Perfect Pattern Parcel #4: an upcycled Maxwell Top of dapper foxes

Remember the sneaky pipe-smoking fox I tucked into the pocket of my shorts? Well, it is finally getting its moment in the sun with this dapper top for little J.  And…the verdict is he LOVES IT! Not that this is a big surprise, I mean who could resist this adorable stinking top?  It’s far too cute.  The pattern is the Maxwell Shirt and it is one of six patterns included in the latest Perfect Pattern Parcel #4. The shirt came together so easily and it is definitely now at the top of my list for button-up shirts for boys.  I’ve actually struggled with a few patterns attempting to make a nice button-up for the boys but this one is easy, simple and straightforward and fits well…it kind of makes me wonder why the others were such a challenge.  Maxwell Top is this mama’s dream.  The pattern includes lots of options for mixing and matching but I kept it pretty simple with just one pocket (and a bit of twill tape for detail. aw.) as well as snaps instead of buttons. The fabric used to be a grown-man’s shirt and it was hanging on a rack at Goodwill literally begging me to take it home and turn it into this very top.  (As with so many items at Goodwill, it’s hard not to wonder about how it came to be a shirt for grown-ups that someone owned and then donated.  There must be a story there, huh?) Finding this fabric is hands-down my best thrift shop fabric find ever.  In my brain, I was doing a victory dance the minute I spotted it. Good work Goodwill. The other patterns in this parcel are also stupendous for those of us that want to make things for boys! I was so excited when I saw what was included (jeans, vest, backpack, sweatshirts!) that I screamed.  We don’t start school here for another week and I’m planning on making as much as I can for back-to-school special clothes. As usual, the Perfect Pattern Parcel is a set-your-own price deal (for real! you decide what to pay!) but if you pay over $26 you get the bonus pattern, The Knight Hoodie, which is so super fantastic that it’s silly not to pay for it.  The value of this pack of patterns is $61 so it’s a steal! On top of that you can dedicate part of your payment to a charity that helps fund needy schools and any excess funds go straight to the charity as well. It’s a no-brainer if you have boys because good boy-oriented patterns are already so hard to find. And, it ends  September 5th, so jump on it.

Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, August 22 casa crafty || Lulu & Celeste || Keep Calm and Carrion
Saturday, August 23 Max California || Amanda Rose
Sunday, August 24 little betty sews
Monday, August 25 Kadiddlehopper || Radiant Home Studio
Tuesday, August 26 La Pantigana || Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts || Friends Stitched Together
Wednesday, August 27 Make It Perfect || Modern Handmade || GYCT Designs
Thursday, August 28 Needle and Ted || Mae & K || Mimi’s Mom
Friday, August 29 Pienkel || Once Upon a Sewing Machine || Friends Stitched Together
Saturday, August 30 FABulous Home Sewn || Gray Skies || The Crazy Tailor
Sunday, August 31 Nine Stitches || Max California || Oliver’s Fancy || Friends Stitched Together
Monday, September 1 a happy stitch || lady and the gents || Our Family Four || Swoodson Says
Tuesday, September 2 verypurpleperson || Things for Boys || The Crazy Tailor
Wednesday, September 3 Our Family Four || Rebekah Sews || a happy stitch
Thursday, September 4 Sew a Straight Line || la inglesita || Made by Sara || Knot Sew Normal
Friday, September 5 Knot Sew Normal || Gracious Threads || Sofilantjes || Max California

Disclosure: I received the parcel as a part of my participation in the inspiration tour but my opinions are my own, of course.  Also, I am entered into a lottery to win money for fabric every time you click on the pattern parcel links.  So, if you are inspired that would be so kind. 🙂