UPDATE: I have seen a lot of joking around on Pinterest about the faces in my Before and After pictures. This is making me laugh because it was completely unintentional--I am a HORRIBLE auto-timer picture taker, and these were the best ones I ended up with. I also have no control over when I do the smoulder. It's a disease. I love how many of you are enjoying and using this pattern! Hello lovelies! I'm sitting down to my lunch of cherries, fresh-picked snow peas, and barbecue Kettle chips. Last time I did a T-shirt remodel for Pinterest it was a hit, but alas, I failed to do a tutorial. This time around, I have learned my lesson. Re-making a t-shirt is the most forgivable sewing project I've encountered as of yet--surprising for it being stretch fabric! Just remember: nothing has to be perfect, scissors are your best friend, and raw edges are cool. You will need: -a T-shirt that is significantly too big for you (I usually wear a small or x-small, sometimes a medium--the shirt I used was either a large or x-large), either men's or women's. -Access to a sewing machine and similar color thread to the shirt -Lots and lots of straight pins (light bulb! Safety pins would work amazing for this project too.) -Waxed dental floss -Embroidery needle -Mirror Here is a horrible picture of what it started out looking like: Step 1: Remove the sleeves. Cut off the sleeve and the seam that attaches the sleeve to the rest of the shirt. Your shirt will now look like a strange tank top for men to work out in. Step 2: Turn the shirt inside out and try it on. (It will look like a horrid smock. Don't worry!) Bring your pins with you to a mirror, and pin along your wonderful curves until the outline is the way you want it. I used straight pins, but they do fall out sometimes when you remove the shirt to sew. I highly recommend trying safety pins for this step! Put the first pins on either side of your natural waist, which is the narrowest point on your torso. This will help guide the rest of your pins and keep the sides even. Once you're done, it should look like this: Imagine it 90 degrees clockwise. Technology is hormonal today. Step 3: Remove the shirt (good luck!) and fix the pins so that nothing is super lumpy or misshapen. By no means does this have to look perfect, but we don't want any puckers while sewing or odd bulges when the shirt is done. Step 4: Sew along the pins. Since the material is stretchy I went with the longest stitch my machine would allow. Don't forget to backstitch! Do your best to line up the bottom hems, but as long as they're close it isn't a big deal. If they are too far off but the rest looks good, just cut off the entire bottom hem all around and call it good ;) See what I told you about forgivable? Step 5: Try on the shirt right-side out to make sure nothing is funky. (I had to fix the upper part so that the sleeve holes were smaller.) If anything is weird, re-do all or part of the seam where it needs help. Remember that we're not done yet! Step 6: Once you're happy with the shape of your shirt, cut off the excess inside. Make sure to leave some extra seam allowance--we'll need it in the next step. Step 7: Begin the ruching! Decide how far up from the bottom you want your gathers to go. I put mine up to just under my natural waist, but the decision is yours. Put a pin where you want your ruching to stop. Step 8: Cut a long piece of dental floss, two or three times the length of the section to be ruched. Go to your sewing machine and zigzag stitch the floss onto the extra seam allowance of the bottom part of the shirt (the zigzag stitching acts as a kind of casing for the floss--do not sew into the floss! It needs to be able to move!). Here's what it should look like: And at the ends: Step 9: Thread the bottom end of the floss onto an embroidery needle and tack it down. Do several stitches to make sure the floss is firmly in place, then tie it off well. Step 10: Take the top end of the floss and pull on it, working with the material to gather it. Gather it as much as you like--I pulled it as much as it would easily go without making it overly bunchy or putting strain on the floss, then flattened the last inch or two. Once you are satisfied, thread that end of floss onto your needle and use several stitches to tack down the floss. Even out the gathers and begin tacking those, working your way down to the bottom. Once that's done, do some more tacking stitches and then tie off. Here is a blurry and sideways picture: Repeat steps 7-10 on the other side. Turn right side out, and you're done! I hope you have enjoyed my technology-tantrum tutorial. Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for other things I can do tutorials of :) Have a lovely day. Blessings, Hannah =)
This post is about installing an invisible zipper. Part 2 will be about installing the lining with this invisible zipper. ++++++++++++++++ I was never truly happy about my way of installing a lining with an invisible zipper. It looks fine from outside, but there is still a little bulge and a bit of pull at the top […]
If you follow me over at Facebook, you would know that I have several sewing patterns soon to be released, so this guest post from Ledys of From the Sunnyside is perfect! She is here today to show us how to draft a basic bodice pattern. Thanks Ledys! ********************************************* Hi! I am so excited to be …
Explore rocknlex's 28 photos on Flickr!
