(Added NOTE: I only glossed over the steps here. I am assuming you have at least beginning to intermediate sewing skills. You need to know how to make gathers and sew a seam.)
I've been wanting to try a fashion recycling project with old t-shirt material. The upside is that it doesn't unravel and doesn't require hemming. It's also light and great for spring or layering.
I took a comfy tank top and an old long sleeved t-shirt, and ended up with this. It has an airy Anthropologie feel to it, don't you think? I used this tutorial from Sachiko at Tea Rose Home almost step by step. She has more in-depth photos, but I wanted to share my project photos with you, too.
1. Hack off the sleeves. Then cut into sections across the body----I did 2 - 2" sections, then 3 - 4" sections. I just eyeballed it and cut.
2. Sew the skinny strips together to make one long strip.
3. Using your biggest stitch size, sew a seam down the center of the long piece, then pull one thread to make gather the ruffle.
4. Find the center of the long ruffle, and pin to the center back. Pin and sew around the neckline, leaving a gap in the front center for the larger ruffles.
5. Lay out the larger strips to get an idea of how far down you want the ruffles. I decided to go most of the way down the bottom of the shirt.
6. Sew 1/2" from one edge of the rectangle using your biggest stitch size. Pull one thread to make it ruffle. Center it on the front center of the shirt. Sew each additional ruffle under the first. I made the top ruffle overlap the next one by about 1 1/2" to hide the stitching.
7. Make rosettes, and sew on near the neckline. You can find tons of good rosette tutorials online, just Google them. And you're done!
I love this. First, cutting up that ombred pink T-shirt would stop me in my tracks. Then I am challenged to follow along with the steps, but I shall persevere, because ruffles and rosettes are a magnent to me. Well done.
Posted by: Charlotte Smothers | February 18, 2011 at 12:20 PM
and you saved yourself the Anthropologie pricetag ! Love the gathering around the neck....
Don't you love having creative domestic skills?! Its fun.....
Posted by: Jill James | February 19, 2011 at 05:44 PM
This looks beautiful on you Laura! You're awesome! love, Sandra
Posted by: Sandra | February 20, 2011 at 07:01 PM