There are many ways to disguise a man-tailored shirt when you have one too many in your closet. This one was decollared, desleeved, shortened, nipped in at the waist with elastic thread, and trimmed with orange braid. When you remove the collar (photograph 8 ) you will discover a mandarin neckband ready to be accentuated.

Adjust the band so it is the same width all around by measuring the narrowest portion (at the center front) and using it as your guide (photograph 9). Turn under each side of the opened seam, and baste the two sides together. Place the braid trimming along the pinned edge, and sew all three layers together (photograph 10). Sew a parallel row of trimming at the bottom of the neckband and repeat the decoration on the front closing. Try on the shirt to establish the length you want, and hem it up with orange thread.

An easy way to fit a shirt is to elasticize the waistline at several points (or all the way around if there is considerable material to blouse). Use elastic thread (available in any notions department) as the bobbin thread and keep the tension fairly tight. The upper thread need not be changed but this shirt used orange to match the trimming on the blouse. However, use the largest stitch on your machine in order to give the elastic thread sufficient play. Stitch as many parallel rows as you wish, 1/4 inch apart, using the presser foot as a guide.

To transform long shirt-sleeves into short cuffed ones, cut them at the elbow (Figure F). Fold the raw edge under 3 1/2 inches and hem. The stitching will not be visible after the cuff has been turned up. Stitch trimming to the inner edge of the cuff so it will be on the right side when the cuff is turned up.