Make Something Monday

I was asked by a friend to post a tutorial for my DIY man's shirt to tank top.  The pictures that I have are old, but I'll do my best to write a good description.  Feel free to ask any questions!

I took one of my husband's old T-shirts, laid it out flat and used one of my tank tops (that fit well) as a template.  I cut around it, and because T-shirts are made of jersey knit, I didn't have to worry about finishing the edges around the color, sleeves, and bottom.

I used the extra fabric that I cut off around the bottom to make the ruffle on top.  Super, super easy!  Set your machine to the largest zig-zag stitch, pull out your bobbin thread, and stitch over the bobbin thread.  

I pinned the ruffle where I wanted it, and sewed away! 

All in all, I think this took me about 15 minutes.  I think I need to go rummaging through my husband's clothes again, now.  This has made me want to do another one!

Make Something Monday

Here's a couple of projects that I finished last week.  The hats, bow ties, and hair bows are for a dance recital.  I love how they turned out!  The hair bows will most likely have rhinestones attached to them.  The kids that will be wearing these are between the ages of 4 and 6, so it will be absolutely adorable!

And this is another shirt refashion that I did.  I started with one of my husband's old T-shirts and a vintage doily.  I used my Cricut to cut a fleur de lis to use as a template, then cut it out of the shirt.

I pinned and pinned, and then sewed the doily in place.

Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea.  Pretty cute, if I say so myself!  I also made a pocket out of another doily and added it to the front.  But... I put it too far to the left, so I need to fix that.

Make Something Monday

I've been super busy in my craft room today.  I got a lot done, including this dress, which I made for my friend's daughter.  I had never done one like this before, and I didn't have a pattern, so I was using one of my dresses as a template.  We're crossing our fingers that it fits her.  The shoulders on my dress form were too wide for it to slip over, so I couldn't check it on there... Ugh.  But, it's really pretty, and it's fully lined.  The lining on the skirt has a layer of green tulle on the bottom.  So very cute!

I also made this itty bitty hat to go with it!  It's on a  bobby pin.

My kids have had ear aches the last few days, so I put together some heat packs for them.  They're filled with flax seed and lavender oil.  I just pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds, and they're hot for 20 minutes or more.  The kids love them!

Now to go make dinner.  I hope your Monday was as productive as mine!

Make Something Monday: The Cottage Mama Party Dress

I found the pattern for this dress in a Facebook group that I'm involved in.  It was FREE!  SCORE!  It really is adorable, and I love how versatile it is!  I could make it more formal if I wanted, or more whimsical; whatever I would like!  You can get the pattern here: http://thecottagemama.com/2014/03/party-dress-free-pattern-re-release/
I found the fabric at JoAnn's, and was able to put it together in an evening.

I LOVE the flower buttons!  And the big bow!

Haven wore it to church yesterday, and I had to bribe her to take it off.  She kept hugging me, and saying, "Thank you for making this for me, Mommy!"  She absolutely loves how "twirly" the skirt is.

This was so much fun, and as I don't have much experience sewing from a pattern, it definitely taught me a lot.

It's definitely good quality, too.  The bodice is fully lined, so it looks and feels like a dress from a boutique.  I'll be making more for her for sure!

Have a wonderful Monday!