Three weeks ago we wrote our first post about Jeans Therapy (quilts from recycled denim). Today we are finishing the series with a wonderfu...
I participated in a mini quilt swap between the Atlanta and Ireland Modern Quilt Guilds that just wrapped up.This is the quilt I made for my lovely partner, Eva.I was a bit intimidated in my pairing because she has such great taste and talent!I stalked her flickr favorites and soon realized…
PLEASE NOTE: This pattern is a digital (PDF) sewing pattern. more info Gemma is a pullover tank sewing pattern designed for woven fabrics with a shirttail hem and options for a high (jewel) or low (scoop) neckline and two lengths: regular and cropped (NEW). Gemma is a quick and simple project and sewing this top is a great way to learn some garment-sewing basics. Gemma will become a favorite for your summer wardrobe and all season layering! Included are fourteen sizes with two front bodice pieces to fit different cup sizes. inspiration & resources: visit the Gemma Page on my blog! recommended fabrics: lightweight woven fabrics such as lawn, shot cotton, shirting, double gauze, broadcloth, silk noil, lightweight chambray, and rayon challis (see yardage chart). NEW SIZES! fourteen sizes A-N, designed for chests 32-66 inches [81-168 cm] and hips 35-70 inches [89-178 cm] (see size chart & finished measurement chart) NOW WITH LAYERS All pattern piece files include layers so you can print just the size(s) you need. pattern includes: digital instruction file - includes diagrams for each step, 6 pages Print at home pattern piece file with LAYERS - formatted for US Letter with A4-compatible margins, 26 pages 1-page A0 copy shop pattern piece file with LAYERS - b&w and color (see how to use a copyshop file for more info) Projector pattern piece file with LAYERS for home projector setup with full (mirrored) pattern pieces and 4 inch and 10 cm grids for calibration
Etoiledunord created this how-to for creating a Duct Tape dress form, complete with silly pictures of her all mummified in neon pink Duct Tape! This has got to be one of our favorite DIY experiments ever.
Are you guys ready for this? I am probably going to shock some of you and others will close out the window as soon as they hear what I'm talking about because you have been taught and shown one way so it must be right! I'm sure I'm in for a lot of criticism for this one.... But first, a little backstory to give you my
In this post, I share how to make a sectional slipcover step-by-step, with a ton of photos to help along the way!
Discover a list of essential sewing and pattern cutting terms and learn exactly how to annotate your sewing patterns
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I am slightly gitty about the ways that I have learned to take an old tee and turn it into something (or multiple things!) absolutely fabulous! Here it is, worn out T-shirt into uber-chic pillow: T…
This tutorial is not only for fabric labels but for printing on fabric for any project from your home printer and all from things that you probably already have in your pantry!! I’ve wanted to get some fabric labels made for a while now … but of course I’ve run out of time. So I did a bit of experimenting today and whipped some up and you can too. What you’ll need: Computer/inkjet printer Freezer paper (it’s the paper that is waxed on one side only) Reynolds Aluminum 391 Reynolds Freezer Paper Light weight and light colored cotton Baking Tray Vinegar Water Iron and ironing board 2 Scissors (paper and fabric) First let’s talk about your logo/name design. I used Photoshop to put together my label but I’m sure you can do this in Word too. 5 Things to Remember. Keep it simple. Use dark ink (white in a logo will be left blank, showing the color of your fabric). Choose a font that’s easy to read. Keep a spacing of an inch or more between them. Test print a few times on regular plain paper before you go to the trouble of making a label and not liking the look or size of it afterwards! Now for the fun part! Cut a piece of freezer paper 8.5 x 11 inches (A4). Place it wax side down (that’s the shiny side!), onto your fabric. With your iron preheated to a medium to high heat, iron the plain paper backing side. You’ll start to see it adhere to the fabric. If any air bubbles appear keep ironing that spot, it’s just where the wax and fabric haven’t attached yet. Now trim the fabric to the same size at the wax paper. Make sure you remove ALL the loose ends…..