Love the prints you chose for him, very summery and pretty.

  • Reply Flo September 15, 2015 at 6:22 am

    Love them both! Guys are so funny about clothing. My husband is terrible, especially when it comes to shoes. He expects a brand new pair to fit just like the pair he's been wearing for 2 years, argh!

  • Reply Dana Bishop September 15, 2015 at 6:49 am

    What an awesome post! I LOVE this! You are so delightfully entertaining. The shirts are lovely. Mister looks amazing modeling them! I love your anecdotal account of a Shopping at The Bay. I think all married women could tell a similar tale.

  • Reply dan September 15, 2015 at 7:23 am

    Another one of your perfecttly made projects … Your husband is a very lucky man to have hand made shirts!! It means a lot of job for you, but I think he can be satisfied with the result!!

  • Reply Shirl September 15, 2015 at 8:33 am

    Oh! Fabulous to see the Mister on your blog. And those shirts are da bomb on him.

    Shirl

  • Reply Melanie September 15, 2015 at 9:39 am

    Your Mister looks dashing, especially in his new custom-made Hawaiian shirts. Your man shopping experiences seem to echo my own – me, arms loaded; O, nothing, if I can even get him to step foot in a store. I “tailored” and sewed dress pants for him and he doesn't wear them! Who's doing to see those little puckers anyway?, I ask. Hahaha. But these shirts? Awesome. There must be a little label in there that says Made With Love.

  • Reply Connie September 15, 2015 at 11:20 am

    What a lucky guy…for So Many Reasons!! I hope he realizes that there a not a lot of Sues out there looking adorable and making custom Aloha shirts. I especially like the Maori print. Shopping with a man. Ha! I gave that one up looooong ago.

  • Reply Louise Perry September 15, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    Wow, my fella would love these shirts. They are just his style too. I have not made anything proper for mister yet. These are so inspiring. Looks like a good pattern and the prints he chose are just super.

  • Reply Suzanne Carillo September 15, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    Wow! Lucky guy. These turned out great! I love seeing your man here : ) I especially like the second one. Very groovy print.

    Apparently I'm the odd woman out. My husband likes shopping as much as I do. In fact he is a HUGE enable and Mr. Metrosexual. When he was a corporate lawyer many of his suits were bespoke, and I won't even start on how many pairs of shoes he owns. I suppose it is a good thing, as it is something we both enjoy doing together. It can lead to very thin wallets though.

    When I was out vintage shopping the late time he picked himself up a vintage Hawaiian shirt…reminds me very much of these two here.

    bisous
    Suzanne

  • Reply pao September 16, 2015 at 7:30 am

    I know exactly what you mean about men and their clothes. I am forbidden from making anything for my true love. Well, except for kimono, one for summer and one for winter. oh, and the man dress. I love the shirts and that he picked out the fabric. What a cutie he is. And that there were no complaints.

  • Reply No Fear of Fashion September 16, 2015 at 8:09 am

    Ohh…. these shirts are made so well. You can see the pattern uninterupted across the closing / buttons at the front… Only very expensive brands have this. You are a sewing queen Sue.
    The mister is full of confidence, you can see that. In the first pictures he has to think of how to pose, but the rest of the pictures… he nailed that. Great with the straw hat and the glasses. Very debonair.
    Even so nice to see the guy behind the girl. A good looking man you got Sue.
    Greetje

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Amen sista! Kajillion sounds just about right. L always looks hip and well dressed. Well done!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:28 am

    I did quite a few alterations on the first Negroni I made…added that collar stand for one. But yes, I agree it sounds as though your hubby wants more of a dress shirt..I'm thinking Vogue maybe? In the meantime, definitely make something for yourself Marianne!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Thanks Vix. And yes…shut me down quick. Jon must never see. He finds enough fabulous shirts anyways.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:31 am

    Those fab African prints would make fantastic Aloha shirts. We'd love to see them Merche. You could try what Oona did with her Dad…the tipped hat, the back view…or, since he's your photographer, he could be holding his camera to his eye.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:32 am

    YES! Yes, I hear ya Flo, LOL!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:33 am

    Thanks Dana! It's not that I never see men happily shopping, it's just that they're never men that I know…

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:33 am

    Aw…thanks so much Dan! And yes, he is very satisfied with the result!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:33 am

    Aren't they though Shirl!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Eep…dress pants are tricky enough for self, let alone for man. I bet O is totally off board when it comes to thrift shopping too, eh?

