My five favorite things about summer are lazy mornings without the rush of getting ready for school, sunshiney days, enjoying fresh produce from our garden, sitting on the front porch swing on cool evenings, and watching the kids catch fireflies (we call them "lightning bugs").
Ready for a tutorial? Great! Go grab a T-shirt. I had this old XL men's shirt laying around that someone had given to us- it was free and I didn't want to use something really good in case this didn't work out like I planned in my head. I was making it for my 6yo and you could probably use a smaller one for a smaller girl. First, just chop off the bottom below the armpits to get your skirt.
Then, fold what is left of your shirt in half and trace around a shirt that you know already fits well to get the curve of the arm and the width (leave about 1/2" seam allowance, too!) I wanted a high waist, so I cut the bottom a few inches below the arm opening. One last cut for the sleeves- line up the bodice piece you just cut a few inches from the edge of the T-shirt sleeve and leave a few inches extra at the (folded) top to give the sleeve a little "pouf" later.
You should have one skirt, one bodice piece, and two sleeves.
OK- lets take care of the top! On the sleeves, 1/4 inch from the raw edge, sew a gathering line stretching about 1/3 of the way from each end and pull to gather and make the sleeves a little more feminine. Pin in place and sew to the arm openings in the bodice using a 1/2" seam allowance. Now that the sleeves are attached, just sew under the arms and down the sides (follow the blue arrows).
To attach the skirt, just sew a long gathering stitch about 1/4" from the edge and pin to the top. Use a zig-zag or stretch stitch or a serger to attach it to the top with a 1/2" seam allowance.
Finally, I took a one inch strip of scraps leftover and sewed a gathering stitch to make a ruffle. I used a zig-zag stitch to attach it below the neckline. I think it
Ta da!!! It was pretty easy and I think there would be so many cute ways to embellish. If I had a really cute T-shirt I think this would even make a cute dress, although I would probably add a sash at the waist to make it more fitted. I am gradually getting over my fear of knit, so my girls may soon be wearing something other than cotton!
thanks so much lindsay!
you could have a lot of fun with these! if you have a pile of old tees (and who doesn't, right?) you could even mix up colors, or use part of one tee that had a hole or stain and get really creative! i'm still working through my issues with knits, but i have to say, this looks one easy project!
check back later for another giveaway - i'm rocking my apron in the kitchen this morning, making goodies for the fair! see you soon!
linking up with
3 comments:
That is simply amazing! great job Lindsay and I loved reading your favorite things about summer.
I, too, have a fear of knits, but you made sewing them look very easy. Thanks for a lovely tutorial. =)
Cute blog Lindsay!! Love your little tshirt dress and the red,white and blue ones you made as well!
Thanks so much! It really wasn't too bad, working with the Tshirt knit this way. I love the idea of switching up a stained shirt, too!
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