Saturday, December 15, 2012

Men's T-shirt Makeover

I started this makeover project months ago and finally got around to finishing it...and I love the way it turned out. It really is quite simple, but the project was delayed due to some fitting issues that I finally got around to correcting. So...want to make your own fun tunic out of men's plain white t's? Here is how I created this look:

What you will need:
-2 men's t-shirts (I can't remember if I used my husband's XL shirts or a pack of mediums that I purchased on clearance).
-Rit Dye
-Sew Liberated Pattern: Schoolhouse Tunic (I have made this before HERE and HERE)
-Trim (I found this lace trim in my stash...it was a thrift store find)
-Serger or sewing machine

I began by cutting out the schoolhouse tunic pattern using the two t-shirts for fabric. I lined up the bottom edge of the pattern with the bottom edge of the t-shirts so that I would not have to hem the bottom. I tend to find the finishing detail of knit material the most difficult so why bother doing the work that was already done for me? I then stitched the pieces together following the schoolhouse tunic pattern. This is where I made the fitting errors. Since my fabric was knit, it had stretch. I did not alter the size I normally cut for this top and therefore it was too big. After a couple months I finally got around to taking it in an inch on each side. So...make sure you make your top a bit smaller for whatever pattern you chose if you want a close fitting top.
Here the top is in white, all ready for the dye bath. I chose teal dye and followed the instructions...
And ta da...here it is teal. I could have left it like this and I actually wore it this way once, but it needed something more.
So, I dug around my craft room and found this lace trim. I lined up the trim with the bottom stitching on the tunic and around the bottom sleeve stitching. I then stitched it on using a straight stitch.
I think it added a fun detail and makes the top much more complete. 
Now...off to rummage through the old tshirt pile and see what else I can give new life. 
Shannon

28 comments:

  1. Love this! I can't wait to try one for myself.

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  2. WOW! What a difference. I've always wanted to try dying clothes. I love the color!

    Lura
    x

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  3. This tunic looks so good on you! Tunics are my favorite style of shirt to wear. I'm pinning this in case I ever get around to sewing for myself!

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    1. Thank you :) It really is a quick and easy tunic pattern- I would highly recommend it!
      Shannon

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  4. that's SO cute! one day, i'm going to get brave enough and use my sewing machine to sew something that i can wear... and don't you love what a box of dye can do to just about anything??

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    1. Thank you...I encourage you to give sewing clothes a try...I had many many failures when I first started but after awhile it got better- this is a very easy pattern and would be a great beginner one! Good Luck, Shannon

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  5. Very cute! I wish I liked to sew because this is genius.. What a difference the dye makes. I like the color.

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  6. Amazing indeed! Great color, too. ~Kelly

    unDeniably Domestic

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  7. This is brilliant - pinning and following NOW! xxx

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    1. Thank you :) and welcome, we appreciate you following along! Shannon

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  8. So neat! Love your blog! I would love for you to visit my linky party going on now at http://wallisfarmsdailywalk.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-post.html

    Have a great day!

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  9. What a great colour - love it

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  10. Just hopped over from Sew Can Do. This looks really cute. I love the idea of a tunic made with knits. I bet it's super cozy. Also, great idea to use t-shirts that were already finished at the bottom. In time, I have learned to love knits. But it did take some time...

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  11. That is just too cute! I think I may need to take this idea to a friend who can sew it for me! I am not a skilled at sewing, but this is just such a great idea! Thanks for sharing :)

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  12. Its just cuteee.Really looking very nice i always try t shirts for men just as a fun.I would love to buy this one.thank you so much for sharing such a nice with us.

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  13. That is an amazing transformation! I never thought about cutting up men's shirts so you get that super soft t shirt feel for patterns. I host a linky party every Monday if you would like to stop by and link up. :)

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  14. cute! I want one!
    www.jennymeierevents.blogspot.com

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  15. Do you think the stretch in this top would work for nursing??

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    1. Hi Tarah, I will have to check that out next time I have it on and see if it will stretch far enough. It is a nice deep v-neck so I think with the added stretch you could make it work, but I wasn't nursing when I made this so I never actually thought about it. Great idea and I will update this when I have a chance to try it on and see- Shannon

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