Transforming a Regular T-shirt into a Bib Ruffle Tee

Today starts a period of Stash-Busting... which actually means I really can't afford to buy more fabric or craft supplies so I had better use what I have. Now I know I'm the only one with this problem, so bear with me.

A while ago, I bought 4 USA Olympic t-shirts on clearance...no one wants them as is. On top of this, they have rather large designs on the front. If I'm going to revamp them, a little fabric flower just isn't gonna cut it. Fortunately, there are 2 sets of matching designs.

Set #1 Blue and Black Skiing Shirt



You see my problem.

There are many blogs out there, showing beautiful t-shirt makeovers starting with a relatively design-free shirt (check out "Adventures in Dressmaking" and "Tea Rose" in my links to the right).  The tees I have, however, are almost all silk-screen design.

So how can I make a stylish garment from a regular ol' boxy (men's!) t-shirt? Let's just say, lucky for me ruffles are en vogue this season.

1.) First I cut one tee, about an inch below the armpits.



2.) I then cut the bottom chunk into 2 1/2 inch strips. Since these strips are actually circles, I made a cut on each of them at the side to make long, flat, one layer strips.

**Save the top portion of the t-shirt as well as half the strips for another makeover**



3.) Using a gathering stitch on one side of the long strips, I made ruffles.



4.) Play with the neckline. The usual neckline isn't über flattering or feminine, so I cut off the collar and made a cut down the center front, as well as at the shoulders.



[caption id="attachment_220" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="When I stitched it down, I folded the back collar in and the front collar out"][/caption]

5.) I played around with the arrangement of the ruffles, and decided on a bib style. I then pinned and sewed the ruffles down to the shirt.



I thought the blue would be particularly great with my jean skirt. Add my must-have-belt at my waist, and I was feeling sheksy!

Fairy Wings! (Tiny bit of hand stitching)

No girl should be without a set of fairy wings. In fact I have a hard time not wearing them! Wings are very simple to make, and inexpensive. So go ahead...make a set for you and your daughter.

You Will Need:

• 3 Pair Knee-Highs in the color of your choice (get them in those gumball-machine-type plastic eggs and they're only $.33-$.50!)


• Wire- I happened to have a reel of 17 gauge wire in my garage, you may want heavier wire to hold a more rounded shape (coat hangers might work, too).


• Needle and Matching Thread


• Wire Cutters, and Pliers

1.)  To figure the length of wire you need, just shape it in your hands and cut a few inches longer. Twist the ends. Do this twice for the top wings, and twice for the bottom wings.



2.) Taking one top wing and one bottom wing, twist the ends together. Repeat for the second set.



3.) Twist the two sections together. To avoid being stuck by the poke-y ends, I use the pliers to curl them inward snail-shell style.

4.) Pop open the Knee-High eggs, and slip one stocking over each wing section.



5.) Cover the ends in the middle with something to pad it. I used quilt batting, but you can use anything that works...that sock that was orphaned in the dryer would be great!

 

[caption id="attachment_181" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Padded Pokies"][/caption]

 

6.) Sew the ends of the nylons together on both sides, with a little hand-stitching, being sure to sew them to the padding.



7.) Now for the straps: Taking the third set of knee-highs, attach one to either set of wings by sewing the toe and edge sections between the wing-nylons.

 

[caption id="attachment_183" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Attaching the straps"][/caption]

 

8.) All that's left is to shape your wings and put them on!

No-Sew Tutu

Does it really need more of an explanation?  A tutu is a costume favorite, but you don't need to buy one... you can make it yourself with no sewing knowledge whatsoever.

You Will Need:

• 4 Yards Tulle (for adult size you may want at least 6 yards)
  


• Ribbon


• Scissors

1.) Cut the ribbon the length of the waist measurement plus 15 inches. Tie knots in the ribbon 7 inches in from each end.



2.) Roll the tulle into a long tube and cut 4 inch pieces.



3.) Once your pieces are cut you should have a pile of  rolled tulle strips. Unroll a strip and fold it in half end touching end. If this is too long for your needs, you may want to cut at the half, making two strips.

4.) Taking a strip of tulle, fold in half (end touching end). Starting at one knot, put the loop/folded-end on the ribbon. Then pull the ends through the loop thus tying the strip around the ribbon.



 

[caption id="attachment_193" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ends pulled through the loop"][/caption]

 

 

[caption id="attachment_194" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Pull tight to secure it"][/caption]

 

5.) Continue tying the strips around the ribbon until all are knotted on.



Viola! A Tutu. Tie around the waist of your little ballerina/fairy/princess.

 

[caption id="attachment_202" align="aligncenter" width="194" caption="What girl wouldn't be happy in a tutu!?"][/caption]

 

Things you can add:

Slippers

Lace Crown

Pipe Cleaner Crown