(I learnt the hard way, it causes smudges!!!) Off to the printer you skip with your new crazy fabric paper clutched firmly in your hand ….. tra-la-la ….. Press print and cross your fingers!!!!! Ta-da! Stand back and be amazed … I mean look how pretty they are!!!!! Ok the funs not over yet as printer ink is NOT color fast ……...so …….. Wait for the ink to dry (yup this is like watching paint dry … what a bore when you're soooo excited to see your fabulous name on FABRIC!!!) Once dry, peel away your paper backing and gawk in awe at your creation! (Seriously you feel like a fabric designer or something!!!) Now …. Make a little bath of white vinegar. I used a baking pan but another pot etc will do….. Soak for 5 mins or so …. (The smell made me crave good old fashion English fish and chip … hmmm sooo hungry!) Remove from bath and gently rinse under water to get the vinegar smell out …. Then hang to dry in the sun (or if you’re impatient like me, lay it on an old towel and use a hair dryer – high heat setting baby!! Made a big batch ……. Well if you choose to use your dryer – I haven’t yet - don’t put it in with a load … just in case … ….!!!!) Cut and sew onto the back of your creation! Worried about fraying edges, well if you don’t like them as a design element add some iron on interfacing and then sew around the edge using a tight zig-zag stitch …. (If you cut your fabric on the bias before you iron on the freezer paper this will prevents fraying.) You can also use pinking shears :) Ahhhh the joys of creating and saving cash-o-la at the same time! Enjoy! So the big question….. Why did I try vinegar to set the ink? Well I remembered a while ago I was trying to get an ink stain out of a lovely dress, did a search and ended up on some random site that said 'Don’t soak in vinegar!'…… and I thought hmmmm interesting! (I never did save the dress!) Why use this method over others? 1) It’s cheap! 2) It’s much more environmentally friendly than some shiny plastic transfer … 3) It looks fab .. and works wonderfully. ……. Don’t believe me, try it, you’ll be amazed! I’ve washed, dried and rewashed labels (scrubbed them with a tooth brush and soap too!!) and there was no visible difference!!!!! Hooray! (I do recommend you test it out before you jump into a big project as all printer inks are different.) Experiment!! Try colored photos (see below for update), poems for scrapbooking, sew them into pillows, quilts, the sky’s the limit ….. you might just find your new crafting obsession ;) I know I have!!! Featured on Craft Gossip! **** UPDATE **** Thanks to everyone testing this method ................. this is what we have learnt so far! Heat Set Those of you not heat setting your printed fabric after soaking in vinegar are seeing fading of black ink when vigorously washed in hot water and soap. So don’t forget to HEAT SET - use an iron, or like me a hairdryer on high heat or you can give your dryer a go! Colored Printing I haven’t tried color yet …. Just wasn’t what I was after … however … I’ve heard from 3 people all who had difficulty with ‘some’ colors. Lighter colors such as pink are disappearing in the vinegar … I have no idea if that is the printer ink they are using or this is a normal reaction. Everyone that has tested the method so far has said that the black ink stays wonderfully! Hooray! Bleeding of black ink in Vinegar This seems to occur if you have smudged the ink or you didn’t wait for the ink to completely dry before you popped it in the vinegar (I know I know … you were just too darn excited!!! But wait, it HAS to be dry!!)
Front and Back views. Actually I started this ages ago, but it's going to be finished SOON! I'll make up the back, bung them together, then dye it. Green, I've decided. Applish, clear, kitchen-type, non-sage Green. I've drawn out a pattern for a rectangular version in bright red velvet too. I made a pattern for this... if you're interested. Going cheap since I'm not pursuing the business angle any more and want to get rid of stock. I sort of pillaged it in any case, although the pattern has been obsolete for a millenium and would seem to be out of time?. I did figure it out without the benefit of anything to copy though, so there was a LOT of figuring and playing and trying and changing, which might redeem me a little bit. The white, un-dyed version is tweaked from the yellow (my yellow) and puts the bobble's closer together. bbbbbbbb The pages you see at the top are my source. An old McCalls Needlework & Craft from my childhood. But since making this pattern and cushions, I've purchased an original pattern from good old Ebay. I haven't even looked inside yet! Had it for over a year.
*Message from the author* I’m having to take a break from blogging due to personal reasons, but I’m aware some of the links on this page are no longer working. Please be assured I will…
My daughter likes to make friendship bracelets. This is what her stash of embroidery floss looks looked like. I was wasting time on my new...
Today we have our last pleat week guest. Delia from Delia Creates is here! A few of her projects that are on my to-do list are this pink tinted lip balm, this ear warmers tutorial
