My T-shirt Makeover

[jurisbo]

This seemed like a topic you all would understand. I normally lurk on this board and get inspiration. Now I finally have something to share.

My mom had sent me a big stack of promotional t-shirts. She has about 200 of them left over from an event this past summer. Unfortunately, all of them are a men's size XL, a size that isn't quite right for either my husband or me. I prefer a ladies' medium or large, and it occurred to me that I'd wear the shirts if they were the right size. They were free to me, so why not?

After doing some research, I pulled out my favorite shirt, a piece of chalk, and my sewing machine and got to work. I turned the t-shirt inside out and laid my favorite shirt on top of it, lining up the neck holes and top. Using chalk, I traced around the edge of my shirt onto the t-shirt. I didn't trace the sleeves. Instead, I drew the curved line where the sleeve is stitched on. I cut along the lines, pinned the halves together, and stitched them up with a small zig-zag stitch.

Then I used a piece of paper to trace the folded sleeve on my favorite shirt and laid that on the old sleeve (folded and smoothed flat). I cut that out, pinned it onto the arm holes of my new shirt, and stitched that together.

My new shirt fits and looks great. I am so proud of me I just had to share with you all, because I knew you would understand the joy of taking something unwanted and turning it into something I can wear.

And in case anyone is thinking that they couldn't do this, I think you can. I have a sewing machine that I pull out only every 2-3 years. I have to teach myself how to thread it again every single time. In my entire life, I have (poorly) sewn one skirt and one pair of pants before this shirt. This project was easy. Really, truly easy. And my kids and husband were just as excited as I was. I may start tailoring all our t-shirts!

--Shawn

P.S. My mom was laughing when I did this, because I'm also known in the family as the only one who meal-plans by trying to use up leftovers and bits of things. That's normal to everyone here, but not to my extended family. They loved that I made new clothes out of a "leftover" shirt.

[HandyMom]

Cheers to you! I think you did a fabulous job!

[peanut]

Way to go!

Jean

[happydog]

Good for you! If you like this sort of project, do a google search for "t-shirt surgery". There are instructions for turning old t-shirts into all sorts of things, including much more interesting shirts.

[Darlene]

Good for you!

[leezza]

Shawn,

First off, Welcome to the board.......post often

Good job on the shirt!

leezza

[shortstack]

Way to go!
Andrea

[jurisbo]

Ooh, t-shirt surgery is a great search term. Thanks. I searched a lot for "tailor t-shirt" and instructions were more scarce. Thanks for the welcome, everyone!

--Shawn

[POOTERSMOMMY]

Way to go. The too large ones would be great as night shirts! I always were large t-shirts to bed.
I saw instruction somewhere on turning t-shirts into reuseable grocery bags! They were too cute. I'll see if I can find it.

[Natalie]

Now, I thought you were going to sell them.

Good job on making them work.

[Cricketlegs]

Good job and no nore lurking!

You learn more when you join in>

[nuisance26]

~A woman after my own heart! Welcome and great job on the tee!~

[Laura2]

That's awesome! Once people find out about your ability, I'm sure you're going to start getting requests from others!

[perSue]

I've done this many times! Good job!

You can also make a knit skirt out of shirts, baby clothes/toys, pillows, use as lining for purses/bags.... it's limitless honestly.
Think of something you want or need and just create!

[Contrary Housewife]

Good job! I've done the same with purchased shirts. It seems there are always smaller or larger sizes, but not MY size in the style I like. So sometimes I buy the larger and adjust it.