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:36 am

    You smartie! I too have a much quicker shopping experience when I buy and bring home for him.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:38 am

    You might want to give this pattern a go soon Louise. The short sleeved sleeve version is pretty straight forward. I will warn you that I had a challenge with fit when I was first working with this pattern though. Having said that, an aloha style shirt has a relaxed fit anyways.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:39 am

    And Wow! Lucky girl….we've read that your hubby enjoys shopping and enabling you. And we've seen that impressive shoe collection. I think we're all a bit jealous when we read those posts, LOL. Shopping, drinks, dinner….again, lucky you!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:40 am

    What a lovely garment to sew for you True Love…kimonos just seem to be clothing made with love!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 16, 2015 at 9:41 am

    Thanks Greetje! G's hat is from Lahaina Town in Maui. He tried on many before choosing this 'perfect' one.

  • Reply Melanie September 16, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Surprisingly, no, he doesn't mind clothes that are thrifted if they are something he likes. Finding new or old is quite a challenge.

  • Reply Andrea September 16, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    Beautifully detailed work. I know it was hard..I go kicking and screaming when I need to match like this. But it is so worth it and gratifying.

  • Reply Hana Velvet Ribbon September 17, 2015 at 8:10 am

    Great job, Sue! Glad to see Mr. A Colorful Canvas here, the shirts looks great on him and love the prints 🙂

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Sewing and kicking and screaming….it happens, LOL. But then we smile and pat ourselves on the back!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 17, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Thanks Hana! Hey…we're both showcasing our guys this week!

  • Reply Heather Gibson September 17, 2015 at 9:44 am

    Sounds very similar to my experience shopping with and sewing for my husband. Ha! The shirts look fantastic and what a great memento from Maui!

  • Reply Trina Grandinetti September 17, 2015 at 6:39 pm

    Sue, you have trained him well, just look at how well he poses. It must be the shirts he is modeling, they fit as if they were made just for him (haha). Actually I'm quite speechless because I can barely hem a pair of pants for my hubby (most the time they go to the tailors). These are seriously amazing, I just showed them to Par and he is just as impressed as I am. So are these two shirts getting packed in a suitcase for a trip back to the islands?

  • Reply Margo B September 18, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    Fantastic! These both look great. I have only ever made one shirt for husband and it went well. I have two daughters and it stresses me out immensely to sew for them. Now, I make something for me and if they like it…I hand it over! Much easier for them and me.

  • Reply Carolyn September 19, 2015 at 1:08 am

    These both look just great on him, and those prints are just too awesome for words! 🙂

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 20, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    LOL, but your husband can be forgiven. He patiently waits while you fabric shop in London! Thanks Heather!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 20, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    Ooooh…guy approved. Now, that's a compliment, thank you so much Par! And thank you too, sweet Trina. And yes, these are just right for a Maui trip, just not sure what our plans are yet!

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 20, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    Thanks Margo! NOW…that is a great way to sew for your daughters. The older girls get, generally the more particular they are about what they wear, and I totally understand that.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas September 20, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    Thanks Carolyn. He did choose well with the fabric!

  • Reply Curtise September 21, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    I LOVE these shirts, Sue – and what a cool model you have there! xxx

  • Reply Rebecca September 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    I am so happy you convinced him to model for us those beautiful shirts you made for him! I do love a good Hawaiian shirt and these are perfect! I also love your shopping story such a typical man and woman shopping trip. I laughed about it!

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca/Blog/default.cfm

  • Reply Katie M February 16, 2016 at 5:00 am

    Beautiful pattern matching. I'm very impressed.

  • Reply Sue @ A Colourful Canvas February 16, 2016 at 9:06 am

    Thank you so much Katie. I appreciate that you said hello!

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